Activities

Discussion Forum

  1. Think of a fictitious character in a movie or television show who clearly displays a negative self-concept. Describe the character. Based on the recommendations in the chapter, how would you "counsel" this person to improve his/her self-concept?
  2. The Internet offers thousands of reputable and questionably reputable articles on building self-esteem. Locate one of each type of article, and summarize the recommendations. Elaborate on one tip that you believe would work for improving one's self-esteem and one that you do not believe would be effective.

Journal Entries

  1. Lynn O'Shaughnessy is a nationally recognized college expert—a higher-ed journalist, author, consultant and speaker. O'Shaughnessy authored The College Solution: A Guide for Everyone Looking for the Right School at the Right Price and writes a college blog for US News & World Report and CBS MoneyWatch.

One of O'Shaughnessy's posts from her blog asked students to consider how they present themselves in a college essay. Read the following post,“Can a Guinea Pig Be in a College Essay?,” and answer the following questions:

  1. Select one of the characteristics of self-concept and describe how O'Shaughnessy would describe her nephew's essay in context with how he reveals his self-concept?
  2. Students know that college essays are reviewed competitively. Based on the idea that we strive to construct multiple identities and the college essay is designed to display your "best self," why do you think it is so difficult for students to reveal deeper examples of their accomplishments? Use examples from the chapter to support your response.
  3. Based on O'Shaughnessy's recommendation to her nephew to include vivid stories about the care of his guinea pig, what part of your perceived or presenting self could you discuss in a college essay to increase your chances of success?

Conflict situations often require that we sometimes disclose aspects of ourselves that we usually keep private. Consider an issue with another person that you have not yet addressed due to the need to reveal something about yourself. (If you don't have a current issue, think of one in the past. You can also use a fictitious situation.) Make a list of pros and cons to self-disclosing, then make a separate list of three candid talking points that you would feel comfortable revealing. Make a separate list of three talking points that would be considered equivocation.