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HD497 Capstone Final Self Evaluation

I fulfilled my goals in HD497 by gathering the tools necessary to collect the extensive
data from all the classes taken through my BA journey here at Pacific Oaks College. Throughout
the semester, in this class, I had the chance to reflect, plan and express all that I learned about
human development by writing and through the discussions.
I had the opportunity to master the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) through the
classes I have taken at Pacific Oaks College. I will briefly summarize the three classes and the
ones I will discuss on my presentation.
HD489 Reflection on Life Experience, was a great opportunity to learn who I was, who I
am and the direction in which I am going. This class emphasized the meaning of human
development; through my writings I was able to share my personal stories of my past and
present. Through these reflections I had the chance to learn a whole lot more about myself.
HD 361 Social and Political Context in Human Development was an extension of
theories from past, present and what can extend into the future. This class had an anti-bias
approach, which touched on many topics such as LGBT, appearances, oppression, power,
privilege, race and racism. Much of the topics did not go into too much detail but provided
enough to get our thinking wheels turning. However, societys agenda differs and emphasizes
more or race, power and privilege and if one does not fit into this category it is more likely to
experience some sort of discrimination. HD361 emulates real issues that occur on a daily basis,
having the opportunity to take the class gave me a clear understanding view on how to apply
social justice within my family and community.
HD341 Communication for Empowerment, provided tools and skills to open up the lines
of communication. In my culture we lack this concept which builds barriers to strongly

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communicate our thoughts, feelings and worries. Communication begins with a special tool, this
tool is active listening. Listening can be difficult to do because we are either comparing or
occupied in thinking something else which impairs the active listening method. It was a great
class and the opportunity to see everyones aha! moment as we went through these shifts.
While in HD497, this class added to my knowledge of how to prepare, organize and
professionally create a clear and concise portfolio. In this portfolio, are my past artifacts from
each class taken at Pacific Oaks College as well as the written reflecting papers. Creating this
portfolio was fun and interesting to accomplish.
Through my time at Pacific Oaks College, I learned so many concepts that will stimulate
my thinking. Such as, Active listening, creating lines of communication, how to apply social
justice, compassionate and understanding towards others. I learned this by reflecting on my
writings and to see how much I have grown over the semesters, is it beyond rewarding. Through
this time I learned others stories and their passion through this journey as well as how they apply
these methods to their daily lives and those around them. Pacific Oaks College gave me the
opportunity to find my voice. My first semester I was quiet, timid and not outspoken, as each
semester went by I was less of those things, yet seeing myself now it is a whole new other
person.
I am excited that I am so close to ending this educational chapter in my life, never did I
imagine that this would happen. Professors and my dedication in completing my classes have
made this journey an exceptional one. It was a great decision to attend Pacific Oaks College!