Self-Assessment 

I have learned that our strengths, if left unchecked, can become our weakness; therefore, cultivating self-awareness, maintaining balance, and seeking feedback are essential to preventing this. Through my past work experiences, personal and professional relationships, reflection, and feedback, it has become clear that my greatest strength is empathy, a quality that naturally led me to animal welfare. I have deep empathy not only for animals but also for people and their diverse backgrounds. I naturally demonstrate compassion. I am consistently aware of others’ needs and feelings, showing empathy in both personal and professional interactions. My friendly, loving, and curious nature encourages open dialogue, whether about work-related matters or life outside of the shelter. I try to bring positive, approachable energy to every interaction and strive to treat everyone with kindness and respect, even in an environment that is often challenging and disheartening.

Honesty, integrity, and kindness are core values for me, and I strive to embody these principles in my daily actions. According to the Clifton Strengths-Based Leadership Insight Report, my primary strengths are Connectedness and Developer, reflecting my inclination to build meaningful relationships and support others in their growth. I am energized by team environments and collaborative work, where collective success is prioritized. I am genuinely motivated to help others and naturally seek to connect with the people I meet. At times, this desire for positive connection can lead me to feel personally affected when my efforts are not reciprocated, but recognizing this tendency has helped me approach such moments with greater perspective and resilience.

Based on the IPIP Personality Test, I demonstrate strong traits in Conscientiousness, Self-Discipline, and Dutifulness, qualities that closely align with how I approach both my personal life and my work. In my professional role, I set clear, measurable goals and remain consistently focused on achieving them. My natural self-discipline and internal drive help me make the most of my time and stay committed to my responsibilities. I also carry a strong sense of moral responsibility for the dogs in our care and for the volunteers who support them at the shelter.

Despite my friendly demeanor, one of my challenges is maintaining a consistently positive outlook. I find it difficult to sustain a sense of hope within the emotionally demanding environment of a municipal shelter. The daily reality of frequent surrenders, strays; cruelty cases, dog fights, and the ongoing need for euthanasia can be overwhelming. I am deeply committed to the work and to the people and the animals involved, but I sometimes struggle to remain hopeful in the face of what can feel like an unending and heartbreaking situation.

I consider myself an emotionally intelligent individual, highly aware of my feelings, able to regulate my emotions, and skilled in navigating interpersonal relationships. My scores of 4s and 5s on the Emotional Intelligence Inventory reinforce this self-assessment. Working in a high-stress environment with exposure to traumatic situations has continually tested my emotional regulation, and I am actively developing techniques to help me cope effectively with these challenges.

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