Shannon Forest Students as Communicators

At Shannon Forest, we expect students to graduate with the ability to not only survive college classes, ruthless professors, unforgiving red pens and life post-graduation, but to excel and to lead in both word and action. Shannon Forest alumni will be equipped to clearly express their thoughts and ideas, research and findings, and beliefs and emotions in such a way that sets them apart from their colleagues. It is expected that students graduate with strong writing skills and confident presentation skills, allowing them to articulate both formally and informally, orally and visually, and regarding qualitative and quantitative information. Communication is one of the key elements in the success of a student, employee and leader—the ability to adequately express oneself will without a doubt impact every area of a person’s life.

In order to address the challenges of establishing effective communication, I am reminded of the book of Genesis and the story of the Tower of Babel. This particular story demonstrates the importance of communication and the negative effects of an inefficient means to communicate with one another. The word “babel,” literally means confused noise. This term paints the perfect picture of the result of a group of people attempting to complete a task without strong communication skills. In its absence there is misunderstanding, isolation, disunity and fragmentation. It is impossible for a person to lead and even harder for someone to follow if there is a lack of communication. However, in its presence there is mutual understanding, harmony, collaboration, achievement and unity.

In the world today, there are more mediums to communicate than ever before. Technology is steadily providing countless numbers of outlets for people to express themselves and their “deepest” thoughts and emotions. Social Networking is at an all-time high. We live an age where three-year-olds can operate iPads and thirteen-year-olds run their own publishing companies via their blogs. Almost any one can showcase his artwork on a tumblr, express his likes and dislikes on pinterest, share his life on facebook and outline a running play-by-play on twitter. The result of all this, is a sea of confused noise, changing every moment. Expectedly, it is harder to be heard in the midst of the chaos.

The leadership team at Shannon Forest recognizes the necessity for students to be able to be heard in the “babel.” Therefore, it is crucial that each of the four qualities emphasized in our school (problem-solving, communication, influencers and Godly character) build on one another, so that our students are equipped to solve difficult problems, clearly communicate the solution to others, lead effectively and impact others for Christ. 

graphic credit: todd_fooshee on flickr