What is your greatest weakness?

That was one of a host of questions asked repeatedly tonight. I, along with three other folks, served on the interview committee for the National Black College Alliance. We were tasked/asked to interview all of the students interested in participating in the summer program. Some were new recruits, while others had been around for over a year, and others had only gone on the Black College Tour, but had not been very involved otherwise.

We had to run through a gamut of questions (the same ones) for each student and then assess them one scale of 1-5 on how we felt they repped. A 1 means that you are not ready; 2 needs improvement, 3 is average, 4 is good, and 5 is excellent. It's pretty straightforward, but the variety of personalities is acutely evident and on full blast consistently.

But I only thought to write about this tonight because of the greater meaning behind the stregth/weakness questions. Aside from giving many of their ears the first taste of that question, it also reveals a lot about self-esteem and character development. Some kids are shy, but are still quick to note what they could improve or what they think they bring to the table. Some can go blank on you while thinking of something to say. Some will be hard-pressed to think of a stregth and others will be unsure of any existing weakness without an air of cockiness. Some things just don't cross your mind to be thinking about, ya know?

So I wonder...I like mixing up my reserved side with my outgoing side and letting them two-step with each other at times, while I comfortably worry about just living and not about crazy interview questions such as these. But on the reals, I'm trying to recall the traits and qualities that I have uttered in response to those two questions. Everything can be a learning opportunity. The strength is something we can look to for affirmation that we got it going on...because some youth (and adults) don't believe they do. And the weakness can become a goal; something which can be worked on and improved upon for the betterment of self. What's your greatest stregth? weakness?