What are your values? Where do they come from? How do they influence your life? On Feb. 23 at 6 p.m., the Robertson Center is hosting a Values Discovery Workshop to help students answer these questions and better understand themselves. ETSU’s Counseling Center will help guide the discussion, ensuring students have a clear understanding of their values.
Heidi Marsh, coordinator for Center Engagement and Vital Support Services, gave more information about the event and its activities.
“Sometimes people get goals and values confused,” Marsh said.
The event aims to help clear up misconceptions and distinguish between values and goals.
“We’ll think about values in a group setting,” Marsh said. “For example, what are the values in your family? What are the values at ETSU?”
Marsh explained that often, thinking about group values opens the door to deeper conversations about individual values.
Students will have a list of 125 values to examine, including things like honesty, collaboration and responsibility. By consulting the list and grouping values, students will be able to identify patterns in their values and recognize their “pillar” values. Then, students can evaluate how they are currently living out their values. The event will end with students having the opportunity to take one of their values and do an “outcome statement,” describing what the value means to them and what behaviors exhibit the value. This exercise equips students to prioritize and articulate their values moving forward.
Marsh emphasized the importance of understanding where values originate and how students can choose their values.
“We encourage students to make peace with the fact that they may not share the same values as their family or friends. Those differences are often what make stronger relationships,” Marsh said. “It’s all about growth.”
The Robertson Center has several upcoming events that allow students to implement the Values Discovery skills practically. On March 4, the Center will partner with Career Services to host “What Do I Want to Do When I Grow Up?” This event helps students see how values shape career choices. On March 25, the Robertson Center will host their previously successful Empathy Lab and on April 21, a Self-Advocacy for Beginners workshop, teaching students skills needed to advocate for themselves in a multitude of spaces.
More information can be found at etsu.edu/students/robertson.
