From the June 2, 2023 issue of the Transformational Times
Chelsea Weaver, PhD
In this essay, I reflect on how different character strengths were activated and challenged as I transitioned from a KINETIC3 participant to a KINETIC3 instructor …
I am so proud to be graduating from the Medical Educator track of the KINETIC3 Program in June. For two years, I have had the great privilege to learn from some of the most dedicated medical educators imaginable. As I’ve learned, I have been able to directly apply workshop content to my own teaching. But what the KINETIC3 instructors best prepared me for was leading my own KINETIC3 session.
As a participant in KINETIC 3 and due to the rich character education embedded in the program, I could easily identify character strengths that were useful as I progressed. My curiosity was strengthened through my capstone project. My gratitude for the instructors and our fearless leaders, Kristina and Vivian, was evident each time I reflected on a workshop or activity. From the very love of learning that I think makes me a strong educator emerged excitement each day that we had a KINETIC3 session. Finally, the strong teamwork component allowed me to build my network, express kindness, and continuously adjust my perspective throughout the past 2 years.
Through my involvement in designing Patient-based Discussions (PBDs) for the new MCWfusion™ curriculum, along with my own growing interests in faculty development, I was given the opportunity to pilot a KINETIC3 workshop supporting instructors in implementing PBDs within their own learning environment. Initially, I was incredibly excited by this new opportunity to transition from participant to presenter. But then the imposter syndrome started sneaking in. I’m new to medical education. I’m a student in the KINETIC3 Teaching Academy. How am I fit to run a workshop when I haven’t even completed the program?
I couldn’t see myself taking the same stage as the KINETIC3 instructors I’d been learning from. To me, they have been the embodiment of medical and character education, while I’m still in the learner’s seat. But my commitment and dedication to KINETIC3 and the Kern Faculty Pillar meant I was going to see this through even if I had to pretend that I felt competent. And that was the first moment I recognized my character strengths transforming. I knew I needed to channel my perseverance and bravery to power through my ongoing imposter syndrome.
Perseverance is nothing new to me. I grew up in a very low socioeconomic background, raised by a single mother. I was a first-generation college student and a single parent myself as I earned my doctorate. I faced many hardships along the way. But I’m not sure I ever recognized my ability to persevere, and I certainly never viewed it as a particular strength. Going through KINETIC3 and working with members of the Kern Faculty Pillar have changed that.
So, I persevered. But let me tell you, this is easier to do when you have colleagues like mine. Through their support, I channeled my creativity and self-regulation to develop an engaging workshop. I drew inspiration from the various KINETIC3 instructors I’ve had the opportunity to learn from and I remembered what a difference their zest made for me as a participant. And once again, I felt immense gratitude for the people around me, the mentors I’ve made along the way, and the participants who not only embraced the activity but provided useful feedback for future improvement.
After experiencing everything KINETIC3 has to offer, including the remarkable instructors who make the program what it is, I can’t wait to return next year to deliver my workshop. I hope that I can continue to learn from my colleagues and improve with each passing year. KINETIC3 has taught me a lot, but I’m most grateful for what the program has taught me about myself.
For further reading:
Visit the VIA Institute on Character website
Chelsea Weaver, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology and the Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Institute for the Transformation of Medical Education at MCW. She is on the faculty pillar of the Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Institute for the Transformation of Medical Education.