Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We were all meant to shine as children do.
It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone.

And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give
other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

This quote means to me: This quote is kinda talking about fear not as a fear of failure, but as a fear of our own fullness. It suggests that the things we pretend to hide—our talents, passions, and presence—are not liabilities but sources of power. When we shrink to avoid making others uncomfortable, we deny the world the energy and possibility we could bring. The idea that greatness is not a burden but a natural, good expression brings a shift from self-doubt to self-acceptance: if we are happy with our own light, we help others realise that their light is safe to show as well. The fear, then, isn’t about being inadequate; it’s about understanding that you only live once and you should take every gamble that could impact your life for the better.

Good communication is needed for building strong relationships and ensuring effective collaboration. It involves sharing information and providing instructions in a way that is easy for others to understand. Clear communication means using straightforward language and being aware of the background knowledge of your audience. This sensitivity helps to minimize misunderstandings.

Listening is equally important in the communication process. When we listen actively, we show respect for the speaker and demonstrate our willingness to understand their perspective. If someone doesn’t understand what we are trying to convey, being patient and ready to clarify or explain things in a different way can make a big difference. This approach not only helps with comprehension but also encourages a supportive environment where everyone feels valued.

Open and respectful communication helps facilitate the sharing of ideas and ensures that all voices are heard.

To me, effective communication involves the ability to speak clearly and share your thoughts, emotions, and anything that either troubles or makes you happy.

I find it easy to communicate with people I am comfortable with, but if I were to try and converse with someone I consider a complete stranger, it would likely become awkward. This is mostly because I don’t feel safe and at ease to talk with people I don’t know.

The aspects of communication I need to improve include conversating with others in a way that doesn’t make them feel uncomfortable or overlooked, and using appropriate language instead of slang in all my sentences.

One aspect I participated in over the past week was building a fence by fixing the rails to the posts.

We had to use a sliding bevel to set the angles on our rails. We used a string line as a guide to position our rails correctly. Additionally, we used a skill saw to cut and notch the ends of our rails.

After fixing all the rails to the posts with temporary screws, we used an auger bit, drill, and spanner to install our coach bolts into the fence. The bolts were 10mm x 160mm, and we used the nut and spanner to pull the bolt all the way through the post and rails. Once the bolt was pulled through, we installed the washer and nut, then tightened the bolt completely. After installing all the bolts, we removed all the temporary nails and screws.

While doing this i learnt how to use a sliding bevel, how to cut nothches, how to install railings and how to use a string line.

This year I have succeded by getting my license, completing my assesments and building class projects.

I probably have other successes this year but the ones I have listed are my mains.

Soo far I have gained at least 40 credits and I’m feeling pretty confident that I’m going to pass NCEA Lvl 2.

To me mental toughness means to carry on even though its hard.

Alot of people thrive on mental toughness and some don’t but the main difference between these types of people are the challenges and hardships they have to go through.

STAY HARD!!

-David Goggins

At the start of the year, I was unsure about what to expect, because I had hoped to learn new skills. I did learn several things, including how to perform CPR, work safely on a worksite site, build the framing of a wall, and how to use certain power tools.

When we did our first aid assessment, I actually thought it would involve a lot of reading and writing. However, it turned out to be quite practical, similar to much of our other work.

So far, I have learned how to build a frame for a small shed, construct and build a fence, create a mirror frame, and dig and install piles. I’ve learned a lot of other things but I cant be bothered adding them in.

I truly enjoy being apart of C.T.A and highly recommend it to those who excel in hands-on learning.

What this act means to me: This act Means alot of different things to me such as  Anti-bullying, Keeping safe at work, Protective personal equipment and How to work safely.

All of these are good topics in the (HSWA) Because they can all contribute to a safe and appropriate work environment.

Last week I learnt about the importance of a cutting list and how difficult it is to make one.

Making a cutting list is important and hard to do because you have to count and multiply the ammount of cuts and wood pieces u need, u also have to include different lengths, thicknesses and widths. All the YR12s had to write up a cutting list for the deck that we had built and even though we didn’t use much materials, it was still a struggle to calculate the cutting list.

I don’t understand this quote completely, but it’s aight.

To me, the quote means that if you need something that could make your job or life easier, then the need for necessities can spark creation.

For example, last week the CTA boys were tasked with creating something that could make moving picnic tables easier and more effortless. My group and I made a little tray on wheels that was strong, light, and maneuverable.