I am a...INFJ

To be honest, when I first opened this assignment and saw I would have to do another personality profile, I cringed...just a bit. They make me nervous for some reason, and I've had to do SEVERAL in the past couple of years. After doing this one though, I think I even understand why they make me nervous in the first place - I don't like to put people into a "box." The reason for that is that I'm all TOO aware that I don't "fit" into any one box. And...the results of this particular profile test support that.

I am...a Protector.


"As an INFJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you take things in primarily via intuition. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit with your personal value system.

INFJs are gentle, caring, complex and highly intuitive individuals. Artistic and creative, they live in a world of hidden meanings and possibilities. Only one percent of the population has an INFJ Personality Type, making it the most rare of all the types.

INFJs place great importance on havings things orderly and systematic in their outer world. They put a lot of energy into identifying the best system for getting things done, and constantly define and re-define the priorities in their lives. On the other hand, INFJs operate within themselves on an intuitive basis which is entirely spontaneous. They know things intuitively, without being able to pinpoint why, and without detailed knowledge of the subject at hand. They are usually right, and they usually know it. Consequently, INFJs put a tremendous amount of faith into their instincts and intuitions. This is something of a conflict between the inner and outer worlds, and may result in the INFJ not being as organized as other Judging types tend to be. Or we may see some signs of disarray in an otherwise orderly tendency, such as a consistently messy desk.

But the INFJ is as genuinely warm as they are complex. INFJs hold a special place in the heart of people who they are close to, who are able to see their special gifts and depth of caring. INFJs are concerned for people's feelings, and try to be gentle to avoid hurting anyone. They are very sensitive to conflict, and cannot tolerate it very well. Situations which are charged with conflict may drive the normally peaceful INFJ into a state of agitation or charged anger. They may tend to internalize conflict into their bodies, and experience health problems when under a lot of stress.

Because the INFJ has such strong intuitive capabilities, they trust their own instincts above all else. This may result in an INFJ stubborness and tendency to ignore other people's opinions. They believe that they're right. On the other hand, INFJ is a perfectionist who doubts that they are living up to their full potential. INFJs are rarely at complete peace with themselves - there's always something else they should be doing to improve themselves and the world around them. They believe in constant growth, and don't often take time to revel in their accomplishments. They have strong value systems, and need to live their lives in accordance with what they feel is right. In deference to the Feeling aspect of their personalities, INFJs are in some ways gentle and easy going. Conversely, they have very high expectations of themselves, and frequently of their families. They don't believe in compromising their ideals" (www.personalitpage.com/portraits).

The top two career "suggestions" are clergy/ministry and teacher so I guess I'm on the right track. ;)

I do think that students' learning styles are affected by their personality tendencies. Sometimes this is reflected only internally: a student needs to process information in a very specific way before they begin to work. Or, they need to talk it "out loud" or write it down, thus engaging their own specific learning style. Other times, it may be more of an external reflection. Some students may be better suited to take in information in a quieter atmosphere, while still others thrive in rooms with music or busy chatter.

I think that going into my first classroom with the prior knowledge that every one has a different learning style (as well as different personality styles) will definitely help me to better relate to, and teach, my students. Obviously you can't set up a classroom to specifically accomodate 32 various learners, but just the awareness is enough to foster what may be needed to help those who need a bit more assistance in learning.

I love that we all think and learn so differently. The world would be amazingly boring if everyone thought like I did;) I enjoy diversity in my friends and acquaintances now, and I look forward to the same in my students!