Are you a student having second thoughts about your major and what the future may hold? If so, then you are not alone — and American River College recently held a workshop designed to address that dilemma.
The True Colors workshop was led by career counselor Janice Klar. The workshop works with students on self-motivation and also helps students decide what careers they want to pursue.
Additionally, the workshop looks to establish connections between students regardless of differences that may be in their backgrounds.
The True Colors program was started in 1978 by founder Don Lowry and, according to information posted on its website, prides itself on simplicity and practicality in determining personality types.
The program utilizes four different colors to represent four primary personality types. Based upon a series of fun and interactive activities, participants in the program discover the personality type that best describes them.
Klar has led the workshop in the past and spoke about some of the lessons it can teach.
“One is knowing yourself and two is understanding others,” Klar said. “How to get along with others, we use it for conflict resolution.”
Jennifer Scalzi, an ARC counselor and former human career development professor, has used the program in the past for her classes.
“I love it because it’s a simple concept; there’s four colors and you fit into one of four categories,” Scalzi said. “It’s very simplified, you can even use it for kids.”
During the workshop, Klar said that not everyone will fit into one specific box when determining personality. Crossover with multiple personality types is something that will happen and helps to establish versatility.
Collin Speth, a funeral services education major, said he was starting to question whether or not it was the right career choice for him. After seeing a flyer for the True Colors workshop, he said he felt it would be an opportunity to gain some clarity.
“Even though I have a major, I’m starting to have doubts creep in,” Speth said. “Sure it’s a stable career path, but [are] there even better, more stable career paths that I should be considering?”
Speth said he would recommend the workshop to his friends and other students that face uncertainty in their career choices.
“This is a way of getting knowledge and information that you can use to work out other problems,” Speth said.
Klar said that some of the biggest revelations students had during the True Colors workshop were related to their family and home life.
“They (students) might find out ‘my father and mother were this type, I’m this type, no wonder they never understood me,’” Klar said about the workshop’s impact on family dynamics.
Students that have an interest in the True Colors program can take the personality test at the Career and Pathways Support Services center. After taking the test, students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with Klar for an in-depth analysis of their results.
The CAPSS center is located in the Welcome and Support building. Call (916) 484-8492 for more information.
