As I near the end of my 19th year of school, I realize I still have a lot to learn. This applies to my professional knowledge, of course: I wouldn’t consider myself an expert in any field, even when I complete my master of public administration.

But what I really mean is that I have a lot to learn about myself, and how my personal characteristics are used professionally, even after all these years.

Sure, I’ve gleaned some valuable personal information: I know I like to procrastinate, I know I’m competitive and I know I am motivated by others more than myself. It took years to learn those things, and even longer to learn how to harness them as tools instead of hindrances.