Touchstones are projects that illustrate your comprehension of the course material, help you to refine skills, and demonstrate application of knowledge. You can work on a Touchstone anytime, but you can't submit it for grading until you have completed the unit’s Milestone. After you've submitted a Touchstone, it will be graded and counted towards your final course score.

Touchstone 3: Success Narrative

ASSIGNMENT: For this Touchstone, you will be writing a 2-3 page success narrative consisting of three components. Specifically, you will write about the following:

1. Who I Am Now: Create a brief biographical statement describing your academic and professional history, as well as any relevant personal characteristics you’d like to share.
2. My Goals: Identify three (3) professional and/or academic long-term goals for your future. 
3. How I Will Get There: Based on the professional or academic goals you created, identify at least two (2) short-term steps for each of these goals, and set target dates for each of these short-term steps. Make sure that in your plan to achieve these goals, you account for obstacles that may present themselves along the way. 

Sample Touchstone

A. Directions

Step 1. Who I am Now

In this section of your narrative, write a paragraph describing your academic and professional history, and related personal characteristics.

• Share your academic background, including your field of study, notable achievements, and any professional experience you have.
• Highlight relevant personal characteristics, skills, or experiences that have shaped your journey so far.
• Consider including personal anecdotes or impactful experiences that influenced your choices.

Step 2. My Goals

In this section of your narrative, write a paragraph stating three professional and/or academic long-term goals, and provide a brief description of each goal.

• Identify three significant professional or academic aspirations you aim to achieve in the future.
• Express how these goals align with your passions, skills, and values.

Step 3. How I Will Get There

In this section of your narrative, write a paragraph describing two or more short-term actions that you can take to achieve each goal described above.

• For each of the three long-term goals, outline at least two short-term steps that will contribute to achieving them.
• Consider potential obstacles or challenges that might hinder progress toward each step.
• Provide strategies to overcome these obstacles or alternative plans if necessary.

Refer to the checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.

1. Who I Am Now
❒ Have you provided a brief biographical statement explaining your educational and career experiences thus far?
❒ Have you shared any personal characteristics (e.g., determination, flexibility) that you feel are relevant to your narrative?

2. My Goals
❒ Have you provided three long-term goals you wish to accomplish?
❒ Have you connected those goals to either your academic or professional aspirations?

3. How I Will Get There
❒ Have you identified and explained at least two short-term steps for achieving each of your three goals?
❒ Have you set target dates for each of these steps?
❒ Have you addressed any obstacles you might face in pursuit of these goals?

C. Requirements

The following requirements must be met for your submission to be graded: 

• Composition must be 2-3 pages (approximately 500-750 words), double-spaced, with one-inch margins.
• Use a readable 11- or 12-point font.
• Composition must be original and written for this assignment and all writing must be appropriate for an academic context.
• Plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited.
• Submission must include your name, the name of the course, the date, and the title of your composition. 
• Include all of the assignment components in a single .doc or .docx file.

My personal information:

 Who I Am Now

I am a seasoned Human Resources professional with a robust 15-year career that has been marked by dedication, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics. My journey in HR has allowed me to develop a comprehensive skill set, from talent acquisition to employee relations and strategic planning. Currently, I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources, which will formalize my practical experience with academic theory and the latest industry practices. My personal characteristics include strong leadership, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to ethical practices. A defining moment in my career was when I successfully mediated a workplace conflict that resulted in improved team dynamics and productivity, reinforcing my belief in the power of effective HR management.

My Goals

My long-term goals are a blend of professional growth and academic achievement. First, upon completing my bachelor's degree, I aim to enroll in a Master's program specializing in Human Resources Management. This advanced education will equip me with cutting-edge knowledge to lead HR departments adeptly. Second, I aspire to be in position within a forward-thinking organization where I can influence positive change and foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement. Third, I plan to contribute to the field of HR by publishing articles and research on emerging trends and best practices, thereby shaping the future of HR management.

 How I Will Get There

To realize these goals, I have mapped out actionable steps with specific target dates. For my master's degree aspiration, the first step is to complete my bachelor's degree with a high GPA, targeted for the next two years. The second step involves researching graduate programs and preparing my application materials six months prior to graduation. To overcome potential challenges such as balancing work, study, and personal life, I will seek flexible learning options and time management strategies. In pursuit of the Director role, my initial step is to gain broader experience in various HR functions over the next two years. Following this, I will focus on developing executive leadership skills through mentorship and professional development courses within the next seven years. Anticipating obstacles like competitive job markets, I will build a robust professional network and maintain a portfolio of significant achievements.

 With a clear vision and proactive approach, I am confident in my path toward these professional and academic milestones.