Authentic Attributes

Experiences that are unique to my person-hood in various forms of behavioral qualities as expressed by physical and mental activities and attitudes.

These attributes demonstrate my personal efforts at being a genuine human as I navigate different spaces. It is my personal belief that my each has refined itself with time and will continue to do so.

“Hard times arouse an instinctive desire for authenticity.”

High Integrity

As a class leader for the course LEAD 212 I am responsible for the learning of 13 freshman students. In this course we work to develop the leadership abilities of the students as well as have them engage with the idea of socially responsible leadership. Not only that, but considering leadership roles outside the typical idea of “leader”. In this course we discuss some topics that could present many different viewpoints and part of my role was making sure that everyone in the group felt heard. It was important to me to encourage the student’s learning while also challenging them to think outside their usual realm of thinking. A more technical aspect of this role included grading the work of the students in a manner that is timely and allows for constructive feedback. I want to demonstrate ethically responsible leadership while working through this course and offer a life-changing learning opportunity.

Adaptable/Agile

An opportunity that I’ve had to exercise my adaptability is serving as a coach for fifth and sixth grade soccer players. It put me in a unique position during our games. I had to be aware of what was going on in the game as well as what was happening on the bench. The players on the bench had their own agendas and questions that they needed answers to while I was trying to pay attention and coach the players on the field. I also had to be ready for the game to change in an instant. At one point the morale of the team could be incredibly high, they were winning and they felt great. At another moment, a player could get injured and need to come off, needing me to be ready with an appropriate substitute for them. Most important of this experience was teaching them the value of sportsmanship and goal setting to not only an effective player, but a good person. Finding an adequate balance between all of these things takes time and patience.

Perseverance

I am a first generation college student, and I am working my way through college in order to earn my degree. I think this four year experience has taught me the most about perseverance and patience. I don’t get to see or feel the fruits of my efforts consistently, I just have to know that at the end it will be worth it. I will say that is has been rather trying balancing academics, multiple jobs, and being involved in activities that fill my cup. I have to know that every day when I wake up early, have a long day, or don’t get enough sleep that it will be incredibly worth it when I am holding my diploma. I want to make the most of this experience, because I have worked diligently to be at a university and stay until the completion of my degree.

Interpersonal Sensitivity

While serving as a class leader for 13 freshman students taking Intro to Leadership Studies, we get the opportunity to discuss our opinions and values throughout the semester. During one week, we had a discussion about ethics and in particular ethical dilemmas. This topic allowed students to reflect on their values in a way that assisted them in solving ethical dilemmas. This left room for many to present their ideas and most did so with great passion. My role in this was to make sure that I was aware of how each student was feeling as others shared their ideas in beliefs. In particular when we are discussing ethics as it relates to social issues, I am always aware of the fact that I don’t know the lived experiences of those in the room. I want to stay attuned to their emotions so I can make sure that they are feeling welcomed into the space rather than shut off for their thoughts and ideas.

Mission-Oriented

While serving as an ambassador for the Staley School of Leadership studies, I have become increasingly passionate about the mission of the school. The mission being, “Developing knowledgeable, ethical, caring, inclusive leaders for a diverse and changing world.” This mission seeks to assist others in personal growth to better the community and world that they live in. I chose to contribute to this group in ways that encourage growth and change through program development. I have worked to plan education events that push the boundaries in ways that encourage deep reflection with those that I come to know.