LeADERS is a program derived from ODU’s Office of Academic Success Initiatives & Support (ASIS). This office supports academic success both inside and outside of the classroom. ASIS offers support through resources, student-focused programs, and high-impact learning exercises and experiences. LeADERS is an acronym where each letter represents a focal point of the program. L=Leadership, e=electronic portfolio (eP), A= Academic Internship, D=Diversity, E=Entrepreneurship, R=Research, and S=Service Learning. Candidates refer to students who enter the program. They are recognized for completing courses designated as LeADERS which can be taken in conjunction with courses from their majors. Candidates are required minimally to complete content from three (3) different areas. Electronic portfolios are utilized so candidates can document their experiences from the program, which is also a requirement. LeADERS also assists candidates on their pathways of becoming professionals and scholars by inviting them to net-working events, career fairs, and more!

I first learned about LeADERS during my freshman year (Fall 2019-Spring 2020). They emailed me stating that a course I was taking was designated as LeADERS. I wanted to know more about this program and I researched it. I was intrigued by the results and decided to join the program. LeADERS has been a great opportunity and I encourage others to join!

While in the program, I did not encounter many challenges. Everything was straightforward in terms of what is expected for candidates, including myself. The only challenge I encountered was ensuring that courses that were designated as LeADERS were still in good standing with the program. I had an experience where I took a course designated as LeADERS. After I took that course, I was informed it was no longer designated as LeADERS  because it no longer met the requirements of the program. This caused my course experience to be invalidated. I resolved this issue my taking another course in a different content area.

Exceling in my LeADERS course is my major success. Some courses were more rigorous and challenging than others. Being determined to finish the semester strong helped me to succeed. I also finished my courses by taking away vital information which I applied both to my personal and professional lives. All of LeADERS experiences were connected to one another. Some courses were co-curricular which tremendously helped me during my academic internship.

Check out the other tabs below LeADERS to learn more about my experiences.

At this time, my short-term goals is to gain meaningful work experience and enroll in a master’s program. My long-term goal is to build a career that utilizes my passion for psychology, management, leadership, and assisting others. Taking LeADERS courses have developed my skills which are currently sought by employers. Presently, I have improved in the following areas:

Working in a team structure     

Planning, organizing, and prioritizing work

Making decisions and problem solving

Obtaining and processing information

Communicating verbally

Demonstrating computer software proficiency

Analyzing quantitative data     

Creating and editing reports

Demonstrating technical knowledge

Influencing others