Making Connections

“Old Dominion University’s LeADERS program connects students to courses and real world experiences in the areas of: Leadership, Academic Internship, Diversity, Entrepreneurship, Research, or Service Learning. This LeADERS ePortfolio shares how my experiences in the areas of leadership, diversity, entrepreneurship, research, and service learning have supported my personal and professional development.”

Reflecting Back . . .

Why did you join LeADERS?

• It started when I got an e-mail informing me that I had already fulfilled one of ODU’s LeADERS program requirements (diversity), and I thought it looked interesting. So I applied, and then, frankly, forgot about it. It wasn’t until a semester or two later where I really started to see the requirements and understand just how valuable it would be to me as a student.

What significant challenges did you encounter throughout your LeADERS courses and related experiences? How did you overcome these challenges?

• I think, honestly, the biggest challenge was finding courses that fit into my busy schedule. I have worked part-time all four-years that I attended ODU, which meant that I didn’t have a lot of wiggle room. Further, being the over-achiever type that I am, I didn’t want to settle for anything less than gold, so I had to find even more classes that fit my schedule. That being said, when I couldn’t find a ‘Research’ class that fit my needs, I pled my case to have my Integrative Learning in Psychology be counted as a substitute course , and it was accepted.

What significant successes did you have during your LeADERS courses and related experiences? What contributed to your successes?

• I think a big success of my LeADERS journey was that I was able to maintain a 3.95 GPA in all the included classes. Another big success was my Service Learning project that I did for my Ethics class. I was new to college, and this project really helped create good habits that have continued through the years. Now, any time I feel overwhelmed with my studies, I create a plan for myself. One of the biggest contributions to my success was that I stayed diligent through everything I did.

How do you see all of your specific LeADERS experiences connecting to one another?

• It’s interesting. Until just recently, I hadn’t thought about how closely my course experienced tied into my other LeADERS classes. In my Research class I had to work in a team, which prepared me for my Entrepreneurship class. In my Entrepreneurship class I learned how people work with machines, which helped translate in my Leadership class where I learned how people interact in a work environment with machines (Artificial Intelligence) and other people. My Leadership class also discussed diversity within the workplace, like disparate impact/treatment and affirmative action plans; following, my Diversity class I learned about the importance of being sensitive to cross-cultural differences. My Diversity class not only talked about racial and culture diversity, but also other diversities, like age, status, or income. My Service Learning project was centered around helping the homeless. In that Service Learning class, I also had to work diligent on a semester-long project, which I also did in my Research class. All that to say, each class gave me a unique experience and/or skill that helped later in another class. 

Looking Forward . . .

What are your professional, personal, and/or educational goals after graduation?

• Once I graduate in May, I want to start looking for a full-time job in Human Resources. Over the next summer and fall, I will also be studying and taking the GRE, because I want to go back to school in Fall of 2021, I don’t know where I want to go — but I hope to pursue a degree in Human Resources or Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

How have experiences within LeADERS prepared you to achieve your goals after graduation?

• Each and every LeADERS course has prepared be to achieve my goals, specifically those for starting a career. Each page for my courses highlights different aspects of my assignments that helped me to develop skills employers are seeking. For example, my Leadership course had quite a few team projects. Overall, the LeADERS program has made me a more dedicated, well-rounded student, and I will be eternally grateful for this amazing opportunity. 

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