To fulfill the diversity requirement for LeADERS, I am currently taking the course, Global Leadership – CPD 4O8. This course was designed to expose students to the concepts and complexity of leadership in a globalized world and provide the opportunity to put leadership theory into practice. Emphasis will be placed on the development of the student as a leader who thinks globally, appreciates cultural diversity, is technologically savvy, knows how to build partnerships and alliances, and has the capacity to share leadership. Critical-thinking, open-mindedness, and the ability to apply common knowledge of cultural diversity were needed to succeed through the course.

The series of assignments presented to me, ranging from discussion boards to journals, gave me the ability to gain further insight on what values are necessary to be a leader and how to apply them to be more respective and curious of other cultures. It was important learning to be more aware and open-minded so that one could be ready to learn more about cultures. Doing the discussion boards was also fun, as I have not done that since my World History course a year ago. Being a class that is taught online, we could not meet in person. However, completing the discussion board assignments helped to meet, converse, and learn more about the other classmates and their cultural backgrounds that they have. Articles have also been provided by the lecturer for us to read for use on our assignments and to learn. The journals, though not shared with the other classmates, were assigned to allow us to reflect on our thoughts by typing them. The great thing about committing to the journal assignments was the development as a leader. As we proceed through each week, we receive more journal assignments with new questions to respond to and explain our thoughts and perspectives. It gives us leeway to understand what it takes to be a leader and how to approach and be more aware with encroaching ideas and perspectives in society.

By the end of the course, we are to do a final project, which consists of a PowerPoint, detailing the cultural background, significance, history, and knowledge about our respective countries of our choosing. My plan is to do one for Nigeria so that I can take the advantage of knowing more about Nigeria, where my family originates from, and show this to my lecturer and other classmates. So far, taking this course is equally advantageous for those who desire to experience cultural and global diversity, and to be great leaders in the world that is encroaching with new ideas. As an aspiring engineering working to develop my skills in the wider world, it was important that I become more adaptable and more willing to work with other people with different backgrounds and ideas. This was what this course has reminded me and made me more prepared for. It is necessary to understand the culture and processes of other people and learn from their perspective. It would not only be important for an effective leader, but also for an effective engineer when collaborating with others and working to solve problems. They may possess ideas that may seem useful for future projects.