Description of the Experience
My leadership experience at Old Dominion University came through two parallel roles: serving as a Resident Assistant (RA) and as a Student Mentor in a cybersecurity research program. Both required presence, clarity, and calm under pressure, whether managing conflict, guiding younger students, or navigating unexpected challenges.
As an RA, I led a residential community where I handled conflict resolution, facilitated meetings, and responded to time-sensitive issues ranging from interpersonal tension to crisis response. As a student mentor in the COVA CCI Research Program, I supported underclassmen learning how to navigate research, communicate professionally, and balance their technical development with personal growth.
⸻
Work Samples
• RA Program Flyer + Event Photos
Examples from a community-building event I organized focused on digital privacy and cyber safety in student life.
• Mentorship Reflection Notes
Short written reflection on challenges and wins from my time mentoring students during the summer research project.
• Team Communication Logs + Email Snapshots
Samples of how I coordinated across residential staff, campus security, and student residents to maintain a healthy living environment.
⸻
Reflection
Both leadership roles forced me to lead in ways that fit my personality: grounded, calm, and presence-based. I wasn’t the loudest voice in the room, but I was consistent, reliable, and trusted.
As an RA, I learned that good leadership starts with listening. Not every situation needed a fast solution—some just required space and structure. Through late-night conversations, roommate disputes, and team debriefs, I became more confident in handling people, not just systems.
As a mentor, I had to balance support with high expectations. I guided others without overstepping, and learned how to ask better questions that helped students think through problems on their own.
⸻
Skills Developed
These experiences helped me strengthen several high-value professional skills:
• Work in a team structure: Collaborated with campus housing, security, and fellow RAs to manage shared goals and logistics.
• Communicate verbally: Led floor meetings, conflict conversations, and one-on-one coaching sessions with clarity and empathy.
• Make decisions and solve problems: De-escalated conflicts, managed emotional situations, and ensured accountability in real time.
• Plan, organize, and prioritize work: Balanced emergency responsibilities with event planning, documentation, and support.
⸻
Connection to My Goals
These leadership roles built a foundation for the type of presence I want to carry into GRC and AI risk work, where the ability to remain steady under pressure, communicate clearly, and earn trust is just as important as technical expertise.
They also helped me refine the kind of leader I want to be: someone who doesn’t chase attention but anchors others by being clear, capable, and composed. That style of leadership will carry forward as I step into higher levels of responsibility in cybersecurity and beyond.