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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, Applied Workbase Learning, Diversity, and Research have supported my personal and professional development.

 

 

REFLECTING BACK

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During a freshman year organization fair, I learned about LeADERS for the first time. I decided that LeADERS would help my academic and professional careers here at ODU after conducting some research. In addition, I had previously finished some classes without even realizing it because some of the LeADERS course prerequisites were already included in my curriculum when I started. 

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

 

Creating an electronic portfolio and managing my time were among the difficulties I encountered throughout LeADERS. Due to my involvement in other organizations, I had to learn effective time management skills because I was constantly occupied. I overcame these difficulties by seeking assistance from staff members and fellow students when I needed it. I would also schedule my week such that I had designated periods for pleasurable activities, classwork, and organization.

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

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When I think back on my experiences, I believe that some of my major achievements have come from the opportunities I was given when enrolled in classes. In the Leadership course, I had the opportunity to speak with several faculty members, which helped me land positions with different academic faculty members. Additionally, I had the chance to improve the professional growth abilities I will need for my career.

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

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 All of the unique LeADERS experiences, in my opinion, have something to do with developing professional abilities.  Every course addressed a certain talent that has applications in the workplace. I was able to identify and develop the skills I needed to lead effectively in both the classroom and the workplace thanks to the Leadership course. I feel that since enrolling in the leadership course for my major, I've been able to apply the knowledge I learned in the classroom to real-world situations. 

 

LOOKING FORWARD

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After graduation I plan to work for a University or in a research lab while pursuing a graduation degree in Public Health. The public health degree is going to be my stepping stone to reaching my ultimate goal of working for a health department as an Epidemiologist. ​

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I believe that my participation in the LeADERS program has given me a stronger foundation in leadership abilities. I believe this because the courses forced me to think creatively and have improved my overall development as a worker, learner, and leader. I feel ready for the real world because I've gained a wide range of skills that I can use in a variety of scenarios.

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