Going into the Accelerated Leadership Development Program, I expected another workshop that ambivalently described how to be a better leader. I was surprised, then, by the personal nature of the program, and how I was asked to reflect deeply upon my own values and how I would choose to act on those values in the future. I found it fascinating that we didn’t spend a lot of time comparing the individuals’ values within the group – that was our homework, to do for ourselves, and I saw that if I put a lot of effort into that work I would get a lot of out it. The assigned readings, guest speakers, and my peers within the program opened me to new perspectives and gave me the opportunity to formulate new opinions. I developed a greater appreciation for education, specifically, how we educate, are educated, and what drives us to keep learning. I hope to keep that appreciation alive as I progress past college as I now recognize the importance of teaching students how to learn and how to think for themselves. I’m very satisfied with my participation in this program. Looking at leadership through the lens of education has provided me with great insight into how to act like the person I want to become.
While these are most of the ROAR guides in the organization instead of just those in ALDP, I thought this picture would serve as a fitting artifact to this experience. My first year at UC, I wanted to get more involved on campus, and with the help of my advisors I have been successful in that goal. This picture not only shows my involvement in UC, but it also shows that I'm part of a bigger network, and like I said in my reflection, these people and the opportunities available to this organization will continue to make me aware of additional perspectives and foster my collegiate, professional and personal growth.