In 2016, Jarumi Bonner and I created Anomaly, a small group for black students at the University of Central Florida to explore their faith.
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The Academic Advancement Program at the University of Central Florida has continually developed me as a leader and professional in my field. Recently, I had the honor of serving as a peer advisor for undergraduate students who hope to pursue graduate degrees.
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Check out the blog posts I made for the Academic Advancement Program at the University of Central Florida. The series is all about "Tips on Preparing for Graduate School."
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This map tour was created to showcase a snippet of the research journey I have had during my undergraduate career. Walk with me through the opportunities I have made and experiences I have had through my undergraduate degree.
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Reflection.
Throughout my time at the University of Central Florida, I have held a few leadership roles. One leadership role was a small group leader in the registered student organization called Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. Intervarsity is a Christian-based student group that hopes to connect with students and engage them in their faith. After my first semester in the organization, I felt led to lead a Bible study for black students. With the help of a fellow student in the organization, we created Anomaly. The weeks prior to the first meeting of the group involved building a vision statement, brainstorming the environment we hoped to establish, and building a friendship so that we could lead together. That semester, and a few semesters thereafter, we grew the group into two separate groups and fulfilled our hope of creating a safe space for black students to explore their faith on campus.
Another leadership role I undertook began in fall 2018. I became the outreach chair of the Botanical Society of America at UCF. As the outreach chair, I connected students with research, internship, and volunteering opportunities in Orlando and beyond. Furthermore, I helped to create and execute activities, events, and general body meetings.
Both roles have utilized my strengths in planning and public speaking. It has been particularly rewarding to see people grow in their appreciation for themselves and the things they love. Creating spaces for students to explore their passions and meet other students with similar passions has been absolutely satisfying. At times, it was difficult for me to realize that certain projects and events called for me to delegate work or I would end up bogged down by too many responsibilities. It was also difficult for me to pass the torch of leadership to another person. With help and guidance from mentors and leaders within the organizations, I was able to realize that my impact would have a lasting effect no matter what but if I brought along the help of other students who would also gain from leading in various capacities, I would also be going beyond my usual sphere of influence.
Looking back, I realize I could’ve taken pages from Brené Brown, a psychologist who evaluates women in roles of leadership and how feelings of guilt, vulnerability, and shame interplay within women in power. Dr. Brown is a leader within her field and clearly demonstrates her own struggle with vulnerability and cooperation while also not being too-revealing and maintaining authority. There seems to be a fine balance between transparency and overtly authoritarian. Dr. Brown achieves this balance and is able to speak to both aspects and penetrate her ideas to men and women alike.
Another leadership role I undertook began in fall 2018. I became the outreach chair of the Botanical Society of America at UCF. As the outreach chair, I connected students with research, internship, and volunteering opportunities in Orlando and beyond. Furthermore, I helped to create and execute activities, events, and general body meetings.
Both roles have utilized my strengths in planning and public speaking. It has been particularly rewarding to see people grow in their appreciation for themselves and the things they love. Creating spaces for students to explore their passions and meet other students with similar passions has been absolutely satisfying. At times, it was difficult for me to realize that certain projects and events called for me to delegate work or I would end up bogged down by too many responsibilities. It was also difficult for me to pass the torch of leadership to another person. With help and guidance from mentors and leaders within the organizations, I was able to realize that my impact would have a lasting effect no matter what but if I brought along the help of other students who would also gain from leading in various capacities, I would also be going beyond my usual sphere of influence.
Looking back, I realize I could’ve taken pages from Brené Brown, a psychologist who evaluates women in roles of leadership and how feelings of guilt, vulnerability, and shame interplay within women in power. Dr. Brown is a leader within her field and clearly demonstrates her own struggle with vulnerability and cooperation while also not being too-revealing and maintaining authority. There seems to be a fine balance between transparency and overtly authoritarian. Dr. Brown achieves this balance and is able to speak to both aspects and penetrate her ideas to men and women alike.