Learning Objectives

I learned a lot last year, and I believe that I was able to accomplish my previous learning objectives. This year, my goal is to take a more active role in the planning of events; whether that means being more involved in determining the logistics of an event, or brainstorming creatively. I didn’t do much in terms of coming up with ideas last year, so I hope to make progress in that area this time around, especially because I can’t claim to be a creative thinker and then not come up with any ideas for Leadership.

Application of Knowledge

Leadership – that is, the action of leading a group of people – is an ability that is extremely useful, especially if you are someone who is in some sort of management position. It is important to be able to not only advocate for yourself, but to be able to effectively communicate what you are trying to say, and having leadership skills grants you the capability to function adequately as someone who is “in charge of” others. Personally, being in Leadership has taught me how to rid myself of the last vestiges of social anxiety (most of the time), which means that all of my presentations in school have improved; I’m not afraid to speak in front of others, so my grades have improved in that regard.

Personal Growth

As mentioned earlier and in previous assignments, last year I noticed a shift within myself where I found myself able to comfortably speak in front of large groups, which was reflected in my class presentations and when I was required to speak to strangers for Leadership (in security roles, meet the teacher night, etc.). I believe I will continue on that upward trajectory.

What I hope to improve on is quick thinking under pressure, and I believe leadership is the course best suited to provide me with challenges of that nature. I am anticipating being in situations where I will be forced to implement fast thinking, and I’m looking forward (as much as one can be) to the practice I’ll get from that.

Challenges and Strategies

Potential challenges may be a lack of creativity on my part, which is not particularly easy to overcome – how do you force yourself to be creative? My strategy is to apply for Point Person as much as I can, mostly because if I am selected as a point person, it requires me to come up with ideas, therefore putting pressure on me to sprout ideas in order to accomplish my tasks. It may be an unpalatable method to some, but I can confirm that it is effective for me, especially as someone who is prone to inaction unless under pressure.