Honors 201: Intro to Honors
In spring 2016, I took the course Introduction to Honors with Prof. Giovanna Walters. To begin developing the leadership competency, we wrote reflections and synthesizing essays, we took the StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment, we participated in small and large group discussion, and we read excerpts from various books including readings from the book Quiet by Susan Cain. These experiences were beneficial to the development of my leadership skills, because they allowed me to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses, I was able to critique my leadership style in previous contexts, and I was able to articulate my leadership philosophy in various reflections and in the roles I took on in the future outside of class.
The leadership unit guided me to develop my leadership competency. The Strengthsfinder 2.0 test allowed me to identify my strengths, as well as areas of weakness that I could improve upon. In the reflections from class discussions, I reflected upon my goals for leadership and how I could best use my strengths in real-life situations. The readings from Quiet by Susan Cain were instrumental in re-learning what it meant to be a leader, because I do not identify as a boisterous, outspoken leader like media typically portrays. The most important part about reflecting was reflecting upon why and where I wanted to use leadership, not just how I was going to use it. I came to the conclusions that leadership was for the good of others, and that I could be a leader everywhere I go, and that it is always necessary to serve others with leadership.
Introduction to Honors was a great way to learn about the competencies and learn how to use and develop them. Leadership was the most daunting competency because I was unsure as to how I would reach my competency, because I was a new student, and my search to hold a titled role was proving difficult. However, I learned that although named roles such as “president” or “secretary” are important for leadership development, my leadership philosophy can be used anywhere and at any time. Since that class, I have applied my personal philosophies of leadership in my jobs and in my roles, and I have even received named roles in which I have learned about what works and what does not work as a leader. I had great experiences that I remember from when I took that class, and I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped me as a leader.