1.What are the core concepts and beliefs that inform your leadership?
When it comes to leadership and my leadership philosophy there are a few key concepts and beliefs I hold. One major one is the ability to listen, this is so important because when we listen and hear people out that is when we truly start to know them, understand where they are coming from, and know what they are going through. That is so important because I feel like society is often plagued by many judgments of others without listening to them and understanding what they believe, and to be a good leader, you need to gain trust and know who your people are. You do this by listening. Another key concept and idea is understanding, which I talked about with listening because I think they go together, but they are both important. Trust and loyalty to your followers is also important because, in order for them to trust you and show you loyalty, you must do the same. Lastly, the Golden Rule is something I believe in strongly because kindness and respect are so important, and something I hold true for myself.
2. What is your definition of leadership?
My definition of leadership is the ability to lead a group of people around something you all believe in, and the ability to have morals and ethics. A person who is willing to listen and understand where others are coming from, and make a change for the better. Understanding your weaknesses and strengths as well, and also admitting when you are wrong, but also addressing how you will fix it. The ability to look to failures as learning points and keep trying.
3. What is an example of your approach to problem-solving?
When it comes to problem-solving there are two factors that one must consider, is it a dispute among other people or is it a problem that is something you need to fix on your own? If it is the first, I talk to that person, I want to hear and listen to what they have to say and try to understand where they are coming from, and I hope they will do the same with what I have to say. Then from there, I would hope to find some compromise or middle ground for what to do. If it's the second, such as when I had to work with students on acquiring new skills when I was coaching them in gymnastics, I tried to think outside the box. I tried different ideas to see if they worked or even made sense until I came up with a solution that worked best. Sometimes I needed to ask people for advice or help, but that is okay because when it comes to problem-solving not everything needs to be done on your own. Also, you want to come up with the best solution, so pulling in other people can be really helpful and beneficial.
4. What is an example of your abilty to communicate?
When I communicate, be it in person, phone call, video chat, or email, I want to do it in a respectful manner, while also getting all the information I need. One such example I remember that demonstrates my ability to communicate was during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020. My study abroad trip had just been canceled, and due to the fact that classes had already been running for about a month, there was no possibility I could do classes at HWS. Aside from that, there was a lot of other information that was much needed such as, what academic options were available, what was going to happen with money and tuition, and would we even be able to go back on campus at all this semester. There was a lot of information getting out to us, but it was from a lot of different places and not always clear. To completely understand what was going on and to help my other classmates get the information they needed as well, I made a lot of phone calls, and wrote a lot of emails, as well as my classmates, trying to figure out this crazy situation. Every time I was talking with someone I acknowledged that what was happening was crazy and something no one planned for or wanted to do, but that this was also a time-sensitive issue, and people wanted to make sure they would have enough credits to graduate next year, while also being able to finish their major and minor. Sometimes I would need to write constant emails to someone and make many phone calls before I heard anything. Though that may sound pushy, you sometimes have to be when you really need important information. This was especially true for me in this situation because this would tell me what the rest of my semester was going to look like. Eventually, it all did pay off through patience, many emails and phone calls, being nice, and trying to understand what the other side was going through. Communication is key when it comes to being a leader, without good communication skills, how can one effectively lead? To do it successfully, you need to be kind and understanding of the other side's situation, but also be straight to the point.
5. How will you apply this learning at the next stage after Hobart and William Smith Colleges?
After I graduate from Hobart and William Smith Colleges I plan to do a year of service such as Americorps. Then I plan to go to law school and become a lawyer or work in policy. I feel that what I have learned from the Centennial Center and HWS in general, has provided me with the skills and confidence to grow as a leader in these areas. I will be able to communicate well and look at things with a critical eye, as well as problem-solve. I will know when to stand up and when to stand down, and to be a follower in some instances. The skills I have acquired at the colleges will help me in my future goals and careers.
When it comes to leadership and my leadership philosophy there are a few key concepts and beliefs I hold. One major one is the ability to listen, this is so important because when we listen and hear people out that is when we truly start to know them, understand where they are coming from, and know what they are going through. That is so important because I feel like society is often plagued by many judgments of others without listening to them and understanding what they believe, and to be a good leader, you need to gain trust and know who your people are. You do this by listening. Another key concept and idea is understanding, which I talked about with listening because I think they go together, but they are both important. Trust and loyalty to your followers is also important because, in order for them to trust you and show you loyalty, you must do the same. Lastly, the Golden Rule is something I believe in strongly because kindness and respect are so important, and something I hold true for myself.
2. What is your definition of leadership?
My definition of leadership is the ability to lead a group of people around something you all believe in, and the ability to have morals and ethics. A person who is willing to listen and understand where others are coming from, and make a change for the better. Understanding your weaknesses and strengths as well, and also admitting when you are wrong, but also addressing how you will fix it. The ability to look to failures as learning points and keep trying.
3. What is an example of your approach to problem-solving?
When it comes to problem-solving there are two factors that one must consider, is it a dispute among other people or is it a problem that is something you need to fix on your own? If it is the first, I talk to that person, I want to hear and listen to what they have to say and try to understand where they are coming from, and I hope they will do the same with what I have to say. Then from there, I would hope to find some compromise or middle ground for what to do. If it's the second, such as when I had to work with students on acquiring new skills when I was coaching them in gymnastics, I tried to think outside the box. I tried different ideas to see if they worked or even made sense until I came up with a solution that worked best. Sometimes I needed to ask people for advice or help, but that is okay because when it comes to problem-solving not everything needs to be done on your own. Also, you want to come up with the best solution, so pulling in other people can be really helpful and beneficial.
4. What is an example of your abilty to communicate?
When I communicate, be it in person, phone call, video chat, or email, I want to do it in a respectful manner, while also getting all the information I need. One such example I remember that demonstrates my ability to communicate was during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020. My study abroad trip had just been canceled, and due to the fact that classes had already been running for about a month, there was no possibility I could do classes at HWS. Aside from that, there was a lot of other information that was much needed such as, what academic options were available, what was going to happen with money and tuition, and would we even be able to go back on campus at all this semester. There was a lot of information getting out to us, but it was from a lot of different places and not always clear. To completely understand what was going on and to help my other classmates get the information they needed as well, I made a lot of phone calls, and wrote a lot of emails, as well as my classmates, trying to figure out this crazy situation. Every time I was talking with someone I acknowledged that what was happening was crazy and something no one planned for or wanted to do, but that this was also a time-sensitive issue, and people wanted to make sure they would have enough credits to graduate next year, while also being able to finish their major and minor. Sometimes I would need to write constant emails to someone and make many phone calls before I heard anything. Though that may sound pushy, you sometimes have to be when you really need important information. This was especially true for me in this situation because this would tell me what the rest of my semester was going to look like. Eventually, it all did pay off through patience, many emails and phone calls, being nice, and trying to understand what the other side was going through. Communication is key when it comes to being a leader, without good communication skills, how can one effectively lead? To do it successfully, you need to be kind and understanding of the other side's situation, but also be straight to the point.
5. How will you apply this learning at the next stage after Hobart and William Smith Colleges?
After I graduate from Hobart and William Smith Colleges I plan to do a year of service such as Americorps. Then I plan to go to law school and become a lawyer or work in policy. I feel that what I have learned from the Centennial Center and HWS in general, has provided me with the skills and confidence to grow as a leader in these areas. I will be able to communicate well and look at things with a critical eye, as well as problem-solve. I will know when to stand up and when to stand down, and to be a follower in some instances. The skills I have acquired at the colleges will help me in my future goals and careers.