Retreat Reflection Prompt

To narrow what I learned at Camp Palmer into three points will be difficult but:

• I learned about the true importance of trust. During every aspect of the trip starting with the blind obstacle until we left Sunday our trust of each other was tested, strengthened, and solidified.
• I was able to contribute and observe a proper planning model in action. With Julie facilitating our ideas and visions of our service project we were all able to see it form right before our eyes. I am more excited than ever to begin and really get my hands dirty!
• Finally, I learned about how I am capable of doing things I could have never imagined but also about how wonderful and strong each and every one of my cohort members is. I want to thank everyone again for truly opening up and making this past weekend the greatest! 

My favorite part of the retreat was the wall. I felt that as a group it was so impressive and that we should all be proud of our teamwork. What surprised me is what we are all capable of when we are challenged individually and as a group. Learning that I have now have five new connections with individuals that I hope to never lose was a wonderful result of this retreat and would have never been possible without it. 

My biggest strength that I learned about at Camp Palmer was probably my tendency to think before I speak so I can fully form my ideas and thoughts before discussing them with others. I also find this trait contributing to be a part of my biggest improvement because I am often very timid or shy if I have to step out of my comfort zone to contribute my ideas as well.

Although on a beach, I feel this picture is reminiscent of our experiences at Camp Palmer. We continually challenged and supported each other throughout our time there and that camaraderie will continue to strengthen over the months to come(:

September 27th Cohort Meeting Reflection Prompt

Name: Why does Leadership Matter? Relational & Servant Leadership

• I was able to learn about the five components of the relational leadership model from my FLI Cohort members in a more in depth and well explained manner. (Purpose, Inclusiveness, Empowerment, Ethics, and PROCESS[: ) 
• I learned about Robert K Greenleaf and his impact on servant leadership theory and writings. I hope to acquire a copy of one of his books to read over winter break.
• Lastly, I was able to learn about my awesome senior mentor Casey, who I look forward to getting closer with and doing different things together(:

The servant leadership trait that I really connect with is building a community. I feel that although this was the tenth trait mentioned that it is truly the foundation of any organization, group, or cohort. By bringing together those that you work with, the group will perform that much more cohesively while enjoying what they are doing whether it is for work or pleasure. Although very commonly used I believe Ghandi is a perfect example of a servant leader because of his dedication to his people and his message. I feel that he embodied all of the traits but empathy, awareness, and commitment to the growth of people being the most prominent. Now that I have met my peer mentor, I feel even more excited to continue in the program with someone else that I can call upon and rely on if I need it.

Before going on the retreat I was really looking forward to the new and exciting activities with my fellow cohort members. I hoped to learn about each other, build upon what we have already learned, and acquire skills and knowledge that would further contribute to our leadership strengths.

These are all self explanatory.... SHOUT OUT TO NICK(:

Leadership Safari Reflection Prompt

Three Things I Learned: 

• "Sacrifice comfort for who you can become" Those words really resonated and hit home for me because I often find myself second guessing my actions, opinions, and knowledge in public or stressful situations. Ryan's repetition of this phrase really engaged me throughout the entire presentation because everything tied back to that.
• I learned that you truly never know who you will meet, who you may leave an impression on, or what you may be doing with your life. Ryan's personal stories and sentiments about how he has gotten where he is today truly inspires me to think outside the box and imagine more for myself. 
• Lastly,  I learned the fact that there are three people in the world and that I want to be that 12%.

My favorite part about the program was just the message and structure. Not that the Center for Leadership can really ask Ryan Penneau to return year after year, but an upbeat program that is interactive is definitely necessary. The "worst" part about the seminar was I think the venue. Although you cannot  typically plan for how many people are going to attend an event, especially the first time, having a smaller space makes things feel more intimate and personal. I enjoyed the prizes, theme, and can't wait to see what next year will bring!

Sorry for the Cheesn'

September 13th Cohort Meeting Reflection Prompt

1) Name of Meeting: What is leadership? What is a leader?

2) I first learned that no matter what you may think about certain aspects of leadership, there is    always another perspective, opinion, or suggestion to what leadership is or what a leader must be. I also learned that through creative discussion, pictures, interactive games, and video clips leadership can be explained and further clarified. By putting what we are learning in to applicable situations and evaluations it further deepens the importance of us grasping the material. Finally, I learned about our trip to Camp Palmer and all the necessary items that will have to be packed!

3) I don't believe that my definition of leadership has technically changed, I feel that I have just been educated and opened up to the greater possibilities and perspectives when thinking about leaders and leadership. I feel that leaders that I come in contact with every day that challenge the typical stereotype of leadership are the students who reach out to others in need, stand up for someone who is in need of support, or do the right thing when no one is watching. The silent leader is often not praised and I respect those individuals for what they do, which takes a lot of compassion and courage.

4) For someone to learn and to lead at the same time I believe that individual must first be loyal and dedicated to the goals and aspirations of the group of people they are leading. Then that leader must work and be driven by the hopes and input of those around them and work for the common good or the completion of the task at hand.

5) I included this picture of Forest Gump because I believe that it was a movie that could have fit in perfectly with the others we viewed this week. Tom Hanks as Forest Gump demonstrated leadership approaches including:

Great Man Approach: Although he was challenged from a young age, Forest never let anything stop him.
Trait Approach: During his time running across country, others were drawn to him from and followed him everywhere.
Complexity Leadership Theory: Forest's interaction with Jenny, his ability to learn and grow with her, and even marry her after all they went through. 
 Behavioral Approach: Due to his concern and compassion for others.
 Transforming Leadership: His work with Lt Dan and raising him up to enjoy life.
 Adaptive Leadership: Seen during his time of service in the military.
 Situational Contingency Approaches: When Forest went back to save Bubba during the attack.
 Servant Leadership: His time playing Ping Pong for the United States. 

Campus Fest Reflection

1) Three Groups I was able to learn more about at Campus Fest:

• Women in Business Leadership is a new group on campus that will be hosting seminars each month to educate, inform, and empower female students in the work place. These sessions are open to anyone and the group will attempt to have one informative and one fun session each month from here on out. 

• Circle K is a service based group and is a college branch of Kiwanis International. I was heavily involved in my local Kiwanis back home and would love to get involved here at BG through their various community projects and outreach.

• Education abroad is a another table that caught my eye because of its many options and opportunities. I have been very conflicted when trying to decide whether to seriously explore traveling to a foreign country for a semester and will be considering attending an informational meeting this week to learn even more. 

2) I was able to attend campus fest for about two hours and went to lunch in the middle of that time with friends. I did enjoy seeing all of the campus organizations out to promote their groups but was pretty overwhelmed by the entire event. The most interesting booth I came across was probably the Quidditch team. Although I would not consider joining I have serious respect for what they do. I will be considering joining Circle K, AMIS, Women in Business Leadership, and learning more about education abroad. 

So much paper! 

 

August 30th Reflection

1.Name of Cohort Meeting – Introduction, Team Building, and Schedule 
 

2      2. What are 3 things that you learned at the meeting? Briefly reflect on each.

•  I learned all about the wonderful opportunities that FLI will provide me to interact and engage with fellow members and the BG community. I feel very fortunate to be one of few students that have this opportunity.

•   I learned how important it will be to read, complete assignments, and blogs to get the most out of the program experience. Having a program which is based upon what the participants bring to the table is very encouraging and motivating.

•  I learned that although the program may seem overwhelming at times there are plenty of people and resources to support me and my fellow cohort members.   

3.  My name is Margaret Dorian but most people call me Maggy. I am an accounting major from   Lewiston, NY which is right outside of Niagara Falls. I attended Lewiston-Porter High school where I was heavily involved in academics and athletics. I play both soccer and basketball and was lucky enough to be elected Class President for four years. My time as class president gave me a great opportunity to interact with students and faculty and I loved every minute of it. I have two older brothers Curtis & Erik and two small dogs Trevor & Natasha. I hope to become a Certified Public Accountant and hopefully assist a non-profit someday in their endeavors and mission. I have had the chance to participate in a few leadership programs and seminars over the years, each one helping me to grow as a leader. I am very eager and excited to begin a new chapter of my life here at BGSU and be a part of this wonderful new institute in cooperation with the center for leadership. 
 

      4. My definition of leadership is the ability to bring together a variety of opinions, ideas, suggestions, and resources connected to yourself and others to accomplish a mission or goal while making your surrounding area or community a better place and/or developing change or growth. 

Time to get reading(: