Goals Fall 2023

  • Involvement Goal

    Reflecting on my involvement in the college Valorant esports team this semester, my goal was to enhance our collective performance and teamwork. We concluded the season with a balanced 3-3 record, narrowly missing the playoffs due to a crucial tiebreaker loss. We finished 5th out of 10 in our division, a significant improvement from last year, accomplishing my goal to improve our win %.

  • Community Service Goal

    My goal for this past semester was to dedicate time to volunteering at the local food pantry and to enhance its visibility within the college community. I fulfilled this by contributing my efforts on-site and actively engaging my peers in discussions about the value and impact of the pantry's work. Through word-of-mouth and informal gatherings, I spread awareness about the importance of the pantry's services.

  • Leadership Education Goal

    My goal was to apply stress management techniques to at least three distinct high-pressure situations I encountered.

    For instance, one situation was during an intense period of the esports tournament (deep breaths), another was while preparing for a major class presentation (pacing), and the third was in navigating a complex group project deadline for my business management class (listening to music). After each of these instances, I took time to reflect on how effectively I managed my stress, how it affected my performance, and what impact it had on my decision-making process. This helped me understand how I can adapt and improve these methods for future high-stress situations.

Community Engagement & Leadership Lessons

  • Community Service

    This semester, I continued my commitment to community service by dedicating my efforts to the college's food pantry, the same project I was involved with last year. This cause is deeply important to me; ensuring that everyone in our community has access to essential nutrition is a cause I'm passionate about. Working at the food pantry not only allows me to contribute to this vital service but also gives me the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of individuals, from the fellow volunteers to the people we serve. These interactions have enriched my understanding of the community's needs and have underscored the impact of direct action in making a positive difference in others' lives. It's a fulfilling experience that aligns with my values and has also allowed me to forge connections that extend beyond the pantry's walls.

  • Student Organization: Esports (Valorant)

    As a committed member of our college's Valorant esports team, I developed the key skill of Strategic Adaptability. My role involved analyzing the game's evolving dynamics and swiftly adapting our strategies in response. This meant reassessing our team's formations, rethinking our offensive and defensive tactics, and sometimes reallocating agent roles to optimize performance. I learned the critical nature of rapid decision-making and the importance of effectively communicating these changes to the team.

SLIs

  • Managing Stress (Leading Self)

    This SLI equipped me with practical techniques for managing stress, such as mindfulness and prioritization strategies. I learned the importance of recognizing early signs of stress and proactively addressing them. Applying these techniques, particularly during high-stakes moments in esports tournaments and academic deadlines, helped me maintain clarity and focus, leading to more effective decision-making.

  • Developing Leadership Potential: Discovering Opportunity Through Insight (Leading Others)

    I learned to identify and seize leadership opportunities in everyday scenarios. The course highlighted the importance of observation and reflection, helping me recognize moments where my skills could significantly impact group dynamics through emotional intelligence. I applied this knowledge in group projects and team discussions, stepping out of my comfort zone to take initiative and contribute meaningfully. This approach not only enhanced the group's effectiveness but also my leadership capabilities, particularly in collaborative settings like esports team practices and academic assignments.

  • Mental Blocks (Leading Self)

    I discovered that music and nature are my go-to tools for navigating out of stressful situations. Tuning into a carefully curated playlist has the power to both calm my nerves and elevate my focus, making it an essential part of my strategy to overcome mental barriers. Similarly, spending time in nature, whether a walk around campus or a moment of quiet in a green space, provides me with the clarity and rejuvenation needed to tackle challenges with renewed vigor. These techniques have become integral to my stress management routine, allowing me to lead with a clear head and a creative approach.