I can divide what I've taken away from this class into two categories. One category is the information I've absorbed between 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM every Wednesday this quarter. The other is everything that happened in relation to the class in-between. Both had a very strong impact on me.
In class, what I think will stick with me the most is what resulted from the difference of ideas we had. After we had done an activity I had in my head what I thought about it - what I felt the overarching message was, what went well, what could be improved, etc... However, it was great hearing what others had to say too. It seems like everyday we were discussing a common experience, whether it be an icebreaker an energizer, or something deeper like the step-forward activity. These discussions were just as important if not more important to me than the activity itself. Coming "full circle", as I think Lori said she enjoyed doing, really helped me understand the activity we had just done. I've discovered I'm not as good at converting my thoughts into words as others are, yet I totally agreed with a lot of what my classmates had to say. It helped me to hear how others took what was in their heads and expressed it into coherent sentences.
Outside of class, the blog-posts and camaraderie are what will stick with me. In regards to the blog-posts, I really enjoyed delving into the core of my beliefs and ideas and person as a whole. They have done a lot in helping me figure out what I believe and who I am. I went to college hoping to not only get a higher education but also learn a lot about myself and what I stand for/believe. These posts took what I might learn in a few years and crammed it into 10 short weeks. It'll be pretty easy to track how the camaraderie sticks with me post ELP; I fully plan on enjoying the friendships I strengthened and created in this class even after it officially 'ends'. That last part I have mixed feelings about. On one hand the class is ending and we won't meet in Locatelli on Wednesdays anymore. On the other hand, we will always be emerging, developing, and improving our leadership skills and in that sense our leadership education is just getting started.
For the second part of the post, I'm most looking forward to growing in regards to how I bring out the best in others. While it's great if I learn how to do my best, it benefits the team exponentially more if I can help others do the same. Hopefully in my time as a CF in Swig and during my other future leadership opportunities I will get better at this and of course develop other leadership skills as well.
4 comments:
I totally agree that a good chunk of what I learned as a result of this class came from blogging--not class itself. It's great how self-reflection on leadership, values, and everything in between can make such a big impact.
Looking forward to seeing where next quarter (and beyond) takes everyone!
Your commitment to outside learning is what makes this class so special. I came to SCU with the purpose of learning and working with people who were exemplary, and learning when not required is exemplary. Nice work!
Jake,
First I completely agree with everything you had to say; learning definitely took place both in and out of the classroom. I wish you the best of luck in your duties next year as a CF in swig. Lord knows you'll need it.
Second, I would just like to say thank you. I've had the pleasure of working with you in both Engineering 1 and Mech 10. Through ELP it was very interesting to know that we have the exact same letters in our Myers-Briggs results. I know sometimes I can be a little hard headed, and I'm very particular about how tasks can be completed, but working with you has truly been a blessing. I know how responsible and reliable you are. You also absorb and comprehend all of my ideas. It's so nice to be fully heard (even though they might not all be the best). I really appreciate how strong willed we both are, but we are also very flexible to change. I know working with me might not be a walk in the park, but please know that I am so thankful to have you as a partner.
CONGRATS ON CF!
Secondly, I full heartedly agree about the blogs and outside of class! (Thanks Lori and Casey for the blogs!). I'll miss class too, but lets keep the blogs active!
Good luck on next quarter!
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