My junior year at UC has been challenging, hectic, fun, and rewarding. In August right before the academic year started, I was given the opportunity to join my sorority’s executive board as the Academic Excellence Chairwoman. As the semester started in a week, I knew this position would be a challenge, but I accepted it anyway. The first few days were crazy, but I enjoyed the work so much I ran for the position again at the end of the Fall Semester and was elected again for the next year. This position has given me the opportunity to grow in my leadership skills. I get to work with members of our chapter who are struggling academically, and help them make and achieve plans that will help them improve their grades. I will continue to use the leadership skills I have develop, as well as grow these skills in the upcoming semester serving in this position. I have lofty goals for this chapter academically, as I would like to see everyone make and achieve “SMART” (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Based). I would also like to see this chapter achieve an increase in GPA to an average of around 3.5 by the time I graduate. This is the Executive Board for 2017:
My sorority also welcomed more than 50 new members in the fall, and I was part of the selection committee that works behind the scenes to make sure we are operating fairly and within all Panhellenic standards. This helped me develop leadership skills, and helped me to develop my ability to work under stressful circumstances, where time was often very limited, and many requests and rules needed to be accommodated. This also helped me develop my communication skills, as I needed to get information to people inside and outside of my chapter. I can use these communication skills in my classes, and at work. This will be especially important as I am a Student Orientation Leader for summer 2017, and will need to have and use excellent communication skills in a very hectic work environment.
This year, I continued to work with the Bearcat Buddies program, where I work with a few students in second grade classroom at Roll Hill Academy, a school with a high percentage of students living below the poverty line. I had the privilege of working with the same student for the entire year and will be able to work with her again for the upcoming school year. She has taught me a lot about humility and to recognize my privilege. When I was growing up and attending elementary school, I never had to worry about things at home, or if I could afford to eat or buy the shoes I needed. Tutoring her has helped me to be more aware of what others may be going through. I will apply this knowledge in my future in healthcare. When people come to the doctor, they may have an underlying condition or concern that they don’t want to talk about or aren’t aware of. It is important to be observant and sympathetic to these extenuating circumstances. I can also use this in my day to day interactions. It is important to realize that I don’t know what is going on in people’s lives, and to be understanding of others.
Another service opportunity I have had this year is participating in snacks and activities at the Ronald McDonald House. I have been able to talk to and develop relationships with kids and their families staying the RMH. Their stories are touching, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I get to spend with them. I plan on working more with this organization in my future, as it and the kids there hold a special place in my heart. This organization has made me appreciate the health of my own family more.
Below is a post made by the Cincinnati Ronald McDonald House featuring myself and some friends coloring with a resident of the House:
Another service opportunity I have had this year is participating in snacks and activities at the Ronald McDonald House. I have been able to talk to and develop relationships with kids and their families staying the RMH. Their stories are touching, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I get to spend with them. I plan on working more with this organization in my future, as it and the kids there hold a special place in my heart. This organization has made me appreciate the health of my own family more.
Below is a post made by the Cincinnati Ronald McDonald House featuring myself and some friends coloring with a resident of the House:
So many more exciting and challenging things happened during my junior year, but I’ll end with a very significant one: at the end of the semester, I learned that I was chosen to be a Student Orientation Leader for the summer. I’m just getting started with this experience, but I am already started to see myself grow as a friend and leader. So if you're on campus this summer and see someone in a red polo who is far too excited for 5AM, it might be me!! GO BEARCATS!!!!