Public Leadership Scholars Program
Three Semester Review
PL Reflection
Various aspects of my understanding of leadership have been challenged, changed, and at times even reinforced through Public Leadership Scholars. PL has been simply amazing in providing me with a plethora of situations and opportunities in which different leadership styles would be necessary. I learned that there is no one right way to lead, and there are leadership characteristics that some are inherently born with, and others can learn. Everyone’s leadership style is different, but there are certain things a leader can and should do to be better for the people they represent, and even attract a greater audience. Leadership, to me, is rolling with the punches: to be able to pick yourself up and keep pushing for the greater good no matter the situation.
Leadership Style
Each PL class has helped me learn to improve one strength or another. In PLCY201 I got to see leadership in context, and really learn the difference between soft and hard power, as well as what a transformational leadership style is versus an inspirational leadership style. In my personal beliefs I normally have a tendency for soft power, but would be willing to use hard power when necessary. I’d love to be a transformational leader but I believe inspirational leadership should be at the core of any great leader, because without being able to rally the people, you have no one to lead. In CPPL100 I learned a lot about ethical leadership, and the differences between good and bad onboarding. Not only that but I was really able to self reflect and see how my own personal leadership style is affected by my own experiences and what I could improve on. In CPPL101, my personal favorite class, I was able to truly give back by donating money to an organization with a group of my peers. It was amazing to take the skills I learned through these courses and apply it to a real situation, like the need for a sustainable environment, and how we as leaders could make a difference. Finally, in CPPL200 I learned about not only the dangers of toxic leadership but how to deal with toxic leaders in real life environments such as the work place. This is really important for my future because you never know the kinds of people you might encounter, and you need to be prepared for anything as a leader.
Position Paper
I took PLCY201 over the summer of my Junior year in high school. While I didn’t write a position paper, I did write a paper on analyzing a leader and their styles, decisions, and effectiveness. By writing this paper not only improved as a writer, but I also really enjoyed learning and writing about Vladimir Lenin, who was a notoriously “bad” person, but in my opinion, a great leader. It was amazing to be able to write on the fact that bad people can be great leaders and really analyze what makes up a “good” and “bad” leader.
Leadership Philosophy paper
I loved writing the Leadership Philosophy paper because I was able to use the father of the atomic bomb, Julius Robert Oppenheimer, as a case study throughout it. He was a charismatic, persuasive, and ambitious individual that created a devastating device, and yet was an amazing leader. I used this case study to exemplify my own leadership style and beliefs.
IDEA258C Final Presentation Slides​
I wanted to include this presentation from my IDEA258C class. It was the final assignment in which we had to demonstrate our campaign idea and how we would go about implementing it. My campaign was trying to change the Welcome Box we receive at UMD to implement a metal straw or plastic water bottle in order to make the campus more green. Through the presentation I presented facts on water usage around campus, discussed ethics, and actually called dining services and tried to have my campaign implemented, as well as canvased with peers around campus to get a feel for if my campaign would generate support. I wouldn’t have been able to complete this assignment and campaign so well had it not been for PL scholars, they really gave me the skills I need to excel in this course.
PL In Life
I truly believe I’ve been able to use the things I’ve learned in public leadership throughout all aspects of my life. It’s made me more confident as a leader to not be afraid to go and take action. It’s given me the skills I need to interact in the real world with people who may not even want to be part of the group. But most importantly, it’s given me a community. The best part of the public leadership experience has been the community. To be able to grow alongside other students in the dorm and in the classroom has been an amazing experience. It’s given me a wide berth of views and opinions, some of which I'd never hear of otherwise, let alone agree with. It’s been such an eye opening experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.