9 Chapter 9

Carson Perry

My name is Carson Perry, and I am currently enrolled in the second year of the Leadership  Education program. At the conclusion of the semester, I will have earned 27 graduate credits. Being so far along in the program and having taken Scholarship with Dr. Holmes previously, I entered the course with a general understanding of expectations and how to successfully navigate graduate courses.

Change Leadership is a course designed to explore various theories and approaches to leadership. Through the reading of the text, dissecting of case studies, writing assignments, and classroom  discussions, students in the class receive a rich understanding of the topic and various tools to become more effective leaders and promote positive change. Furthermore, Change Leadership will provide opportunities for personal and professional growth in academic writing, collaboration, networking and relationship building, and personal branding.

The Education Leadership graduate program is traditionally student friendly: classes are in the  evenings, a capstone is promoted over a thesis, and active participation is not required. As the program enters a new era, academic rigor is increasing, networking and collaborative skills are being promoted, and thoughtful participation in courses is creating a richer learning and leadership development environment. Openness to feedback and new ideas, determination, and a desire to be an active participant in the program and learning process will provide a foundation for success.

The student-friendly structure allows students to customize the educational experience depending on individual needs and desired outcomes. Graduate students are encouraged to share ideas, participate in events, and to maximize the experience. Opportunities are provided; however, it is the students’ responsibility to step out of their comfort zone to take advantage of the opportunities. When everyone participates in the educational process, in and out of class, everyone benefits and a more robust experience is available.

Entering Change Leadership provides graduate students with the opportunity to solidify academic writing techniques that may not have been previously developed in undergraduate course work. The process of developing these skills will be frustrating; persistence, determination, and being open to feedback will be essential to navigating the process. Individual work is shared on a regular basis and feedback is provided. Additionally, utilizing resources such as peers, Grammarly, and participation in Graduate Student Research Club will aid in alleviating the stress of the process. Grammarly is an online editing tool that helps to identify punctuation and grammar errors and potential plagiarism.

Another opportunity for development is networking and relationship building. Visiting instructors in their office regularly, meeting with peers outside of the classroom, and collaborating on assignments benefit the overall experience of the program. Building relationships with professors and peers fosters an atmosphere where ideas can be shared without fear of judgment. A supportive, healthy, and collaborative learning environment is created that is beneficial to all parties.

Finally, being aware of personal brand is crucial. A brand is built over time and consists of an individual’s traits, characteristics, values, and others perceptions and expectations. It is the reputation of an individual; what others say about someone when they are not in the room.  A personal brand is built on every interaction a person has with others, the work produced, and countless subtle details that may be overlooked if a conscious effort to control a brand is  neglected. Being intentional and aware of branding helps a student create an image that is consistent with others perceptions.

Change Leadership is a course designed to expose graduate students to various leadership styles and theories. With a little effort and determination much more is to be gained. Building a healthy academic community allows exploration of personal beliefs and beneficial feedback allowing increased personal and professional growth. Networking and relationship building contribute to a collaborative atmosphere providing additional resources and support systems to alleviate academic stress. With an open mind, there is little to fear in the journey through Change Leadership.