A summary of your completed team project
This past year, we asked and examined the question: Does the current pandemic along with other disasters/emergencies impact access to education and school-related resources? If so how? The research over the fall semester was interesting and intriguing because while COVID-19 is novel, pandemics in general have existed for ages. However, this research was so different because the circumstances surrounding education and educated-related services are completely changed in the era of technology. Through this process, we discovered that the pandemic has of course disrupted our lives, but more so exacerbated existing inequalities across the board, hitting education the hardest. For the spring, we wanted to help alleviate these problems because we all know how difficult this year has been in our own educational careers and we hope we can bring some relief to others. For our social action project, we partnered with a DC based non-profit named Students Organized to Understand Leadership (SOUL). We raised money through GoFundMe and collected donations through an Amazon Wishlist. At the closing of our project, we raised $440 and $66 worth of sports equipment, all of which went right to SOUL. Thank you to everyone who donated, money or equipment, for low-income, marginalized students in DC. This money and equipment will go to funding free summer programs for these students which will greatly help student athletes get moving again!
A reflection on the team dynamics of your group during the implementation phase of your project
Our team all worked really well together. We built a great group relationship over the fall semester through research and various assignments. This made implementing a more serious physical project much easier because we knew how everyone worked and everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. I think the extended period of time, meaning a whole academic year, with the same group worked very well in our advantage because of the connections we were able to form. Also, our amazing TA helped us bond and communicate which helped the relationships last through the difficult times.
A reflection on your growth as a leader at American University this past academic year
In my experiences in leadership before college, it was really easy for me to assume a lead role. However, during this process, there are so many natural leaders that I had to readjust and learn how to function with other independent, smart, and bold people just like me. I have learned more about myself and how to work with other people. I have realized that the team work skills I have discovered through the leadership program have erupted into other classes where I do group work and have to take charge to build means of communication or lead others to finish work. I am very thankful for this success of a first year in the leadership program, for what I have learned but more importantly, the people I have met and become friends with!