Reflection

I want to be someone who forms deep connections and builds lifelong relationships based on communication, honesty, and responsibility. I can start by actively listening and asking genuine questions to get to know others on a deeper level. The honors program helped me move toward this goal by surrounding me with like-minded individuals who also want to build connections and expand their networks for a better future.

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Another way the honors college helped me was through the common area it provided for students. It gave me a quiet space to focus on my studies and a comfortable place to prepare food. It was also a great space to meet with a group and get projects done. Lastly, the honors college gave me opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Events like Dinner with the Dean helped me improve my etiquette and business communication skills while also encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone. Even though I’m still an introvert at heart, these experiences helped me practice being more extroverted when needed.

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Looking back at Fall 2020, I’ve come a long way from who I used to be. I don’t remember my first year of college as an exciting time but rather a period of hardship. I had to withdraw from all five of my courses due to medical reasons. However, that didn’t stop me from earning straight A’s the following semester because I put in the work to turn things around. A quote that guided me through this time was "Showing up is half the battle" by Woody Allen. This mindset shift made all the difference.

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That semester was also when I joined the honors community. My mindset back then was similar to what it is today, but over time, I’ve come to value relationships even more than communication. Honesty and responsibility remain core values for me, just in a different order. (For a more detailed comparison, see Showcase Artifact 1.) Being part of the honors college surrounded me with people who shared my ambition and drive, making it easier to form meaningful friendships and a supportive network.

 

​I also developed strong communication skills during my internship, where I was thrown into a real office environment. I worked on actual tax returns and handled tasks I’ll be doing after graduating with my bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. I had to quickly learn the company’s structure and power dynamics to navigate the workplace while also managing a course project. Initiative played a key role in my experience, it was encouraged and rewarded with positive feedback. It reminded me of the saying, "Kelley students are seen!" I heard this during a presentation in one of my courses, though I’m not sure who said it. That same initiative helped me stand out and led to a project where I researched the company’s onboarding process and proposed improvements. This involved conducting interviews with associate staff, senior staff, and partners to gather different perspectives. (For more on this, see Showcase Artifact 3 under onboarding.)

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Tutoring 4th graders reinforced the importance of teaching others, both in areas I was familiar with and those I wasn’t. I got to know each student’s individual needs, which required me to observe and ask the right questions about both the classroom and the students. Slowing down and taking in my surroundings was a major learning curve. I had to understand the classroom dynamics before I could effectively assist with tasks. I can apply these observation skills in the workplace by being attentive and recognizing the value of asking questions.

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Another key lesson I learned was how to take on an authoritative role in a way that made me both capable and trustworthy in the eyes of my students. Observing the teacher and assistant teacher was invaluable, as it helped me figure out what kind of authority figure I naturally lean toward. I aimed to create a judgment-free environment that encouraged students to ask questions. However, I realized I was sometimes too lenient, which led to students getting off track more than once. It was also eye-opening to apply my skills in a completely different cultural setting, an IPS (Indianapolis Public Schools) classroom with conditions very different from what I had growing up. Learning what was appropriate in that setting was a valuable experience, and I’m grateful to have been part of it.

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I hope the showcase artifacts reflect my personality and values, whether you’re meeting me for the first time or the hundredth. These showcases are part of my ongoing personal and professional growth, offering a glimpse of what I’ve accomplished. The quote "What you do determines who you are" by Dr. K (a YouTuber) perfectly sums up how I want these showcases to represent me. I believe actions speak louder than words, we can talk about our goals all day, but what truly matters is whether we follow through.

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This ePortfolio has helped me consolidate my achievements and reflect on everything I’ve accomplished over the past five years. Through these experiences, I’ve realized that relationships are at the heart of everything I do. Why did I join honors? Why become VP of a club? Why go out of my way to teach 4th graders and freshmen? The simple answer is that each of these actions was about furthering, creating, or maintaining relationships. I can confidently say that these past few years have prepared me to build lasting friendships with my coworkers and peers, no matter where I go. The skills I’ve gained-observation, problem-solving, communication, and networking-will help me thrive in both corporate and everyday settings. I’m grateful for the honors program and for becoming someone who centers their actions around meaningful relationships.