My first year in the Jaguar Leadership Program has been AMAZING! I have learned some much from our very first meeting to now. The staff truly cares about you and what impact you will have on the future. Some of my key responsibilities this year were to attend a workshop lunch complete weekly assignments to personal growth and find out who you are as a person. This program is important because it teaches me personal values that I wouldn't learn in a lecture class. This program allows me to know myself as a student as well as a person. I have used these values that I learned over this academic year and used them in my job on campus. I have seen tremendous growth in myself and in how I approach situations during work.

I was able to connect with previous educational training, extra-curricular activities, and life experiences through the things I learned through the Jaguar Leadership Network Program because of one of JLN’s core values, Networking. In my classes I would meet students who have the same interests as me and some of these students have become friends and we are now a part of the same clubs on campus. As a basketball manager, I have had the opportunity to network with staff from other universities, community members, etc. While working at Pacers Sports and Entertainment I have been fortunate to network with staff on the Pacers and Fever. Building these connections now will set me up for success when I am looking for a career post-graduation. I never knew how important networking was until I was a part of the Jaguar Leadership Network. Networking ultimately led me to an Engaged Learning Experience this Summer.

Recently the Jaguar Leadership Network Program had an event where the junior class showcased their Engaged Learning Experience. During this showcase, I was able to see what other students from different schools at IUPUI and majors were able to complete for their projects. This allowed me to network and learn about other students in the same boat as me. I enjoyed getting to see how psychology majors for example are completing their Engaged Learning Experience at “Dream Alive” which is a program to help children who struggle to look up to someone who they might now have in their life. Going to the showcase last week influenced me to give it my all when I complete my internship because I want people's lives to be affected positively. Completing this internship will allow me to gather information and skills so I know how to implement them into my life to improve the well-being of others through the information and skills I was taught.

I would elevate my contribution to this experience by giving it my all during my internship this Summer and during my showcase next year. I would like to share what I did and how this would help me when I graduate. One of the strengths and skills I utilized this year has been communication. I enjoy talking so I liked getting to know people and what they do. I also utilized organization. I ensured that all of my assignments were color-coded for each class and assignment. One challenge I faced was class times. Since we meet twice a month, sometimes once. It's hard to configure my schedule with my other academics and basketball schedule, but the staff has been very helpful with being flexible with all events. Another challenge I faced was finding the right Engaged Learning Experience. I wanted something to do with athletics but not where I currently work and also a different field. I networked and met some people and ended up with an internship with the Indianapolis Colts.