1) Describe your experience with the Jaguar Leadership Network. Specifically, what were your key responsibilities? What issues/needs/or critical questions did your program or project address? For whom/what was this project/program important? Why was it important? (Please write between 150 to 300 words)

    As part of the network, my key responsibilities included assess and reflect upon my own leadership strengths, and interact with campus and community leaders.  I’m exposed to foundational theories of leadership, social capital, and career success.

Our program aimed to address the needs of students who wanted to enhance their leadership skills and make a positive impact on campus. One of the critical questions we tackled was how to empower students to become effective leaders and create a supportive community. We believed that strong leadership skills are essential for personal growth and success in various aspects of life. By providing opportunities for students to develop their leadership abilities, we aimed to equip them with the tools they needed to make a difference. The Jaguar Leadership Network was important for both individual students and the broader campus community. For students, it offered a platform to grow as leaders, build confidence, and develop valuable skills. Through workshops and mentoring, we aimed to foster a sense of self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to work collaboratively. On a larger scale, our program aimed to create a culture of leadership on campus. We believed that when students embrace their leadership potential, they can positively influence their peers, organizations, and the entire campus community. By investing in leadership development, we hoped to create a more vibrant and engaged campus environment.

2) In what ways were you able to connect your previous educational training (e.g., academic courses), extra-curricular experiences, and life experiences with the activities and professional development required of the JLN experience to deepen your understanding of your field of study? (Please write between 150 to 300 words)

     In terms of educational training, courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other nursing-related subjects provide a strong foundation for understanding the human body and healthcare practices. By applying this knowledge in the JLN, nursing students can develop leadership skills specifically tailored to the healthcare field. This can involve learning effective communication with patients, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and making ethical decisions in healthcare settings.

     Extra-curricular experiences, such as volunteering at hospitals or participating in healthcare-related organizations, offer opportunities to gain practical skills and insights into the nursing profession. The JLN can then build upon these experiences by providing leadership development programs that focus on the unique challenges and responsibilities faced by nurses. This can include workshops on effective teamwork, patient advocacy, and managing healthcare resources.

     Life experiences, both personal and professional, can also contribute to a deeper understanding of nursing. For example, experiences of caring for a family member, facing personal health challenges, or working in healthcare settings can shape one's empathy, resilience, and problem-solving abilities. The JLN can help nursing students reflect on these experiences and develop leadership qualities that are vital in providing compassionate and patient-centered care.

3) Describe the extent to which your experience provided opportunities to engage and learn from different communities and cultures and to the extent this influenced your attitudes and beliefs. (150-300 words)

     Engaging with such a diverse range of individuals has broadened my understanding of the world and deepened my appreciation for the richness of human experiences. It has also helped me challenge any preconceived notions or biases that I may have had, allowing me to develop more inclusive attitudes and beliefs.

     By learning from different communities and cultures, I've come to understand the importance of empathy, respect, and open-mindedness. It has taught me to approach conversations with curiosity and a willingness to listen and learn. This has been invaluable in fostering meaningful connections and building relationships with others.

   Overall, while my experiences may be limited ,but they have still provided me with opportunities to engage and learn from diverse communities and cultures. These experiences have undoubtedly influenced my attitudes and beliefs, encouraging me to embrace diversity, celebrate differences, and promote inclusivity.

4) How would you evaluate your contribution to this experience? What strengths or skills did you utilize or develop while engaging in this JLN experience?

   When I think about my contribution to this experience, I feel like my strengths and skills really come into play. One of my key strengths is being a good listener, which helps me actively engage in conversations and create a supportive space for others to share  thoughts, questions, and experiences.

    By being attentive to my peers needs and interests, I can provide personalized responses and guidance. Whether we're talking about math problems, exploring leadership skills, or diving into economics concepts, I try my best to tailor to their conversation & specific interests.

   As for skills, my ability to provide information and support has definitely been put to use. I've learned a lot about probability and statistics, and I've been able to assist others with those topics. Additionally, discussing economics and taxation has allowed me to deepen my understanding in those areas as well.

   Of course, there's always room for improvement, and I'm constantly learning and growing alongside my peers. But overall, I believe my contribution lies in creating a positive and supportive environment, utilizing my strengths as a listener, and sharing relevant knowledge and insights.

5)Describe at least one challenge you faced during this experience. How did you address and overcome this challenge? (Please write between 150 to 300 words)

One challenge I faced during this experience was when I was asked by my best-friend to help solve a math problem involving finding the value of x in a set of numbers. The challenge was that I didn't have all the specific details of the problem, such as the actual numbers or the equation itself. 

     To overcome this challenge, I asked her to provide me with more information about the problem, such as the equation or any other relevant details. By getting a clearer understanding of the problem, I was able to offer her more accurate guidance and assistance in finding the value of x.

      Communication is key in overcoming challenges like this. By actively engaging in a conversation and asking for more information, I can better understand her needs and provide more tailored support.