I earned a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in the Community Leadership program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). During this program, I gained a deeper understanding of the concepts and approaches to community leadership, particularly in relation to historical and contemporary structural inequities that affect marginalized populations. I have learned to use critical thinking, reflective writing, and creative imagination to refine my working definition of community. Additionally, I have developed valuable skills in active and deep listening as well as cross-cultural communication, which have enhanced my ability to take part in difficult conversations. They all have enabled me to collaborate with different communities I find myself in. By fostering personal exploration of values and beliefs, I have grown in authenticity and transparency, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to discussions, and see the social and moral issues through different lenses.. This program has also helped me understand the importance of promoting inclusive, community-driven change through partnerships and collaborative projects, and encouraged me to identify and value asset-based community development within communities to create impactful and transformational change.
As a Graduate Research Assistant in the Community Leadership Program, I supported the Program Director throughout a two-year internal program evaluation and formal Academic Program Review. I helped build systems using Google Sheets, Excel, and Airtable to collect and manage both quantitative and qualitative data. I was responsible for ensuring accurate tracking of program records and maintaining the annual evaluation plan and program reports. I also contributed to various data collection methods, including focus group discussions and data walk workshops, and assisted in data analysis as well as program evaluation reports. I was assisting the program director to ensure the effectiveness and progress of the program.
This was an invaluable period for me to explore new approaches and methodologies for academic evaluation while applying my previous experiences and putting newly acquired knowledge into practice through the Community Leadership Program.
The Peaceworker Program supports and engages students in applied learning and civic engagement in a variety of ways. The Peaceworker Fellows conduct community service through their placements, working in specific programs. As an international student, I was a Global Peaceworker , and my placement involved being a Graduate Research Assistant at the Shriver Center. The Peaceworker program helps participants become socially engaged citizens with the commitment and experience to serve responsibly in their communities and nations.
As a Global Peaceworker Fellow, I was privileged to be part of this community, share my perspectives and experiences on different topics, and learn from the perspectives of other fellows. In addition, I have enhanced my knowledge by exploring diverse content and themes, and through practical learning by actively participating in activities during Practicum sessions, as well as building the capacity to facilitate a Practicum session. This program helped me improve my ability to collaborate, engage in personal reflective practices, and deepen my commitment to community engagement.