Tier 4
Tier 4, The Established Leader, functions as a capstone experience that allows students to prepare for life after graduation and share their experiences. On top of completing Tier 4 with this portfolio, I am continuing my work with inDEFINED as a Tier 4 distinction project.
My Contribution to BHLP
There is a 100% chance that given the opportunity, I will praise the Blue Hen Leadership Program and everything it embodies. In interviews, meetings with professors, and even conversations with my fellow students, I encourage everyone to look into the program and list off all of the opportunities I have had and everything I have learned from BHLP. I have had friends and classmates join BHLP, seen professors implement some of BHLPs teachings into their own classes, and executive board officers become more engaged in their leadership training. During tours to potential new students, one of the first things I list in my introduction is this program and I have had many ask about my experience in it. Given the opportunity, I shoot off every little thing that participating in BHLP has benefited me in. Word of mouth can be very impactful and I believe that is my contribution to the success of the program.
inDEFINED
As part of Tier 4, I am continuing my work with inDEFINED as a distinction project. This continued project has provided me with tools and experiences that will benefit me after graduating. Our project is focused on getting inDEFINED up and running, so there is a heavy focus on legal and financial aspects of the organization. I have had to do a lot of research to educate myself on all the little things that go into creating a board of directors, how to find the right people, the best way to format and word legal documents like the bylaws, and how fiscal sponsors work as that is the direction inDEFINED is taking. After watching how the board interacts and functions, I now have a clear idea of what it is like working in a leadership role outside of a college setting.
BHLP Legacy
I hope to leave UD and BHLP knowing that I left after having a positive impact on those that I worked with on projects, attended workshops and classes with, and had the pleasure of mentoring. I went through all BHLP tiers looking up to the same people that left a lasting impact on the program through their dedication to it. I hope to and believe that I can be one of them. In every project through BHLP, I have given my heart and soul to making sure it was my best work and beneficial to the end goal. From the Wilmington Green Box, to inDEFINED, to Peer Mentoring, I hope to be an example of everything that a person can gain from this program and how I was able to translate it into my many other activities outside of BHLP.
Preparation for the Future
All of my projects, lessons, and experiences have created a strong foundation that I am positive will support me in whatever my future holds. Out of everything, the biggest thing that stands out to me is the self confidence that I have worked on and strengthened. The first day of my freshman year, I was terrified of all the uncertainty. I quickly learned that all it takes is some self confidence and motivation that encourages me to learn and build up the tools to succeed in any setting I may be thrown in. While the immediate future is unknown, I know that I am prepared for anything and will take advantage of every opportunity to grow and learn as I work my way up to my goals.
A Continuing Program
Even though my time as a BHLP student is quickly coming to an end, the program will live on and forever influence myself as a person and leader. BHLP taught me to be open to new experiences and step outside of my comfort zone. I plan to continue doing that and never let fear get in the way of going for something that I want whether it be moving to a new state or applying for a position that seems a little out of my league. Similarly, there will always be opportunity to learn, and just as I always have, I will continue to seek out knowledge. However, I am aware that not everything will always go as planned and that I will have to embrace it as a learning experience to look back on. No matter a good or bad outcome, reflecting on the experience will only strengthen me and allow me to grow into a more effective leader and a well rounded person.
inDEFINED Project
The specific portion of our Tier 4 project with inDEFINED that I focused on was the organizational structure. In developing a complete plan for the organization structure including roles and responsibilities for inDEFINED, I did a lot of research and learned about what it really takes to run an organization.