Leadership Coursework
LEAD 1000 – Becoming a Leader
LEAD 1000 helps students become leaders in their communities. It teaches practical leadership skills for different situations, like community activities. Students learn to understand themselves, use leadership theories, show moral courage, and think critically. The focus is on being adaptable in leading different people and situations.
This course provided valuable insights into practical leadership skills for community engagement, emphasizing adaptability in diverse situations. I learned to apply leadership theories and think critically, enhancing my ability to lead and collaborate effectively in group settings.
PHIL2290 – Philosophy and Gender
PHIL 2290 takes a close look at the ideas of sex and gender, examining how they intersect with other aspects of identity. It explores how these factors contribute to the injustices that people may experience based on their gender. The analysis involves a critical examination of the complex relationship between sex, gender, and other identity factors.
This course delved into the intricate concepts of sex and gender, investigating their intersections with diverse aspects of identity and how they contribute to injustices. By critically analyzing the complex relationships between sex, gender, and other identity factors, I gained a deeper understanding of underlying issues of gender and discrimination.
COMM 1300 – Public Speaking
COMM 1300 focuses on building both confidence and skill in writing and delivering presentations. It explores the art of public speaking in personal, civic, and professional contexts, aiming to enhance students’ abilities to communicate effectively in various situations.
I honed my writing and presentation skills in this course, gaining confidence in public speaking across many different settings. This course not only equipped me with practical communication techniques but also enhanced my ability to convey ideas effectively.
EDUC 3013 – Education and Society
EDUC 3013 introduces key issues in U.S. education, exploring the intricate relationship between schools and society. It covers diversity and equity from perspectives like history, philosophy, sociology, and anthropology, catering to both future teachers and those interested in education.
I obtained a comprehensive overview of key issues in U.S. education, delving into the complex interplay between schools and society. This course, which covered history, philosophy, sociology, and anthropology, provided valuable insights into diversity and equity. It was designed to cater to the needs of both individuals interested in becoming educators and those with a general interest in the field of education.
LEAD 4000 – Leadership Capstone
LEAD 4000 integrates leadership theory and students’ experiences from the Leadership Studies Minor. Using advanced critical thinking, students analyze current leadership challenges and demonstrate their decision-making skills to achieve ethical outcomes in real-life situations.
I had the opportunity to experience and analyze current leadership challenges within an organization this semester. This process not only deepened my understanding of leadership dynamics but also allowed me to apply decision-making skills in real-life situations, reinforcing the importance of ethical considerations in effective leadership.
Key Moments of Learning
SOAR
The Horizon SOAR Honors program is a tailored four-year program aimed at enlightening, enriching, and exciting high-achieving students, preparing them for leadership in the 21st century. This individualized program offers structure and support for college success, allowing students to declare a major in Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts, or Math/Science. The SOAR Honors program provides a well-rounded high school experience, including Advanced Placement courses, extracurricular activities, community service, and extended learning opportunities, to challenge and engage students throughout their high school career.
This program focused on refining my public speaking and presentation skills, providing crucial preparation for college. The emphasis remained on cultivating effective communication abilities through practical exercises and real-world application. This experience was important in enhancing my confidence and competence in these essential areas.
Green & Clean Club: Secretary
The Green & Clean Club is a passionate group advocating for the environment. The club organizes clean-up events, and educational campaigns to promote eco-friendly practices. Through workshops and collaborations, the Green & Clean Club strives to inspire a greener lifestyle and contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.
During my high school career, I took on a leadership role to have an impact on my high school community and advocated for a cleaner environment at the school. This experience was very educational for me as it was my first leadership role and has helped me understand that running a club isn’t as simple as one would think. Despite not being the president of the club or having a higher position, I believe that the role of secretary is just as important as all roles on a team. Every member has a role to fill and a club cannot be run without their members.
TRiOSSS Mentor
CU’s TRiO Student Support Services (TRiO SSS) is a comprehensive academic excellence program that prioritizes the holistic development of each student. Emphasizing community, achievement, and leadership, the program values individuality and unique needs. TRiO SSS aims to enhance student engagement and success at CU by offering mentorship, academic programs, and personalized counseling.
As a TRiOSSS Mentor, I got the chance to work closely with the upcoming freshmen during the summer time. This experience has allowed me to pass on my expertise as a college student at the University of Colorado Boulder and practice leadership in a community. I enjoyed this position the most out of the two leadership positions I’ve had because I got to interact with my peers and the people in my community and not just the people in a single club.
LEAD 4000 Capstone
The LEAD 4000 capstone experience has been a challenging yet enriching journey, pushing me to collaborate within a group setting. As seniors with demanding schedules, navigating through the challenges of coordinating meetings and aligning our individual timelines proved to be a difficult task. The group dynamic, in particular, posed its own set of challenges. Balancing diverse perspectives, managing conflicting schedules, and ensuring effective communication is vital for success.
I learned that good communication is key to solving problems and that teamwork means finding a middle ground among us all. Meanwhile, balancing our busy schedules showed me the importance of planning and staying organized. This experience gave me leadership skills and enhanced my ability to work with others which will be useful in the future.
Studying Abroad in Singapore
Going on a semester abroad in Singapore was a transformative journey that required me to navigate a new environment and embrace the challenge of independent living. As I immersed myself in a different culture and educational system, I found myself having to figure everything out on my own, from daily routines to academic differences.
This experience demanded a significant application of leadership skills as I took charge of my own journey. Whether it was managing my schedule, adapting to cultural differences, or overcoming unforeseen challenges, I became the leader of my own study abroad adventure. Navigating the unfamiliar territory of a foreign country encouraged me to develop resilience, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability.
Leadership Theory to Practice (Praxis)
In my leadership style, I strongly believe in Team-Centric Leadership, where working together as a team is at the heart of success. Making decisions together is key, as I value everyone’s input and believe it leads to smarter choices. I build trust by giving team members the freedom and tools they need to do well in their roles, creating a culture of responsibility. Open communication is a big deal for me, making sure everyone feels heard and included.
We all share a common vision and goals, which brings us together and gives us direction. I make sure our team is diverse and inclusive, recognizing that different perspectives make us stronger. We’re always learning and adapting to changes, staying flexible, and looking for ways to improve together. Whether we achieve something great or face challenges, we celebrate success as a team and see setbacks as chances to learn and grow. As a leader, my job is to support the team, remove obstacles, and create an environment where everyone can do their best. This Team-Centric approach is what guides me, helping our team overcome challenges, be creative, and achieve lasting success.
Leadership Philosophy
Leadership, to me, is a commitment to principles that prioritize the well-being and development of both individuals and the collective team. I lead with integrity, placing a importance on honesty and ethical conduct. Trust is vital, and I believe that consistent integrity builds a foundation for effective leadership. Central to my approach is the cultivation of empathy, where understanding and appreciating the unique perspectives of team members create a collaborative and inclusive environment. By inspiring through a compelling vision, promoting a culture of continuous learning, and encouraging adaptability, I aim to foster an atmosphere of innovation and resilience. Recognizing and celebrating success, both individual and collective, is crucial for maintaining team morale and motivation.
Moreover, I embrace the concept of servant leadership, understanding that my role is to serve the needs of the team. This involves providing guidance, and support, and removing obstacles to enable each team member to thrive. Through these guiding principles, I aspire to lead by example, creating an environment where individuals feel valued, motivated, and equipped to reach their full potential. My leadership philosophy navigates as a team toward shared goals while fostering a positive and collaborative culture. It is a commitment to effective, compassionate, and purpose-driven leadership that prioritizes the growth and well-being of each team member.
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Tina Wong 
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