1. How have the workshops and discussions on leadership this week changed your understanding of what leadership means?

The workshops and discussions were quite interesting as they helped understand that leadership can take on various forms. My original conception of leadership looked like leading in the front and being a servant to the people. However, after these workshops, I understand how leadership encapsulates so much more then being in front and center. A good leader steps back when necessary to make others shine and ensure all voices are thoroughly heard and represented. One of my favorite workshops was taking the test that classified you into 4 categories: driver, expressive, analytical, and amiable. Understanding my own leadership style as driver, I learned how leadership can look different and there isn't one way of leading correctly. This workshop helped me identify my own shortcomings and understand that others may be unfamiliar with the "driver" way leading. I also learned that leaders are only as strong as their group of people that work with them, therefore, having a keen awareness of everyone's perspective is imperative to working cohesively. 

2. How might you imagine applying one of the four ways of leading during your summer on campus? 

During my summer on campus, I think leading from behind would help me grow tremendously in my leadership skills. I really resonated with the driver motto "just do it", however, given my role as research assistant, I plan on putting my best effort into my professor's larger project from the sidelines. I imagine being willing, capable, and adaptable in my role, ensuring that my professor is receiving all the help he can get. Overall, this partnership means a great deal to me and I'm beyond honored to immerse myself in research. 

3. What is everyone most excited about engaging in as part of their summer research project?

I am most excited about engaging in the ethnographic component of my research project. I've previously conducted interviews, however, I'm excited to see how it works from a research based perspective. Overall, I plan on aiding my professor with gathering testimonials from civic leaders, families who lost loved ones to police violence, and key advocates in the larger movement for dismantling systems of racial caste. Through this experience, my research will come to life by cultivating community and hearing how the celebration of Black life motivates the community to keep fighting for freedom.