Leadership Final Reflection

In my previous profession I had worked my way into leadership positions as an adjunct

professor, CEU presenter, and mentor for new interpreters. I felt comfortable in leadership
positions in the realm of interpreting because I had the experience, knowledge, and skills
necessary to lead other interpreters. Coming to Touro University Nevada (TUN) I was petrified
of any kind of leadership responsibilities because I felt behind my colleagues. I felt at a
disadvantage because I didnt have a degree in exercise science or psychology like most of my
peers. It was a hard decision for me to apply for extra-curricular opportunities that had a
leadership role component, however, I made it a goal to step outside of my comfort zone and at
least apply. My journey as an emerging leader started with becoming a student ambassador and
continued with my involvement tutoring for OASIS, serving as captain for the Occupational
Hazards Volleyball team for 2 seasons, qualifying for Pi Theta Epsilon, serving in the Down
Syndrome Group of Southern Nevada, working as a graduate research assistant, and helping
develop the Easter Seals Mobility Clinic. I felt more and more capable of becoming a leader as I
put in extra time and effort in these positions. I learned what being a leader in occupational
therapy meant from these experiences as I worked with and observed how Dr. Randall facilitated
interdisciplinary discussions at Easter Seals, as Dr. Costa encouraged me to pursue additional
skills with Stepping On, and as I learned more about the research process from Dr. Lau. I was
inspired by all of my professors and made a goal to pursue the Certified Ergonomics Assessment
Specialist certification (CEAS) after Dr. Frasier lectured on ergonomics. Originally, I had
planned on completing this after graduation when life calmed down, but I realized that life never
calms down. I decided to not postpone attaining my CEAS certification and completed it while at
TUN. This forced me to improve my organizational skills and planning in order to maintain my
performance at school, while simultaneously doing extra work towards my CEAS and pursuing

other extra-curricular activities. I gained confidence in myself as I managed my time effectively

and have set additional goals for continuing education and doctoral studies.
The artifacts and reflections contained in my portfolio demonstrate how I have gone the
extra mile to obtain advanced training and additional knowledge so I can serve as an effective
leader and example in the future. I know I can accomplish this because I completed these extra
learning opportunities during my graduate work while maintaining a high GPA, working as an
interpreter, and raising two girls with my wife. I have been able to serve as a formal and informal
leader for my peers and I plan to continue to do so in my professional practice. I have written and
submitted two articles as a student and am currently working with the editors of Advance and OT
Practice on getting them published. I know the power of the written word in leading others and
plan to seek writing courses for healthcare professionals to advance my writing skill set.
I have learned more about my preferred leadership style as I have grown over the past 21
months. I ascribe to the Situational Leadership Model because I do not think that there is one
leadership style that is appropriate and effective for all situations. I believe the best way to lead is
to be flexible and adjust my leadership style to match the situation and the people I work with. I
prefer to use this model to examine the situation and work my way through directing, coaching,
supporting, and delegating as necessary. This model allows me to adapt my leadership style to
meet the development of my followers at any given time. I feel that this leadership style fits my
abilities and talents and is the best way for me to lead others effectively. It will allow me to grow
and further develop my leadership potential. I am grateful I took advantage of the leadership
opportunities that have been available at TUN. These challenging opportunities have shaped my
professional goals, helped me improve my public speaking skills, given me confidence, and are
one of the many reasons I am glad I chose to become an occupational therapist at TUN.