How have you developed or demonstrated this competency this semester?
Leadership
Can you give me an example of a time when a decision you made had an effect on a group?
Tell me about a time when you were surprised that an action you took, or a decision you made, had an effect on a group.
I am taking a mobile application development course for the summer. As the team member with the most experience in web development, I efficiently planned out tasks and outlined priorities. My reassurances that we were on the right track significantly boosted team morale and productivity. I was surprised to learn how much my leadership positively impacted the group, fostering a collaborative environment and driving us to meet our project goals successfully. It highlighted the importance of effective communication and organization in team settings.
Teamwork
Tell me about a time when you were working as a member of a team, and the team faced some kind of problem or challenge. Describe the task, the issue, and how your team resolved it.
While working on our project idea for the mobile development course, my team faced a conundrum: we liked two ideas equally. One was an app for students to find suitable roommates, and the other was a Clubhouse-style, mental health-themed anonymous conversation space. To resolve this, I suggested we do a breakdown of all the pros and cons for each idea. My teammates and I compiled a list, but when even that didn’t provide a clear choice, another teammate suggested we each interview two people about their experiences with finding roommates and using anonymous listening spaces. After two days of interviews and gathering feedback, we voted, and the majority chose the roommate app. Throughout the entire process, we were receptive to each other’s ideas and were able to work out compromises which are essential in good teamwork. I’m very optimistic about my team!
Building networks
How have you expanded the circle of people you know since beginning college, both within and outside of Wesleyan? How have you been of service to this network of people? How have they helped you along the way?
Moving to the United States has been a big step for me, and starting my network from scratch was daunting but extremely rewarding. Since beginning college, I have expanded my circle significantly by building relationships with supportive professors, collaborating with diverse classmates, and working with colleagues in the University Communication Center and Sustainability Office. Outside of Wesleyan, attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, and engaging in community initiatives have broadened my network further. In return, I’ve supported my network by offering academic and professional assistance, mentoring incoming students, and sharing resources. This network has provided invaluable academic support, professional growth opportunities, and a sense of community, greatly enhancing my college experience.
Professionalism
In what ways have you proven yourself reliable to those with whom you’ve worked toward a common goal?
I’ve proven myself reliable to those I’ve worked with by consistently showing up for my commitments, effectively communicating when I couldn’t, and maintaining a supportive attitude. For instance, if a classmate can’t make it to class, I’ll take detailed notes for them to ensure they don’t miss any important information. Similarly, if I’m unable to make it to work, I promptly inform my supervisor and ensure that my responsibilities are covered. Additionally, I always strive to be a proactive team member, offering assistance and encouragement to my peers to help us all achieve our common goals. This approach has built trust and demonstrated my dedication to our collective success.
