Leadership Reflection

Throughout my journey at Touro University Nevada (TUN) I have become a

well-defined leader based off the qualities that I possess as an individual. A leader,
to me, is someone that holds true to themselves by setting an example, inspiring
others around them, and empowering others to succeed in their goals and
aspirations. My journey as a leader began in October of 2014, where I became
Student Government Association (SGA) President of Cohort 2016. This duty entailed
being the voice of cohort 2016 for the School of Occupational Therapy at TUN where
I attended monthly meetings to discuss various topics with other disciplines and
their leaders. I also had the responsibility of hosting monthly meetings with other
SGA members to discuss fundraisers, events, AOTA conference, and graduation. As
president, I learned how to be a leader by representing my cohort as the Assembly
of Student Delegates (ASD) Representative at AOTA conference. Additionally, as
SGA President, I am a mentor, friend, classmate, counselor, leader, representative,
and voice for my class.
I have also grown as a leader through other leadership positions such as
being Student Ambassador, facilitator at Down Syndrome Organization of Southern
Nevada (DSOSN), TUN dancer, and tutor for cohort 2017 members. Being a Student
Ambassador required the ability to talk about TUN and the School of Occupational
Therapy to better paint a picture for potential newcomers looking for a great place
to pursue a higher education. This required good communications skills, time
management skills, and organizational skills to make sure I was on time and ready
to go every other Thursday for four months. I started DSOSN in October 2014,
where I held this position for one year until passing it on to three members of cohort
2017. This position included monthly gatherings at the organization where we would
play with kids between the ages of zero and four. Prior to coming to this event,

three other classmates and I would plan various activities to do with the kids with
multiple back up plans. This enforced problem solving skills, time management
skills, and collaborative communication skills.
March, 2015 I participated in TUN Big Game again TUN California where I
was a dancer as well as a cheerleader for the basketball team and represented my
cohort. For this position, I was required to attend weekly practices, Tuesday and
some Saturdays, where we learned a choreographed dance and multiple cheers. I
helped organize the team and provided feedback to the choreography of the dance,
uniform, and overall performance of the dance. Lastly, my tutoring experience
expanded my leadership abilities as I was not only a teacher to 3 members of
cohort 2017 but also because I was a mentor and role model to these individuals.
Although tutoring was a financial benefit, it was not the only reason I took on the
job. I wanted to teach the knowledge that I have acquired as a student at TUN, be a
mentor and role model to the students, and overall motivate and support their
journey of becoming an occupational therapist.
After spending three weeks in a leadership class, I can see how much I have
grown as a leader since the beginning of my time at TUN. My professors have done
a great job in motivating us all to be leaders within our profession and have
provided additional understanding as to what makes up a good leader. After
completing almost two years at TUN, I have developed many leadership qualities
that I will take with me as an entry level practitioner. This excites me now, as a
student, because I plan on one day holding a managerial position as well as owning
my own practice, which requires strong leadership abilities. I have learned a lot
about myself throughout my journey at TUN and I can say not only do I have what it
takes to be a leader in whatever position I hold, I also know what a true leader looks
like as I seek out my first occupational therapy job.