An Introduction to the E-Portfolio

In yesterday's meeting the group was introduced to the e-portfolio by Ashley Kehoe (Center for Experiential Learning). I found the session to be very informative and beneficial in learning about e-portfolios. I just think that the advances of technology is amazing and an e-portfolio just embodies that awesome-ness. I think it's a great outlet because there's many things from videos, to powerpoints, and writing samples that you can share with others. It makes it easy for users of the e-portfolio to show prospective employers work that they may not be able to see at an interview. For example with the videos, chances are you won't even have the means to show an employer your video during the interview. So it is a great way for people to see other sides of you.

On a more personal level, I plan to include my experiences as a college student as part of my e-portfolio. I hope to show my creative side by uploading photos/projects and creating an awesome design for my homepage. I am really looking forward to building my e-portfolio. I can't wait!

Today (1/28), I attended Loyola's Student Leadership Conference. It was truly an amazing experience. I went to a total of three workshops; 'You at the Core of Social Justice', '"Expressing Your Voice Within"', and 'Strategies for Effective Time Management'. I learned so much from each of the facilitators. After the first two sessions we had lunch and there was a moment for students to share and reflect on the workshops. One student said that he learned leadership is not a position but it is instead an attitude. I had never thought of leadership in this way and it made me think. I was able to see leadership in another way because of that statement. I am glad he brought it up. Following the students' sharing their experiences, Mia Henry was the Keynote speaker. Listening to her I gathered a lot of great information. There were some new things I learned as well as some things I have known that were simply reinforced and confirmed. I had a great time at the conference it will definitely incorporate the things I learned in my daily life!

Lauren L. Adams

A New Experience...

I am very excited about the STARS LEAD program this year! The first meeting went well. Not only did I enjoy getting to know everyone, but I also enjoyed the manner by which we introduced ourselves to each other. Given the task of finding three items to describe ourselves, I chose a pack of Trident gum (it's my favorite), Burt's Bees Cuticle Cream, and my photography business card. It has been almost a year since I have experimented with manicuring my own nails, hence the cuticle cream. I hope to master the skills and techniques to create an at home but salon-like manicure. My third item, my photography business card, has the most significance. As a college student, busy with readings and assignments, I don't shoot as often as I would like to. I think of the business card as a reminder of the work I did and will eventually come back to enjoy, once I am not as busy. I found it very entertaining to get to know everyone in that way and to share my items with them. The first meeting was great and I can not wait for the others!

I believe leadership is being able to stand for what you know is right regardless as to what everyone else is doing. At the same time it is trying to be an example for those who aren't necessarily going down the right road. Leadership also involves being able to see things from different views and being open to new ideas. Flexibility is key. Leadership encompasses a lot of things and I am looking forward to learning more about the definition of leadership in this LEAD program.

When the spring semester comes to an end I hope to have made great lasting friendships with the STARS leaders and develop strong networks with the various speakers who are to give presentations at our sessions. In addition to that, I want to become an even better leader and be able to learn about the many roles that are attributed to leaders and how those roles are to be applied in my daily life. I want to grow and develop as an individual by getting as much as I can from this program and my peers, while bringing something to the group to help others strengthen as leaders.

I am looking forward to every meeting of this semester and most of all getting to know Joe, Molly, Kema, Willie, Armando, Karina, Alana, Conrad, Angee, Esperanza, Elana, Syed, and Kassandra!

Lauren L. Adams