For my practicum I took the class PLCY213 Nonprofit Leadership and Social Innovation with Professor Dunning. This is a three credit course that meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In this class we have learned a lot about the nonprofit sector and the connection between government, businesses and nonprofits. I learned about the connection between volunteering and how that plays a role in nonprofits. We have done many case studies analyzing the role of nonprofits in politics and advocacy. Additionally, I learned how nonprofits make revenue and receive funding, as this is critical for their survival and reach. One activity that gave me great of insight was interviewing Michael Jessup, the executive director of Komen Maryland. Furthermore I analyzed the teams taking part in the Do Good Challenge and voted for who I thought should win!
How I have grown because of this:
This course has given me a better perspective into the challenges of being part of a nonprofit as well as the great work that has been and can be done because of them. This course also introduced me to one of my favorite professors so far, Professor Dunning, who led very engaging classes and was a very understanding person. I have grown as a student through in class activities, working in a group to think critically about the current topic. I also grew as a writer, having several papers to do which I normally don't in other classes. I was hoping to go abroad for my Practicum but due to Covid that was not a possibility. Regardless, this course has emphasized my passion for the public leadership scholars program and encouraged me the minor in the subject as I believe it provides a great perspective in general daily affairs as well as a greater worldly perspective.
Below I have attached the Do Good Challenge Contestant Analysis. I did this assignment for PLCY213 and have included it on here for several reasons. First, this assignment gave me a critical look at the contestants and made me think more about how the delivery in said challenge can greatly impact the outcome. In this paper I analyze the contestant who came in first compared to the one who came in third. This paper allowed me to grow because I assumed a perspective I don't usually do. Normally when I watch pitches like this I think about what makes their project good in comparison to others. In contrast, I was not thinking about what their mission was for this paper, instead breaking down how their story is told and how the judges may have weighed this when ranking them. I am happy I had to do this assignment and look forward to thinking more critically like this in the future.
This course has given me a better perspective into the challenges of being part of a nonprofit as well as the great work that has been and can be done because of them. This course also introduced me to one of my favorite professors so far, Professor Dunning, who led very engaging classes and was a very understanding person. I have grown as a student through in class activities, working in a group to think critically about the current topic. I also grew as a writer, having several papers to do which I normally don't in other classes. I was hoping to go abroad for my Practicum but due to Covid that was not a possibility. Regardless, this course has emphasized my passion for the public leadership scholars program and encouraged me the minor in the subject as I believe it provides a great perspective in general daily affairs as well as a greater worldly perspective.
Below I have attached the Do Good Challenge Contestant Analysis. I did this assignment for PLCY213 and have included it on here for several reasons. First, this assignment gave me a critical look at the contestants and made me think more about how the delivery in said challenge can greatly impact the outcome. In this paper I analyze the contestant who came in first compared to the one who came in third. This paper allowed me to grow because I assumed a perspective I don't usually do. Normally when I watch pitches like this I think about what makes their project good in comparison to others. In contrast, I was not thinking about what their mission was for this paper, instead breaking down how their story is told and how the judges may have weighed this when ranking them. I am happy I had to do this assignment and look forward to thinking more critically like this in the future.
Do Good Challenge Contestant Analysis | |
File Size: | 16 kb |
File Type: | docx |
How I can apply what I have learned:
I have gained a better perspective into nonprofits and how they interact with various parties in the world. I will use this knowledge to hopefully get involved with one that I like and create change through volunteer work. I will also use what I have learned to inform others and help them gain knowledge they lack in the subject. Additionally I will recommend this course to others, as it is lead by a great professor who cares a lot about her students and what they learn. |
My plans for the rest of UMD:
I now plan to declare and double major in Supply Chain Management and Management with a minor in Public Leadership. I hope to get involved with a few clubs next semester and resume "normal" life. I have gained a great friend group and am excited to be living in a house in Old Town next year. I look forward to going to football and basketball games as well as taking advantage of everything this campus has to offer. Post-graduation I hope to be an event manager for a large company or sports team. I am very good at planning and coordinating events and love when people come together to have a good time because of something I have done. I do not have a dream job in a dream company. Instead I plan to base the rest of my life around doing what makes me happy and helping others along the way. |
Updated Resume | |
File Size: | 17 kb |
File Type: | docx |
What I learned in PL
I am very grateful that I was in the Public Leadership program. I initially wanted to be in the Business scholars program but looking back feel this gave me a much better perspective and has made me a better person. I have met great people through this program, cultivating life long friendships and learning the meaning of true camaraderie. I have learned about how to be effective in negotiation without giving in. I have also learned more about public speaking and leading others. Additionally I have gained a much greater perspective into the complications and challenges of the world. I have learned how to be sensible and respectful to people who are different than me. I have learned how to find common ground when there appears to be none. I am more confident in the person that I am today than when I attended the first PLCY class and am excited to use the skills I have gained so far to grow further.
I am very grateful that I was in the Public Leadership program. I initially wanted to be in the Business scholars program but looking back feel this gave me a much better perspective and has made me a better person. I have met great people through this program, cultivating life long friendships and learning the meaning of true camaraderie. I have learned about how to be effective in negotiation without giving in. I have also learned more about public speaking and leading others. Additionally I have gained a much greater perspective into the complications and challenges of the world. I have learned how to be sensible and respectful to people who are different than me. I have learned how to find common ground when there appears to be none. I am more confident in the person that I am today than when I attended the first PLCY class and am excited to use the skills I have gained so far to grow further.