Evidence of Competency: Narrative of Promise

This narrative review highlights my competency in both leadership and communication. I

believe these two narratives specifically highlight my strengths and areas of growth. I would also

venture to say that is also focuses on my commitment to the field of higher education. I believe that

these two narratives definitely speak to who I am and what I have contributed and what I will contribute

to the field on the future. Ray Tennison and Willie Gore were both able to share the some concrete

examples of how I lead, things I designed, my interpersonal interaction and my daily communication. I

believe this artifact fits reflective leadership because of my ability to learn, lead, and empower other

which was shared throughout their narrative. I would also say how Willie shared my appreciation for

the field and how I articulate my passion.

These past two years Ray was able to be provide me the opportunity to learn and grow from

him. I was able to seek new knowledge and development through you. As my past supervisor he was

able to see me grow and lead. I worked directly with Ray my first year as an Assistant Resident Director

for Mertz Hall a first year community. My first year was no easy year, I was faced with many challenges

some being homesick, work life balance, anxiety, family issues, and overall expectations. Ray was able

to ease some of that and mentor me in a way that I would be receptive. Some of the major thing that

we worked together with is the overall maintenance and community building of residents’ hall. I also

worked closely with him in conduct and crisis management. Ray had enough faith in me to share work,

dreams, and the vision with me. He accepted my eagerness to learn more each day and my sheer joy

over the little things. These past two years through supervising me he has shown me how to

development as a new professional. I realized very quickly through his leadership the power of a

mentor and to have someone cheering you on. These past two years he has also provided me an

opportunity to reflect on my ability to lead others and empower students in my various capacities.

Willie Gore is a first year graduate student in the Higher Education Program and a graduate

assistant in the Department of Residence Life. Willie Gore is one that I can honestly say that kept me

grounded and pushing forward this semester. Ever since he was visiting on campus for the initial

housing graduate assistant, I knew we connected but did not understand. Yes some would say because

we share some identities but that was not it. Willie allowed me to mentor him and support him. We

shared many of the same struggles in terms of being African American student as a predominately

White institution. Through this our relationship grew stronger and stronger. I work with Willie on

different projects and committees within the department and outside the department. Willie and I have

been able to support one another and I am happy that I can be a role model for him. The support that

we show and give to one another in our assistantship and our coursework was important for the both of

us as we progress in our academics and our assistantship. As I was reflecting on this letter one thing

Willie have taught me was to understand truly why I do the things I do. Why do I wake up in the

morning and go to work each day? The question remains “What is your Why?” That is something you

asked me on the first day we meet and I appreciate that because I believe everyone should be able to

articulate their why.