Tunnel of Oppression

It has been my belief that us Otterbein students lead exemplary, oppression-free lives in comparison to the destitute places of the world. That view has somewhat changed since visiting the Tunnel of Oppression. While it is true that we have many first-world luxuries available to us that we, in many cases, take for granted, it is also true that those material and socioeconomic privileges do not make us a society free of oppression. These rooms were filled with degrading words, images, and statistics; each one screaming- begging to be heard, begging to be seen, begging for us to leave our ignorance of oppression at the door.

The moment we begin to face the issues of poverty, the need for gender-neutral bathrooms, the reality of the glass ceiling, and the harmful power of words themselves, we can begin to make positive changes for the better. The Tunnel of Oppression was about bringing these concerns to light and making each of us individually evaluate how we are either ignoring, or perhaps worsening them for ourselves or others. While it is true that many countries have significantly more life-threatening burdens to face, it is important to understand the cultural deficiencies of our nation as well. Only through heighten awareness can these factors hope to be overcome.

I found the Tunnel of Oppression to be an eyeopening experience. Going through with a group and having time for reflection at the end made it all the more impacting.

New Approach to Leadership

By far the most important lesson I have learned this semester in my FYS Women in Leadership class is that leadership does not being in a boardroom, the CEO chair, or with an impressive title. Leadership begins the day an individual on the front lines of reality begins to stand for what they believe in and lead others to a common goal. From the field, to the classroom, leadership is exemplified through both individual and team collaboration. Whether it's communicating internally between groups to increase productiveness or standing in the front to give a message, how you lead defines your character, and our speakers have taught me to never compromise that integrity.

Our leadership workbook has given me refreshed insight on the differing ways to lead, and what ways work best for me. I've discovered that I'm a peace-keeping mentor who will lead by example and closely manage others who work with me. Through organization, thoughtful communication and honesty, I strive to achieve my goals. The meaning of a fulfilling leadership position has changed for me since beginning this class. Through our "Follow the Leader" project and "Issue Essay" I have a greater awareness of the cultural issues other women in the world face. I now have a greater passion to not only be an effective leader, but to help other women into leadership positions as well.

The incomparable value of networking and need for self-awareness has also been an important lesson for me. Knowing my strengths and weaknesses shows me the qualities I encompass to be a leader and most importantly, where I have need to a mentor to give me guidance through my less-developed areas. A careful balance between professional, family, and personal life has been a thoroughly covered topic- and an important one at that. Successful leaders need to be able to balance their own health and relationships with an ongoing career. It has been extremely encouraging to hear from our speaker that is is indeed possible, and that the choice to have a family does not have to mean a step away from a successful career if you have careful planning.

As a young leader I strive to be a positive model for others through my actions and aspirations. Leadership can be practiced where I am right now in my life. Through my opportunity to work with the Girl Scouts program I have practiced mentoring others by simply encouraging others confidence and self-image. With more development I hope to someday be a positive model of leadership for many women, and it all starts now.

Leadership and Diversity

What does globalization really mean for the leaders of the world? Our perceptions and expectations may be seeing management that can adapt to a resulting culturally diverse society. Such changes in society mean that different kinds of people from numerous backgrounds will be in closer proximity than ever before-- to me an important and beautiful thing. Leadership will mean seeing, investing, and believing in the benefits of these cultural differences. Diversity means more than interconnected races. It also means gender, socioeconomics, class, disability, and a vast number of other things. We can expect modern leaders to be completely open to these kinds of cultural differences and able to present themselves as relatable sources of management.

Dream, Plan and Achieve

Everybody worries about finances and as a college student in the economy we have today, I rightfully should be. Mary Slane, owner of Slane Financial Group, had insightful tips for balancing both personal and business finances after leaving college

She places the utmost importance on managing personal finances first. How is it possible to uphold greater responsibilities if you can't budget for yourself? Be proactive and have at least six months of living expenses saved. Also, know your health and life insurance coverage and be thinking ahead for retirement.

Once personal income is managed correctly then prioritizing new goals, like investments or starting a new business, can begin.

Networking For Success

On September 21st we heard from three women in business on how to network on the corporate level and establish connections that will last a lifetime. They explained, meeting new people is so much more than collecting business cards and cigars; it's about lasting relationships. As said by corporation founder Mary B. Relotto, "Networking is essential to success," and is the process of "building authentic connections," with other business leaders.

Melanie Martin-Jones from Porter Wright explained that gaining a personal knowledge of someone builds trust and makes networking a two-way street. She gave a couple pointers:

• You don't need to meet everybody, just the right ones
• Define who you're looking for, for your company
• Follow up on connections
• Go beyond your industry
• Do your homework
• Networking is a contact sport
• Keep a record
• Volunteer
• Be yourself, be genuine
• Shut up and listen
• Don't waste the moment
• Don't expect anything
• Don't take rejection personally

We also heard from Andrea Nameche from Columbus Financial group who spoke about the power of a women's decisions in both the home and business level. Citing that 80-85 percent of all money decisions in America involve women, Andrea made the point that women have a substantial amount of control over their environments, and need to know how to culminate it.

Women intrinsically have incredible networking skills; the next step is to apply to efforts beyond the home environment, and into the board room

Resources For Leaders: A Discussion

On September 14th our class discussed the importance of knowing the strengths and weaknesses of oneself, and we heard from Executive Chasity Kuttrus on how to be confident in a business environment.

Chasity offered several coaching tips for succeeding as a leader and climbing the corporate ladder:

1. Be Confident- as a woman in the boardroom, it is essential to explicate an aura of certainty and boldness
2. Find a Mentor- have someone to act as a springboard- giving feedback on your performance and ideas
3. Be a Mentor- teaching is a reciprocating process and is therefore beneficial to both parties
4. Know Your Strengths- efficient leaders have a self-awareness of their skills, and also of their weaknesses
5. Don't Stop Climbing- never lose motivation to reach the next goal in life; break the glass ceiling and never back away from empowerment opportunities
6. Research- Continuously keep up to date on information in the workplace. Be the go-to source for others to seek guidance with
7. LinkedIn- a vital network for finding internships, employment, and building relations
8. Write Thank You Notes- get recognition with personal follow-ups, not just a quick email.

We also heard from Fitness Trainer Kim Fischer, Nutritionist Lynn Esselstein, and Strength Finder Patti Wilson. These women stressed the importance of staying healthy, and drew connections between leadership abilities and good fitness. Focus, strength, and overall good health are important factors for any leader. As women, it is vital to stay physically active and also take preventative measures against sickness and disease.

Awareness of oneself in aspects of health, fitness, leadership and networking skills is crucial to advancing in a competitive world. By establishing healthy habits and developing interpersonal communication skills, leaders can have effective resources and tools for being successful.

Reaction To A Speaker: Mary DeGenaro

On September 7th our class had the privilege of hearing from Judge Mary DeGenaro, from the Seventh District Court of Appeals. What was so captivating about hearing her speak was both the level of professional experience she has had in government work, and the valuable advice she gave on balancing a career with family.

Most of my life I have been told that I will ultimately have to make a choice between being a mother (eventually) and being a successful, powerful woman leader, and that the two will not come hand in hand. Mary was very quick to break down that institution of thinking. She explained that it is perfectly possible to balance family life with a professional career. Coming from a family where all of my elder women relatives have chosen to begin families instead of pursuing and obtaining college degrees, I feel so much pressure to be the first to complete a higher education. Mary DeGenaro's view was truly a revelation for my way of thinking about motherhood.

While some women tend to think in more feminist terms, that having a family is a burden..something to be avoided in order to achieve gender equality, Judge DeGenaro offered a middle ground for women in leadership to stand upon. Have a career that fulfills you, and then have a family to share your life with.