Working with the Senior Services department at St. Stephen’s Community House was an experience I will never forget and cannot express my indebtedness for greatly enough. As a result of my time, I learned a substantial amount about a future career in marketing and nonprofits, and how St. Stephen’s truly makes such an important impact on the Columbus community.

One of the most vital parts of my internship was that I obtained crucial experience in my future field. Not only did I develop my skills in Microsoft Office and graphic design, but I learned how to network better within my community and with others. I discovered how to meet the needs of clients and market in a way to gain new ones; I found that learning about St. Stephen’s needs first allowed me to do this in a successful manner. However, my favorite learning experience was working with a nonprofit. This was something I had never done before and a place where I finally found my love for serving others could merge with my interest in business; after a long search, this experience allowed me to find a career path that undoubtedly will bring me fulfillment emotionally and intellectually. Additionally, I realized what it is like to work in a positive, community-driven, unified environment, and no matter where I go, St. Stephen’s will serve as a point of unmatched comparison.

My time at St. Stephen’s also allowed for me to learn the difference in eleven miles. Growing up in New Albany, I did not even know what was occurring in my backyard. St. Stephen’s exposed me to another part of my community and why its work is so essential and needed within it. Poverty, inequality, hunger — these are just some of the issues the community hub tackles. Although these are not problems that can be fixed overnight, St. Stephen’s taught me that each decision I make should go towards doing what pulls at my heartstrings, if it’s solving world hunger, eliminating inequality, or anything else. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to continue to volunteer as deemed necessary this semester; St. Stephen’s is such a beneficial part of the community and I am thrilled to still be involved with my St. Stephen’s family in one way or another.

During my first year at Ohio State, I was required to take StrengthsQuest as a part of my participation in Mount Leadership Society Scholars. Although I resonated with my strengths, I did not realize nor reflect upon their accuracy until I had completed my Year of Service in the same scholars program. My five Signature Themes are as follows:

1. Empathy
2. Includer
3. Communication
4. Positivity
5. Woo

According to StrengthsQuest, these five are defined as such:

“People who are especially talented in the Empathy theme can sense the feelings of other people by imagining themselves in others’ lives or others’ situations. People who are especially talented in the Includer theme are accepting of others. They show awareness of those who feel left out, and make an effort to include them. People who are especially talented in the Communication theme generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words. They are good conversationalists and presenters. People who are especially talented in the Positivity theme have an enthusiasm that is contagious. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do. People who are especially talented in the Woo theme love the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over. They derive satisfaction from breaking the ice and making a connection with another person.”

Immediately upon receiving my results, and to this day, I wholeheartedly and strongly identify with empathy and includer. With my empathetic trait, I am able to understand the feelings of others very well, almost always without judgement. Similarly, with includer, I know the hurt and polarity that can come from exclusion, and strive to find the connections between all people that bring us together. I feel these strengths have been highlighted in countless situations: if it’s listening to and encouraging students at the Ohio Leadership Institute when they are doubting their abilities, or passing out donuts to everyone after a divided 2016 presidential election.

However, initially I was a little drawn back by communication and woo. I often view myself as too talkative and eager when expressing ideas, and that my people-pleasing trait sets me back in losing myself. Yet, StrengthsQuest allowed me to view these perceived weaknesses as the strengths they really are. My desire to communicate with others allows me to hear myriad perspectives, articulate my thoughts and feelings clearly, and present with gusto and confidence. Moreover, my “woo” and determination to be likable pushes me to forge all kinds of connections that I am so proud to possess. It also lets my friendliness and kindness to shine through.

In my Year of Service with the Ohio Leadership Institute and St. Stephen’s Community House, I have seen all my Signature Themes shine through. I have found that in moderation, all have their benefits and should not be looked upon as hinderances, but instead as ways to positively bring myself to a situation. These qualities heavily contribute to defining my leadership style and by knowing them better, I can see my potential more clearly.

Delta Delta Delta’s Nu Chapter Reference Chairman (2018)

Mount Leadership Society Scholar

Ohio Leadership Institute Staff Member (2016 – Present)

Provost Scholarship

FisherDirect Admit

Dean’s List (AU 2016, SP 2017, AU 2017)

Emma Jones LinkedIn Profile

Up-to-Date as of March 18, 2018