Final Project Overview
The global activity that I have participated in during my time at OSU has been the English Conversation Program through the Office of International Affairs. The English Conversation Program (ECP) allows international and domestic students to have the opportunity to expand their worldviews, improve their intercultural communication skills and make friends from different cultural backgrounds. Students are put in groups of four or five based on their availability and diversity of backgrounds to meet throughout the semester to have great conversations and experiences. ECP also helps provide a great experience for students by hosting events and sponsoring field trips to cool events all around Columbus to help groups bond and get off campus. The goal of the program is to provide the environment and opportunities for all Ohio State students to develop interpersonal skills, have meaningful conversations and meet new people face-to-face.
Within the program, I was a group facilitator, which meant that I led the assembling of my group and had to facilitate group events throughout the semester to help bring everyone together. As an English Conversation Program (ECP) facilitator, my role was dynamic and fulfilling. I was genuinely passionate about leadership and committed to fostering a positive environment for my group members. At the beginning of each semester, I attended mandatory orientations, ensuring that I was well-prepared to guide my group effectively. Planning and organizing regular group meetings were central to my responsibilities, and I always made an effort to find convenient times and locations that suited the members. Encouraging active participation and engagement from all group members was a key focus, and I kept coordinators updated with timely reports, including pictures, after each meeting. Overall, my role as an ECP facilitator was not just about fulfilling responsibilities; it was an opportunity to contribute to a vibrant and supportive language learning community, making the experience enjoyable for everyone involved.
Final Project Reflection
Being involved in the English Conversation Program during my junior and senior year, these past two years have presented me with the opportunity to make many friends through this program that I never thought I would meet before, which has been a transformational experience!
My experience as an English Conversation Program (ECP) facilitator has been incredibly enriching, offering valuable insights and fostering personal growth. One takeaway from this experience has been the importance of effective communication and responsiveness. Being prompt in responding to emails and messages, not only ensured smooth coordination within the group but also contributed to a sense of reliability and trust. This experience emphasized the significance of timely communication in any collaborative setting. In the future, I can apply this takeaway by incorporating it into various aspects of my personal and professional life, understanding that clear and prompt communication is fundamental to building and maintaining positive relationships. Along with this, practicing communicating with a very diverse group of individuals and making sure that everyone felt involved and was excited to meet up was a great learning opportunity to practice effective communication in a diverse workplace.
Another key takeaway revolved around leadership and group dynamics. Planning and organizing regular group meetings required me to consider the preferences and schedules of a diverse group individuals. Finding a convenient time and place for everyone highlighted the importance of adaptability and inclusivity in leadership. This experience has equipped me with the skills to navigate and balance diverse perspectives within a group. I can apply this takeaway in future leadership roles by fostering an inclusive environment, valuing diverse opinions, and adapting my leadership style to suit the needs of the group.
Reflecting on how this activity has impacted me, I found that it has significantly enhanced my organizational and leadership skills. Planning and conducting regular group meetings demanded meticulous planning and adaptability, honing my organizational abilities. Leading a diverse group of individuals has also strengthened my leadership skills, teaching me to navigate various personalities and preferences effectively. Additionally, the responsibility of keeping coordinators informed about group activities has improved my reporting and documentation skills.
Beyond skill development, this experience has instilled in me a profound sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Witnessing the progress and engagement of my group members, and contributing to their language learning journey has been immensely rewarding. The bonds formed within the group, coupled with the positive atmosphere cultivated during meetings, have left a lasting impression on me. This experience has not only deepened my appreciation for effective communication and inclusive leadership but has also instilled in me a sense of fulfillment derived from contributing to bringing together a community of individuals.
In conclusion, my role as an ECP facilitator has been transformative, offering valuable takeaways that extend beyond the realm of language learning. The experience has not only equipped me with practical skills that can be transferred to the workplace, but has also influenced my perspective on effective communication, leadership, and the impact of technology in collaborative settings. As I move forward, I am confident that these lessons will serve as a solid foundation for my future endeavors, shaping the way I approach leadership and collaboration in various aspects of my life.
Global Option Final Reflection/Accomplishments