Define and describe key concepts from The Let Them Theory and apply them to your service-learning and leadership experiences.
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Assignment Overview
This essay asks you to critically reflect on your development as a current university student and emerging professional by applying the What? So What? Now What? reflective framework together with key ideas from Mel Robbins Let Them Theory.
Your goal is to move beyond general statements and identify specific, observable behaviors you will adopt or change to become the leader and professional you aspire to be.
Required Structure (APA 7 Format)
Your paper must include the following components:
- APA 7 cover page (student paper format)
- Running head not required (student paper)
- Page numbers (top right)
- 12-pt Times New Roman (or APA-approved font)
- Double spaced
- In-text citations
- Reference page
- No abstract
Introduction (Approx. 1 paragraph)
In your introduction:
- Briefly explain the purpose of reflection in leadership development
- Introduce the What? So What? Now What? framework
- Introduce Mel Robbins Let Them Theory as the conceptual lens
- Provide a clear thesis statement explaining how reflection will help you identify behaviors to develop as a student and future professional
WHAT? Description (3 Key Concepts)
This section focuses on objective observations about your current experience as a full-time university student. Avoid interpretation just describe.
Address THREE key concepts such as:
- A recent academic, leadership, or team experience
- A situation where you felt external pressure, comparison, or judgment
- A moment where you had to make a decision about priorities, boundaries, or goals
For each concept, answer:
- What happened?
- Who was involved?
- What actions did you take?
- What was the outcome?
SO WHAT? Meaning & Analysis (Key Concepts)
This section interprets the significance of your experiences and connects them to the Let Them Theory.
Analyze:
- Why the situation mattered
- What it revealed about your mindset, habits, or leadership tendencies
- How letting them (others opinions, doubts, reactions) influenced your stress, motivation, or decisions
- How the experience connects to your long-term professional identity
Focus on insight and meaning, not just description.
NOW WHAT? Application (3 Key Behavioral Commitments)
This is the most important section. You must identify THREE specific behaviors you will implement.
Avoid vague statements (e.g., I will listen more, I will be better at time management).
Instead, describe observable, measurable actions you will take.
For EACH behavior include:
- Behavior Description
- What exactly will you do?
- When and how often?
- In what contexts (class, work, relationships, leadership roles)?
- Connection to Let Them Theory
- How does this behavior reflect letting go of others opinions, reactions, or expectations?
- Leadership Impact
- How will this behavior help you become the professional or leader you want to be?
Examples of Strong Behavioral Statements (for guidance only)
- Scheduling and protecting two weekly deep work blocks where I silence notifications and decline non-urgent requests
- Volunteering to present at least once per course to practice confidence despite fear of judgment
- Requesting structured feedback after group projects and documenting one change to implement next time
(Do not copy create your own behaviors.)
Conclusion (1 Paragraph)
In your conclusion:
- Summarize key insights from your reflection
- Restate how applying the Let Them Theory supports your growth
- Briefly explain how these behavioral commitments will influence your academic experience and future career trajectory
Required Sources
You must cite:
- Robbins, M. (Let Them Theory source)
Reference Page (APA 7)
Include a properly formatted reference list on a new page.
Evaluation Criteria
Your essay will be assessed on:
- Depth of reflection
- Ability to connect theory to personal experience
- Specificity and realism of behavioral commitments
- Clarity and organization
- Accuracy of APA 7 formatting
- Use of citations
- 11 Paragraphs total
Requirements: look above

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