Emerging Leaders Program Reflection Assignment

As part of the University of Detroit Mercy Emerging Leaders Program, I am required to submit two formal reflection essays in order to complete the Pin and Medallion requirements. These reflections are designed to assess personal growth, leadership development, service engagement, and alignment with the Jesuit and Mercy traditions of the University.

The purpose of these essays is not simply to summarize completed requirements, but to articulate how participation in the Emerging Leaders Program has shaped my character, leadership philosophy, and future goals. The reflections are meant to demonstrate intentional growth through service, campus involvement, leadership coursework, spirituality, mentorship, and reflection.

Each essay must be approximately two pages in length and double spaced.

PIN Reflection Prompt

Prompt:

1. How have the values associated with our founders (St. Ignatius of Loyola and Catherine McAuley), which inform the Universitys mission and vision statement, impacted you?

This reflection focuses on understanding and internalizing the Jesuit and Mercy traditions, including themes of service, compassion, dignity, reflection, ethical leadership, and care for others. The essay should connect these values to personal experiences and demonstrate how they have influenced personal growth.

MEDALLION Reflection Prompts

Prompts:

1. How have you been personally changed or challenged (in terms of how you see yourself, others, or the world) because of the completion of the ELP Requirements, including the leadership courses?
2. Are you inspired to carry on any of these activities after you graduate? Which ones? Why or why not?
3. How have these experiences enhanced your capacity to exhibit leadership? How has it helped you on the personal side or professional side of life?

This reflection focuses on leadership development through the full completion of the Emerging Leaders Program requirements, including community service, campus involvement, leadership coursework (LEAD 2000 and LEAD 4000), mentorship, spirituality, and structured reflection. The essay should demonstrate growth, intentional leadership development, and future application beyond graduation.