Lifelong Learning & Professional Growth: Lessons from Public Service
Continuous Growth & Skill Building
My time in graduate studies and professional roles exemplify my dedication to lifelong learning. I actively seek out opportunities to expand my knowledge, tackle new challenges, and develop skills that I can use in any situation. By being curious, adapting to new circumstances, and upholding confidentiality, I can navigate the complexities of public management, conduct meaningful research, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
Curiosity
Curiosity is the driving force behind learning, growth, and discovery. In my undergraduate state and local government class, I fell down my first real "rabbit hole," sparking my passion for studying patterns in social behavior and governance and sending me on an exciting journey of exploration and discovery. While I cannot say that my time at the Bush School has made me more or less curious, I can say I learned to harness my curiosity as a tool for cultivating open-mindedness.
In my first class at the Bush School, Foundations of Nonprofit Organizations, I experienced a transformative shift in my approach to curiosity. My group chose to focus on the issue of childhood sexual assault and conducted interviews with the District Attorney's Office, the Police Department, and several nonprofits in the Brazos Valley Area. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and having previously worked with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, I had preconceived notions about the areas that were lacking and the improvements that needed to be made. For instance, I assumed that law enforcement and the justice system were not adequately trained to handle cases involving child victims and that the lack of effectiveness primarily resulted from societal stigmas. However, by embracing curiosity and diving down the rabbit hole of research, I gained a more comprehensive awareness of the spectrum of experiences and perspectives surrounding this issue.
Through our interviews and secondary research, I realized the prevalence of other barriers to effective sexual assault victim care. These challenges stemmed from a lack of consistency in how authorities define sexual assault, a general lack of education for victims and their families on navigating the reporting and treatment processes, and the limited capacity of supportive entities, such as therapists and trauma counselors, to meet the growing demand for their services. This experience fundamentally shifted my approach to working in "familiar territory," teaching me the value of setting aside my assumptions and approaching each situation with a fresh, inquisitive mindset. By allowing myself to explore beyond the boundaries of my current understanding, I opened the door to personal growth, empathy, and innovation. As I continue my journey in public service, I am committed to nurturing my curiosity and embracing the unknown.
My team and I after our presentation on the government and nonprofit response to Childhood Sexual Assault in the Brazos Valley
Adaptability
Adaptability is a crucial skill in today's fast-paced, ever-changing world. It involves being open to new experiences, learning quickly, and adjusting to different situations and challenges. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I demonstrated adaptability by learning new software skills and being flexible in my approach to problem-solving.
My role as the Technology Manager for my capstone group showcases my adaptability in action. Tasked with uploading, coding, analyzing, and interpreting data, I served as the go-to resource for troubleshooting technological issues and bridging knowledge gaps within the team. Recognizing the project's time-sensitive nature, we strategically selected software platforms that aligned with the majority of our group members’ existing skill sets. I dove into learning new software functions and sharing my knowledge with others, empowering everyone to contribute effectively to the project. To expand my toolkit, I tackled mastering LimeSurvey and Atlas.TI alongside my primary skills in Qualtrics and NVIVO. Adapting to project needs and team preferences, I became adept at seamlessly switching between platforms, demonstrating versatility in diverse technological environments. These experiences taught me the importance of being flexible and open to learning new tools and approaches. As I move forward in my career, I continue to embrace adaptability as a key strength, enabling me to thrive in dynamic work environments and contribute to the success of any project or organization.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a pillar of professional ethics, fostering trust, respect, and privacy in the workplace. It is about protecting and respecting sensitive information and maintaining the privacy of individuals and organizations. In today's interconnected world, handling confidential matters with discretion and integrity is more important than ever.
Working with County Attorneys, Victim Assistance Coordinators, Professors, Administrators, and City Managers has instilled in me a deep respect for confidentiality. However, it was during my time at the Bush School that I truly understood its significance, especially in resolving internal team conflicts. By handling each team member's concerns discreetly, I fostered productive discussions and effectively navigated conflicts. Acting as a mediator allowed me to practice active listening, empathy, and impartiality, all while ensuring the confidentiality of information. This approach enabled me to cultivate trust, establish a safe space for open communication, and uphold positive team dynamics. Demonstrating my capacity to handle sensitive information with care and discretion has solidified my reputation as a reliable and trustworthy team member. As I progress in my career, I continue prioritizing confidentiality as a core value, fostering strong professional relationships, and contributing to a healthy and productive work environment.
The Path Forward
My graduate school and professional experiences instilled a commitment to lifelong learning through curiosity, adaptability, and confidentiality. By nurturing my curiosity, I learned to approach challenges with an open mind, constantly seeking fresh perspectives that drive both personal and professional growth. Embracing adaptability, I cultivated a versatile skill set, allowing me to excel in ever-changing environments and contribute effectively to any project. Through prioritizing confidentiality, I built trust, earned respect, and formed close professional relationships, laying a solid foundation for a successful career in public service. Looking ahead, I am confident that these core values and skills will continue to guide me as I strive to make a meaningful impact and achieve my goals in the field of administration.