Reflections on Personal/Leadership Development

             As of this moment, I have written, erased, and rewritten nearly a half dozen times on how to start this reflection. The moment I hear or read the word disappointment, I think of failure and fear of being incorrect. However, Rowitz writes as to the second value of six; “the more knowledge you gain, the more improvement occurs in your work activities.”¹ 

                The first fifty hours of my internship is dedicated to a literature review, mapping out gardens, and discover best practices to dictate the importance and the need for community gardens. Each week went by because problems kept arising that required my attention, my children's online education due to a pandemic, wildfires burning controllably north and south of my city, dangerous levels of air quality, the problems and excuses kept piling up. At that instant, I realized I had disappointed myself at the internship site. My mind was so focused on issues that I cannot affect change that it delayed my internship progress significantly. Also, responsibilities as a community leader of the Parent-Teacher Association of the local elementary school took away energy and time from focusing on my practicum, particularly on the mapping system. I realized that one PTA has been here in the past and will always be here in the future, and two, I need to focus on what is most important to me and the type of future I want for myself and my family. Focusing on goals requires strategic planning, which means establishing goals and objectives for myself is further needed.

                First, I removed the distraction and showed that as a leader, I must be willing to give it up so that others can lead. Resigning the PTA was probably once of the best decisions that I made as it took up too much time and was moving in a direction that required significantly more attention. Second, with my children learning from home due to the pandemic, the office of Health Black Families is currently sitting empty. The work environment is essential to limit distraction and focus on work. I have recently sent my request to my preceptor for the program director’s approval. This change, of course, allows me to focus on my work and accomplish more in a timely matter.

                The instance that reminded me of a public health leader was Dr. Paul Farmer and his experience working in Haiti. His bread project, although different than mine, also focused on nutrition sustainability and accessibility. However, it is the recognition of mistakes and understanding that serendipity makes instances hard to plan out. I need to be more like Dr. Farmer and go out of what I am familiar with and venture. I need to stop worrying if I am doing things right Or WrONg.

Reflective question

There is significant traffic ahead. Do you stay on the freeway, be stuck in traffic, or get off the freeway and deal with local streets and traffic lights?

Figure 1.1 – Deciding which path to take will have consequences, but what those consequences may result in the end is dependent on the choice of the course.

References

1. Rowitz L. Essentials of Leadership in Public Health. (Riegelman R, ed.). Burlington: Jones Bartlett Learning; 2018.