My Honors Journey
Engaged Learning and Leadership
As I near the completion of my Honors journey at IU Indianapolis, reflecting on my Engaged Learning and Leadership (ELL) Plan and Journey Map from H200 offers a unique opportunity to assess how my goals, aspirations, and experiences have evolved. This section of my ePortfolio is designed to juxtapose the ambitions I set when I first entered the Honors College with the transformative experiences that have shaped me into the scholar and leader I am today.
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The purpose of this reflection is to illustrate my growth—not just academically, but also personally and professionally. My audience includes prospective honors scholars, faculty members, and potential mentors who are interested in understanding how engaged learning opportunities can foster leadership, critical thinking, and meaningful contributions to both academic fields and the broader community.
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Developing Research Competencies
Research in addiction neuroscience has been central to my academic journey. Leading a project on trauma and alcohol addiction, presenting at the 44th Annual MAUPRC, and contributing to a forthcoming publication have strengthened my skills and prepared me for graduate studies. This section highlights how these experiences have shaped my growth as a researcher.
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Leadership Development:
Through my Religious Studies major and Honors projects, I’ve led initiatives promoting diversity, inclusion, and interfaith dialogue as Principal of the Sunday School and Vice Chair at CIC. These leadership roles, rooted in academic growth, earned me the “Ambassador of Peace” award in February 2024.
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Service Community Engagement
Volunteering at the Indiana Women’s Prison and engaging in interfaith dialogue connected my academic interests in psychology and religion to real-world issues. Inspired by my Honors project in Religion Behind the Bar, I explored rehabilitation, solitary confinement’s mental health effects, and showcased my journey, earning the Sherrill Outstanding Student Award.
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Personal Growth
As an immigrant, navigating new academic and social landscapes shaped my personal growth. English isn’t my first language, yet through Honors projects, leadership roles, and public speaking, I’ve enhanced my communication skills, resilience, and cultural competence. Today, I confidently engage diverse audiences, embracing challenges as opportunities.
Journey Map
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Reflecting on My Journey Map
My Journey Map represents the transformative path I’ve navigated throughout my academic and personal life. It’s more than just a roadmap—it’s a story of growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
I began with Self-Discovery, where I uncovered my passions and academic interests. This phase sparked a sense of purpose, helping me understand who I am and what I aspire to achieve. It laid the foundation for my academic journey, instilling a commitment to lifelong learning.
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Moving forward, Academic Growth became pivotal. The decision to pursue a double major wasn’t just an academic choice—it was a bold step toward expanding my knowledge and challenging myself in new ways. This phase taught me the value of dedication, hard work, and intellectual curiosity.
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Through Research Experience, I found my true passion. Hands-on learning allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge, engage in meaningful projects, and develop critical thinking skills. It wasn’t just about the research itself but about discovering the excitement of inquiry and exploration.
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My journey continued with Leadership & Engagement, where I stepped beyond the classroom to make an impact. By taking on leadership roles and participating in community initiatives, I learned the importance of collaboration, empathy, and the power of diverse perspectives.
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The phase of Personal Growth was about more than academic achievements. It was about shaping my identity, embracing challenges, and learning to communicate confidently. Public speaking, interfaith dialogues, and community involvement transformed what once felt intimidating into a strength.
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Finally, Future Aspirations reflect my vision for what’s next. Guided by the lessons of my past, I look ahead with a clear sense of purpose, driven by the belief that growth is a continuous journey. The statements “I AM” and “I Want to Become” are not just reflections—they are affirmations of my evolving identity and aspirations.
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This Journey Map isn’t just about where I’ve been—it’s about how each experience has shaped the person I am today and the leader I aspire to be tomorrow.
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