PERSONAL STATEMENT FOR APPLICATION FOR POSITION OF

SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION (SI) LEADER

14 May 2000

I am currently a sophomore biology major interested in pursuing a doctorate in Conservation Biology. I would like to further my experience in the field of biology by working as a SI Leader next fall and winter. I have successfully completed both Evolution and Physiological Ecology. I enjoyed the classes and would be committed to re-learning material. My primary motivation for applying for the position of SI Leader for either course stems from a personal desire to develop my leadership skills. The position of SI Leader provides me an opportunity to challenge myself now to develop skills I will apply in future teaching assistant positions and in graduate school. One of my goals during college is to improve my oral communication skills. Putting myself in a situation where it will be necessary to explain ideas and concepts in a way that is clear to others would help toward this goal. I think I would be most successful in an environment centered on ideas that greatly interest me. In addition, learning the information well enough to have the confidence to explain it allows me to simultaneously review the material for myself.

I have taken minor leadership roles such as leading group discussions and listening to others opinions in my classes. Background experiences I can draw upon to perform well as a leader include the month I spent at a field station inCosta Rica and my study abroad in Namibia. In these situations, I worked in groups with strangers of varying skill levels, attitudes, and personalities. This enabled me to learn how to recognize a person's disposition and communicate with them effectively. I now know that I am able to tolerate people with negative attitudes and work with them by focusing on their positive attributes. In the class Conservation Biology and Wildlife Policy, taken on my study abroad, I was required to analyze journal articles and led several group discussions about papers. Therefore, I have some experience guiding group study. I also believe that I show leadership by being a positive role model. I have a strong work ethic and make decisions after careful thought. Often, in group situations, I collaboratively use leadership skills. I am not afraid to disagree with the group if I feel strong enough about my point of view. I have always been a creative problem solver, an organizer, and someone that people turn to for advice. Active listening is one of the leadership skills I use most often. Because of my patience I think I can be a good resource for others. I enjoy learning and would like the opportunity to work with others to help them understand difficult material.

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