Running head: LEARNING & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Learning & Leadership Development:

A Reflection on Leadership in the Academic Triangle

Marty Shafer

EA 8940: Professional Seminar

Christine Abbott, Ph.D.

Oakland University

May 5, 2020
 Learning & Leadership Development:

A Reflection on Leadership in the Academic Triangle

When I began the Education Specialist in Leadership program at Oakland University, I

had knowledge, education, and a lifestyle that was okay, but I knew I could be doing more. I was

inspired by the experience I had in higher education, specifically at Macomb Community

College where I was an English tutor for special needs, returning, and underprivileged students.

It was in this environment that I knew something about education needed to be reviewed,

because the stories I heard were not always a positive experience. Students explained how their

buildings were not equipped with the resources guaranteed for learning, or how their peers were

dropping out to join gangs and other affiliations. None of this seemed right to me. I wanted an

explanation. I wanted to know who was in charge. I thought to myself, “Why can’t I be in

charge?”

After being in the Education Specialist program, I feel like I am in charge. I understand

how actions pave the way for a future that leads to change. The information I have learned these

last two years has given me a set of skills I never knew existed. As a critical thinker, I knew of

perspectives but did not know that information could give you confidence to act within your own

realm. The ideas I have presented on in the classroom are plans that are laid out to benefit

students. I have made change in organizations that have not changed in years that will now

succeed because of it. My experience has been a rocky path, and I am satisfied with that.

Leadership is about practice and learning the truth, which is not always going to be a pleasant

experience. Sometimes you must ask the tough questions and receive the tough answers. As an

upcoming leader, I understand now that I need to be able to move on. When a door closes, I must

find another entrance. This was exactly my experience. Through the interviews and assignments
completed in this program, I did have people tell me my future is bright, it just is not where I am

now. So, I set out on a new embarkment in an environment I have not been in for years, but it has

paid off tremendously.

The truth about leadership is that it is all around you. No matter what you do or who you

are, there will always be opportunities for leadership. Leadership is another perspective that can

be learned. Once we value and understand the concept, our eyes see change. I like to think of

leadership now as if I am in the kitchen cooking for guests. You must balance everything in front

of you within a timely manner to make sure nothing is burnt or ruined for your constituents; not

to mention the heat and pressure is constantly building throughout the process. Not everyone

enjoys this sort of feeling, but I seem to thrive on this emotional ride. What I have discovered is

that if you are not nervous about what you are doing, then it means you are not really stepping

out of your comfort zone. Leaders are those who constantly want more and are not satisfied with

settling, which drives them to try new things and be willing to fail.

Educational leadership, however, is a special area that not many people are willing to

venture. Anyone that steps into this type of role deserves an honorable mention for they are on

the frontlines of society’s growth. Their decisions, actions, and reflection as a role model is what

molds the minds of our youth. For me personally, I am glad I have chosen this path. Even in the

darkest times and the draining mentality, there is always a vision of light that guides me further

into this journey. I am proud to say that I am in a triangle of education in the K-12 environment,

at the community college, and at the university level. As a transformational leader, I have the

bridges that students need to move forward from kindergarten to their professional career. I can

be their leader and their guiding light.