TLC Spring 2017 Reflection paper

1. Kim Maksim
Student ID: 004538623
TLC Reflection Paper
Our world definitely needs more leaders, but what does it mean to be one? Throughout
Tukwut Leadership Circle program speakers and invited guests have made me reconsider my
idea of leadership. A true leader is a person, who has a courage to bring his vision into reality, he
leads people showing them the right path, acting as an example of inexhaustible enthusiasm,
optimist, integrity, passion and open-mindedness.
Painting with the clients at Mountain Shadows strongly impacted me. Even though
sometimes it was difficult emotionally, volunteering there is an invaluable experience that made
me value the things I have in my life even more. Also, it showed me that people can overcome
any difficulty no matter how challenging it can be. I am happy that life has given me a chance to
be involved in such a wonderful humanitarian project.
There were two SMART goals that I set with Paulette. First goal was to complete TLC in
one semester and attend at least three M:POWR days, the other goal was to enhance my English
language skills with the emphasis on speaking and writing. I was able to attend one weekly
M:POWR, one on Saturday, and an intensive M:POWR. I am planning to help at the auction in
April as well. My English language communication skills have developed significantly and I am
working on my writing currently.
The workshops that I attended and overall TLC experience surely will help me to achieve
my career goals, since I want to work in the field of NGOs in the future. Thus, leadership and
intercultural skills are integral parts of my potential job. Currently I am taking an Intercultural

2. Communication class and the knowledge that I have got at the TLC workshops was very helpful
during our lectures and assignments.
There are so many things that you can do in CSUSM and so little time that you have as a
student. For my campus engagement, I attended different events like Bingo Night, Crafternoon
Tea, ALCIs’ Global Partnership Program, Movie Nights and International Coffee Hour. As for
my civic engagement, I am very grateful that I had a chance to volunteer at the Mountain
Shadows and Muramid Art Centre. Besides, every week, I volunteer at San Marcos Dog Kennel I
help to maintain the premises and care for the dogs in the shelter. Among my responsibilities is
taking the dogs out for walks and this job gives me much joy and happiness.
TLC program components showed me how much time, dedication and courage you need
to become a true leader. Also, from Mr. May’s workshop I have learned that a true leader is a
combination of inborn qualities and working on oneself. Now as I know the “criteria” for a good
leader I will enhance the qualities I already have and try to get the missing ones.