UPP 202 is an interesting class because unlike a lot of my other classes it emphasizes discussion over theory. These discussions in combination with the blog posts that we do require a lot of reflection about what I am learning. This can be difficult because there is generally not a lot of time for reflection. In English 160 and 161 there was also a lot of need for self a with the LRO assignments. The LRO, though sometimes redundant, was good practice for this awareness of my own learning.

The assignments for the first year of CCLCP were useful this year in that it showed me a general format and style for my work. It helped me understand the language used by non-profit organizations and their audiences. The fact sheet and brochure were good preliminary assignments to get me ready for the less structured assignments of this year.

When I started at UIC I thought of leaderships as an ambiguous buzz word. For me leadership was a concept saved for those in leadership positions. I understood leadership within a group at any age, but I don’t think I understood it’s capacities until recently. Now, when I think of leadership, I think of the ability to be optimistic about the future, whether that future is near or far. This kind of vision, I think, is necessary to create anything in society. Today, I define leadership more as optimism + vision.

The Daley Form was an interesting place to see political leaders first hand. I was struck immediately by differences in presenting styles in the different mayors, namely that of Giuliani and Daley. I noticed that Daley stuck his notes and stood behind the podium, while Giuliani stood directly in front of the audience, away from the podium, using lots of hand gestures and funny stories and references to 9/11. Giuliani’s presenting technique is well known as an effective one. However, I got the feeling that he was just a politician nursing the crowd. Maybe I’m just being cynical.

I noticed that all the mayors in the panel discussion had a distinct presenting method. All of them knew how to answer the questions diplomatically (sometimes resulting in not answering the question at all). Knowing one’s audience is an important leadership skill, one I’m sure Giuliani knows though it was not included in his speech.

I think Chicago has an important place as the Midwestern tourist attraction. It offers a unique environment in the world of tourism. I feel that Chicago, though a large city, still retains a small town feel, perhaps due in part of its many distinct neighborhoods.

I think Chicago has an important place as the Midwestern tourist attraction. It offers a unique environment in the world of tourism. I feel that Chicago, though a large city, still retains a small town feel, perhaps due in part of its many distinct neighborhoods.