Douglas Lawrence

UWRT-1103 033
Professor Brown
11/17/15

Throughout my practicum I have been observing Brian Holcomb, a

director for the Venture program on campus. While I observed I was able to
experience the organization, communication, and support that Brian showed
as he taught. I entitled Brians characteristics as the literacy of leadership.
This, in fact, is a contemporary literacy, meaning that Brian exemplifies the
ability to perform tasks and share with others for the purpose of teaching.
Most of my observations of Brian occurred at the ropes course
represented in the visual medium. Here is where Brian led groups of people,
teaching them through his personal experiences, and providing insight on
the benefits of the Venture program. His leadership literacy allows him to do
all of this and more, he even teaches valuable real-life lessons along the way
that usually pertain to college life. Brian also went to college, he has
acquired these life points and he shares the importance of things such as
time management, teamwork, balance, and communication. All of these
ideals were shared within my time at the ropes course, where the groups had
to work in teams and accomplish their goals while communicating with each
other effectively. A few of the tasks were under time constraints, leading to
the time management lesson, and balance is completely necessary when

dealing with walking across suspended ropes. Brian managed to intertwine

all of these lessons through leading his class along the courses.
Understanding that Brian has affected the lives of numerous students
through leading has made me realize that in order to accomplish goals or
help others, I must take control. I wish to include this in my everyday life
because taking control of a situation at any given moment could inspire or
leave a lasting positive impact on someones life. This is exactly why the
literacy of leadership is important. This exposure to Brians literacy shall
remain with me for the rest of my life as I aim to lead others.
I have had little experience with leadership in my past, but I always
knew it was an important concept. As I continued to observe Brian, this
notion I had of leadership increased immensely, as I noted the positive
impacts it had on others. If everyone was to learn this literacy, we could live
in a society where people would constantly aid one another. This would be an
amazing feat, so I encourage everyone to practice this literacy. As I attempt
to master this literacy of leadership, I will teach others the importance
associated so that everyone can be exposed to the power of aiding others.