1-Reflect on the process of developing leadership level knowledge, skills, and practices in this competency. What has been especially impactful/meaningful/important to you personally and professionally? 

I believe research is a privilege. As my professors often emphasize, research is a form of service, for it advances the field and ultimately benefits those we serve. This reframe on research made me fall in love with it, especially qualitative research, which focuses on lived experiences. I was blessed to have had professors who mentored me in qualitative research while infusing the sacred responsibility for trustworthiness and rigor. To be published, serve as as a peer reviewer, and attempt to continue to the literature in our field is an honor that I never expected for my life. Gratitude abounds.

2-Describe an area of strength that you have developed while in the program in this area of competency. What is one way you plan to utilize this strength in your vocation? 

I am curious by nature; therefore, I know researchers must be humble in their curiosity. I had a professor during my master's level degree who called me a “pit bull” researcher. I believe the determination and perseverance I developed as a professional athlete also extend to this area of my life. I keep digging and I do not let go, he said. I believe that, with humility, this is a good attribute for researchers and scholars. To call myself a scholar feels weird. Read on.

3-Describe an area of challenge/growth opportunity in this area of competency. What is your plan to develop excellence in this area? 

I never had hopes to be a scholar, and I remember during my first doctoral class Dr. Sosin, who is a mentor and inspiration to me, stating we will be scholars. My self talk was, “not me.” Thus, my weakness was not being open enough. Well, during this program, this term got reframed. Now, I see being a scholar differently. It does not mean superiority, but humility, perseverance, and openness to outcomes we are not expecting. It also means integrity, which I find is one of the most important aspects of research and scholarship. To further develop my research and scholarship, I plan to remain open to the opportunities God provides to me.

4-Reflect on how faith in Christ relates to this competency. 

If research is serving, and serving is loving, then this competency aligns perfectly with my faith. Curiously and humbly exploring how individuals function, along with how they imbue meaning into their experiences, is first and foremost an act of honoring their voices, which may translate to an intrinsic belief that they matter. All human beings matter, for they possess Imago Dei, the image of God. This, in my view, gives humans tremendous worth, dignity, and value. My counseling name, supervision, and advocacy philosophies hold the Greek word poiēma, which translates to masterpiece or workmanship in Ephesians 2:10. The apostle Paul declares that we are God’s poiēma, His masterpiece, instilling each of us with inherent worth. I pray that by honoring people’s voices and experiences with integrity, they come to feel this truth deeply, and in turn, the ripple effect of that recognition continues.