COURSE REFLECTION

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For the final aspect of the LeADERS program, Service Learning, I chose to take Ethics, Governance, and Accountability, a public affairs and service course. My goal for this course was to see how my philosophy courses and knowledge could tie into public service, and I have not been disappointed. The course was split into three sections (per its namesake), each having a final essay we write on the topic. The first paper was on Governance, which I tied into the policy area of education. The second paper was about Accountability, which I tied into the policy area of law enforcement. The third and final paper was on Ethics, specifically ethical dilemmas, and we were tasked to look at three tricky ethical situations and write on how we would respond to each. I am very skilled at writing essays, but when I approached these essays I had a much harder time coming to confident and definitive conclusions, which meant I had to research more. Accordingly, these essays took longer than it normally takes me to write anything, because I was unsure how to behave as a public servant. I have come a long way in this field, and feel I am very prepared for public service solely due to this service-learning course. 

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WORK SAMPLE 

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Above are the first two of the aforementioned projects. As seen by the dates for each, there was a little under a month between the submission of each of these assignments. Yet, in just one month, my knowledge of public service grew exponentially, driving me to create a deeper and more effective analysis in the second of the two papers. By using class resources and texts from ODU's extensive online library database, I better outlined the purpose behind the topic (accountability) than I did with the topic from the first essay (governance). I also was able to draw from more authoritative research because of my experience in drafting the first paper. Though both were challenging, I was able to grow as a student to the extent that I provide better work each time I submit something. This shows linear development, even in a short period of time. 

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One reason I chose to take this course is that public service has a wide market for technical writers, as they need grant writers, proposal writers, copywriters, editors, and policy writers for all that they do. Being a public servant holds more weight than simply being an employee for a company because the public servant represents what the government stands for. Such a weighty position requires that we understand what governance implies, hold public servants accountable to ensure they are meeting organizational expectations, and understand the ethical implications that come with working with people. I leave this course feeling prepared for a line of work in public service and have gained many resources to refer back to as needed. 
 

​SKILLS DEVELOPED

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One major skill that was developed was the ability to work in a team structure. Although group work was minimal in the course, a majority of public service implies the servant is representing the whole and therefore must behave according to organizational standards. This means we have to be able to work well with others and collaborate on certain projects. I gained the most resources on teamwork in the accountability section of the course: this makes sense because people working in government (or government-like structures) heavily rely on a team structure, delegating work to certain employees, working collaboratively to accomplish tasks, and more. I now know proper guidelines for working in team structures, different forms of power hierarchies I may need to submit to as a servant, and other essential and crucial information needed for public service. 

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I also learned a level of technical knowledge through this service-learning experience. This course required a lot of research into the structure of government and its multitude of cabinets and organizations, meaning I studied a lot of the important texts on which this country was founded, specifically The Constitution of the United States. By learning this information, I have facts and details readily available by memory and have resources to reference if needed. Knowing my rights as a citizen of the United States is necessary before entering a career, because these skills do not disappear once I become an employee. This will also help me hold others accountable, especially people in power. This technical knowledge will benefit me in seemingly all areas of my future.

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LOOKING FORWARD

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This service-learning course revealed to me many kinds of texts that I may encounter in my future as a technical writer and ones that I may one day even be paid to write myself. Getting familiar with the certain language used, the formatting, the procedure, etc. is how a technical writer immerses themself into a company to be able to produce the intended work. By comprehending these kinds of texts, I can better translate them into common language that way they are accessible to all. I am also able to better act as a public servant if the opportunity ever arises. Having this course has well prepared me for technical writing, whether it is as a public servant or not. ​

 

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