University Honors Program
Experiential Learning Reflective Essay for Leadership
What has this experience meant to you? Within 30 days of completing a self-designed experiential learning
project, write a 1,500 – 2,000 word reflective essay describing your project, what you learned, and how this
experience will impact your future. The reflective essay is made up of three sections; each section should make up
approximately 1/3 of your reflective essay. The following questions are prompts for your reflection. You are not
required to respond to all of the questions, but you must address all bold questions. Please maintain this format
when writing your reflective essay and upload your completed reflective essay to the UHP database. Remember that
submissions are due on the 5th of every month; your reflective essay will be reviewed by your honors advisor
following that deadline.
Part 1: What?
 Provide a brief description of your experience. What did the experience entail? What was most
significant about this experience? How did the experience meet and/or differ from the expectations
you described in your proposal?
 How have you have made progress towards meeting at least 2 of the leadership learning outcomes you
identified in your proposal? Provide specific examples from your experience to illustrate your points.
Leadership learning outcomes:
 Possesses knowledge of various leadership theories and identifies with the characteristics of
leadership.
 Ability to exert influence and motivation and enable self and others to meet desired
objectives.
 Ability to relate, communicate and work effectively with peers.
 Develops a vision of the future and acknowledges the impact of decisions (as applicable to
the individual and affiliated organizations).
Part 2: So What?
 How did your experience impact your development (academic, professional, and/or personal goals)?
 What academic theories, readings, courses, or concepts did you rely upon to inform to your
experiential learning work? How did knowledge of this theory, reading, course, or concept contribute
to your learning in this project?
 How did the leadership theory(ies) that you studied influence your role (decisions, actions, etc.) as a leader?
How did you integrate the knowledge of the theory(ies) with the responsibilities of your role?
 Describe your leadership role during the experience. What are/were the most important goals of your role in
the experience? What were your measurements/milestones for success and achievement?
 Which leadership theory was best suited for you to utilize in this experience?
 What communication style was best suited for the group/organization impacted by your work? How were
your interactions with peers framed differently from your constituents? How was your communication style
received? Provide examples of how you adjusted your leadership to various constituents.
Part 3: Now What?
 If you engaged in this experience again, what would you do differently? What advice you would give to
peers who are preparing for similar experiences?
 How has your leadership philosophy changed as a result of this experience? What new concepts are you
taking away from this experience and incorporating into your existing leadership philosophy?
 How has this experience inspired you lead in other contexts of your life? What is your plan of action to
improve yourself as a leader in the future?
 A key element of any leadership role is ensuring individual and organizational sustainability and growth.
What kind of vision do you have for the project or organization in the future?
 How are you integrating what you learned from this experience into your life? What connections have
you drawn between this experience and other experiences both within the classroom and beyond?

How have you shared your learning with others and disseminated your work? Who was your
audience and what did they learn? What did you gain from the experience of sharing your learning?