My Experience in the LCC BAS-OLTM Program

Introduction

From a young age, I knew I wanted to attend college, but life had different plans for me. Becoming a mother has been one of my greatest blessings, and I was fortunate to spend most of my adult life as a stay-at-home. In 2021, I was injured on the job and had to undergo several surgeries. During that time, I began to reflect on my goals and dreams. With my children grown, I knew it was finally the right time to pursue the education I had always wanted.

In 2024, I graduated from LCC with my AAS in Medical Administration. That experience helped me build my knowledge and technical skills, but I still felt I needed to grow in other areas, especially communication and confidence. When I learned that LCC offered the Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership and Technical Management, I knew it was the right next step. This program has given me the opportunity to continue building on my education while also developing the leadership skills I had been missing.

What I Learned & My Growth

I have always preferred working alone because I set high standards for myself and do not want to impose them on others. Early in the program, I often dreaded group projects because I saw them as challenging and unpredictable. However, those group experiences turned out to be among the most valuable parts of my growth. I learned that not everyone thinks or works the same way I do, and that is not a weakness; it is an opportunity to grow. Instead of expecting others to change, I learned to adapt, take accountability, and become more flexible in my approach. I also made some lifelong friends who are encouraging and supportive.

Working in groups helped me to improve my communication skills and patience. In the past, I often avoided conflict because I did not want to create tension, but I learned that effective leadership requires honest communication and the ability to address problems respectfully. Courses such as Transformative Leadership & Decision-Making and Coaching & Mentoring helped me better understand how to lead with intention, think ethically, and support others through coaching rather than control.

I also gained valuable experience working with students from other countries through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects. Those opportunities helped to strengthen my understanding of communication, cultural awareness, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. They also reminded me that leadership is not just about getting work done, but about creating an environment where people feel respected, valued, and heard.

Another important part of my growth has been my role as a Scholar Lead and mentor to over 200 college students. Through that experience, I have been able to apply the leadership skills I have learned in the BAS-OLTM program to support others, share my experiences, and encourage students as they work toward their own goals. Courses such as Entrepreneurship & Financial Management were also central to building my problem-solving skills and helped me understand the importance of operational excellence and responsible decision-making in leadership.