LeADERS
During her time at Old Dominion University, Hadley participated in the LeADERS program. This program was designed to help students develop leadership skills in and out of the classroom. The program allows students to build their interpersonal, critical thinking, and intercultural skills through leadership, an ePortfolio, academic internships, diversity, entrepreneurship, research, and service learning. Through a variety of channels, ODU students involved in the LeADERS program develop a wide array of skills that can carry into their professional careers.
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Hadley's participation in the LeADERS program has set her apart in terms of marketability and increased her desire to continue professional development. The program has allowed her a rounded approach to her education, gaining experience in fields outside her degree. LeADERS stands for Leadership, ePortfolio, Academic Internship, Diversity, Entrepreneurship, Research, and Service Learning.
Leadership
Facilitating the Recreation Experience
The Leadership requirement was fulfilled in several ways during Hadley's time at Old Dominion. The main way was through her course, Facilitating the Recreation Experience.
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In this course, Hadley learned several leadership theories, effective communication techniques, lead and instructed portions of class, and presented article annotations. All of these were completed within pairings to mimic cooperative working environments. See some of her work below.
Academic Internship
Special Events Intern with Old Dominion University Undergraduate Admissions
Being a student in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Studies program meant Hadley completed an academic internship during her final semester. She interned with the Old Dominion University Office of Undergraduate Admissions under the Assistant Director of Admissions, Events.
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During her internship, she received hands-on learning within the fields of event planning and student programming. She completed weekly reports, midterm and final evaluation, and a project proposal and completion. She managed fairs held at each event and partnered with The Assistant Director of Admissions and Transfer Recruitment to create a brand new experience for Transfer Students.
Diversity
Diversity in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
The Diversity requirement was completed through participation in the Diversity in Parks, Recreation and Tourism course. This course highlighted the importance of inclusive programming and was based on the thought "a part from the start".
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This course emphasized the importance of creating programming no matter a person's background, race, age, gender identity, ethnicity, and more. During her time in the course, Hadley received Safe Space training as an Ally to members of the LGTBQIA+ community.
Research
Evaluation in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
To fulfill the research requirement, Hadley spent a semester in an Evaluation course. This course had students working in pairs to complete an evaluation of a community event. It required the completion of a post-event survey and a written report on the findings to send to the partner organization.
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Hadley worked with Katherine Guevara and the Norfolk Society for Cemetery Conservation (NSCC) to asses their annual Halloween 5K run, "From Here to Eternity". Both partners were tasked with writing their own final report and one would be selected to be the final report shared with the NSCC. In the end, Hadley's paper was the one selected.
Service Learning
Kappa Kappa Psi Honor Service Fraternity
Hadley participated in several service learning opportunities throughout her time at Old Dominion University. The one she found most rewarding was her time spent as a Brother of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honor Band Service Fraternity. Dedicated to serving University Bands, Hadley participated in several service projects for ODU as well as band programs in the community.
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Hadley served in several leadership roles during her time as an Active Brother as well. She started as the Secretary for 2020-2022, Vice President of Membership in 2022-2023, and Chapter President for 2023-2024. She hopes to continue her engagement past graduation as she wishes to continue striving for the highest.