Olivia Thompson

To graduate with distinction from Radford University as a Scholar-Citizen Fellow, one must demonstrate their mastery in the five standard learning outcomes of the Scholar-Citizen Initiative. This reflection will serve alongside the SCI Work Matrix provided on this eportfolio, as explanation to why I chose each paper or reflection to exemplify each learning outcome.

SLO 1 is Critical Analysis.To demonstrate my mastery of critical analysis, I have included the analysis: “Is gender identity disorder an appropriate psychiatric diagnosis”. This paper utilizes a debate in Taverner & McKee's, Taking Sides Clashing Views on Human Sexuality, in which I discuss the contrasting viewpoints held by each side, as well as my beliefs about the complex issue. I have also included my work: “A study of the structural nature of poverty and violence in the new river valley”. This paper discusses the conflicting viewpoints of society, centered around Mark Robert Rank's theory of the structural nature of poverty. This paper demonstrates the perception of poverty as either a structural failing, or an individual failing and the outcomes of each viewpoint. I analyze this complex issue in relation to poverty in my surrounding community.

SLO 2 is Making Connections. To demonstrate my ability to make connections between my academic study and my participation in civic life, I have included a “Reflection one billion rising”. This paper reflects on my experience with one billion rising, a pledge to end sexual violence and promote the equality of women. I chose this paper because I was able to connect my study of gender inequality and community violence, and service to the community. I turned one billion rising into a clothing drive to raise clothing for sexual assault victims aided by the Women's Resource Center of the New River Valley. I have also including my “Reflection Floyd county farmers project”. This paper reflects on my experience doing qualitative research through interviews of Floyd County Farmers. I chose this paper because it demonstrates my ability to connect sociological thinking and coursework to ethnographic field work. This paper describes the importance of this real-world work in preserving culture.

SLO 3 is Ethical Reasoning. To demonstrate my ethical reasoning I have including my “Reflection vagina monologues 2015”. Because this was my third time attending the Vagina Monologues, I have evaluated the show differently overtime which demonstrates growth in ethical reasoning after new knowledge has been gained. This reflection includes the guide that I wrote to facilitate a conversation after the show. The conversation allowed others to participate in their own ethical  reasoning centered around the idea of how women are seen. I have also included “Intersectional perspective on technology and gendered bodies. This paper is a theoretical analysis that connects different ethical perspectives and sociological concepts with modern issues such as medical technology, media, and health and fitness and their impact or control over the genderization of bodies. I also included a “Textual analysis youtube and forced gender”. This textual analysis utilizes youtube videos and to discuss the societal and individual implications of forced gender, and intersexuality. This paper also discusses how different ethical perspectives can be called upon to express this topic.

SLO 4 is Problem-Solving. To demonstrate my problem solving skills I have included “A study of the structural nature of poverty and violence in the new river valley”. I have included this paper in this section also because, it shows the importance of finding solutions to structural problems to discover the source of the problem. This paper shows the impact on blaming the individual for their poverty, and the cyclic nature of this cycle in creating a system that inhibits people stuck in a cycle of poverty. This paper looks the issue of poverty in a specific community, to try and demonstrate awareness of contextual factors. I have also included “Regressive treatment for disorders of sex development (dsd) in a world of evolving and infinite gender”. This paper explains the importance of maltreatment of people with dsd, and its impact on gender and societal perception. This paper utilizes global research and data to justify purposed solution, and justify future treatment of patients with dsd. Lastly, I included “Reflection Vagina monologues 2015”. I chose this paper for this section also because it demonstrates a direct way to solve problems. A large part of the problem of inequality between sexes, is perception, socialization and influence of media. By hosting a conversation to discuss different perspectives on similarities or differences of sex, this in itself is a beginning to a solution to the problem. Biases and beliefs change through opinion and awareness. Awareness can be derived through conversation.

SLO 5 is Integrative Learning. To demonstrate my understanding and experience with integrative learning, I have included 4 reflections (including this one), which are detailed accounts of my experiences at Radford University. “Interview Day floyd county- roots with wings project” is included to demonstrate my reflection of the interview day for the Floyd county high school students whom I mentor in my internship. This reflection discusses how my coursework, mentorship, and skills learned in past and present connect to the final interview day. This paper shows how my internship is meaningful in my civic experience. The reflection explains the use the interdisciplinary teamwork utilized in this project to achieve a common goal. The “reflective autobiography”, “capstone reflection part 2”, and this “capstone reflection part 1” help to further show academic, and civic growth and development. These papers discuss connections between experiences, materials, courses, past experiences and future personal and career goals.

Thank you for reading my eportfolio! For an in-depth reflection on my RU journey, please read part 2