Reflections on My Experience in the Community of Practice

Photo by Chang Duong on Unsplash

Through belonging to the community practice membership, I have had such an enriching experience. It has also been one of the most enriching experiences of my journey, especially at the University of Denver.  For me, this made me feel a sense of belonging, and this was great and this was fulfilling.  It means so much to be part of a community with like-minded people, community practice members.  In almost all the meetings, it was gratifying to have everyone share their involvement as well as their experiences in community practice.  The experience of having me share my story was incredible and life changing. As I was in those meetings, learning from everyone else while also being able to share my grassroots values of resilience, compassion, justice, and inclusion, was truly transformative.

You know what? Sometimes, as we engage with the community to make a difference in our diverse neighborhoods, we tend to overlook the significance of our contributions. We often underestimate our services. However, when we hear others share their impactful stories, it helps us recognize that even in our small and humble ways, we are touching lives and making a difference. That, for me, is the key takeaway: community engagement is powerful, even in its quietest forms.

Since joining this community, I have gained confidence and leadership skills. One of the most inspiring aspects has been our leader’s approach, delegating responsibilities while fostering trust and collaboration. This not only created space for us to grow but also demonstrated that I, too, have the potential to lead such a group. It strengthened my belief in inclusive, empowering leadership.

Our time together has also influenced the way I approach my scholarship and academic pursuits. Being led by someone who is navigating PhD studies while actively engaging in this community has taught me that multitasking is indeed possible. It has motivated me to manage my time more intentionally and to believe that academic excellence and meaningful community engagement can go hand in hand.

Looking ahead, I feel energized, inspired, and empowered to accomplish even more than I have in the past. This experience has ignited within me a desire to deepen my engagement and to be more strategic in creating sustainable and transformative change. I envision my work evolving with a greater emphasis on collaboration, inclusivity, and intentional impact.

One of the aspects I loved most about this community of practice was the regular meetings. They consistently left me feeling refreshed and uplifted. That rhythm of gathering created a sense of fellowship, belonging, and mutual encouragement that I deeply cherished.

Ultimately, what made this experience so positive and learning-rich was the combination of consistent engagement, inclusive leadership, and the safe space to both share and learn. The openness of the group fostered growth, reflection, and a strong sense of purpose. I leave this experience deeply grateful and more committed than ever to community-driven change.