My vision in my work with VOC this year is to explore the intersection of adult literacy and community development. Through research, I hope to learn more about the connection between research and writing practice for adult learners; By working with a community organization, I hope to deepen my knowledge and understanding of the impact and challenges of working in a literacy program and how this translates into overall livelihood improvement goals and building a stronger community. Throughout the semester, I realized more potential to achieve my goals in my work and worked on different elements of my vision. Asset mapping is one of the highlights of this semester. Bergdall (2003) defines asset-based development as mobilizing the skills, resources and commitment of residents as well as others embedded in the region to strengthen the economic and social well-being of the whole the community. As I reviewed my personal assets map, I reflected on this definition of asset-based development and made connections about how I can leverage the resources I have for my economic and social well-being. Throughout the semester, I was intrigued by the connection between my personal strengths map and the organizational strengths map. Although the organization may use both internal and external resources, a thorough understanding of the organization's individual assets is essential to strengthening the functioning of the organization. My understanding of the networks, skills and interests that I bring to the table is critical to the organization, as it allows me to use these skills to leverage resources as a catalyst at the organizational level. About two years ago, I took an individual lesson...... middle of paper ......g with Professor Binder. Writing this last piece allowed me to synthesize my experiences, but I found it more difficult to reflect and make deep connections over the course of the semester. I would like to explore and develop a plan for an ongoing, thought-provoking, connected, and contextualized thinking process, as Collier and Williams suggest. I am committed to developing a more disciplined thought process for my work in communities as a learner and as an individual. Works Cited Bergdall, T. (2003). Reflections on the Catalytic Role of an Outsider in Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD)Collier, PJ and Williams, DR Thinking in Action; The learning-action relationship. Chapter 6.Illich, I. (1968) To Hell with Good Intentions. Conference on Inter-American Student Projects (CIASP). Address of Reitenauer et al. Build and maintain community partnerships. Chapter 2.