One of the best feelings is making a discovery. It comes differently to each individual but makes an equally huge impact. I discovered that one does not have to guide a country or create a non-profit organization to be considered a leader. Simply doing an act of kindness for a school, community, or strangers and noticing the change it can bring is enough to be labeled as a leader. I recall a time when I was near two kids chatting. The younger child spoke eagerly about learning the significance of Black History Month and emphasized her desire to be a leader. Processing the amount of passion she had, I heard laughter coming from the older boy. He made remarks like “You never see girl leaders” or “Do not dream something you cannot achieve.” Those comments ached my heart. The smile faded from the girl’s face and silence took over her voice. My once shaking legs were sprinting towards the children. Six years later, I have never forgotten three things that happened that day; her smile at the beginning of the story, her smile after I lectured the boy, and the minute I registered the true meaning of being a leader and the aspiration to be one.
I experienced an aspect of leadership through organizing my school’s fundraiser. I convinced the administration that I would gladly coordinate the event despite their idea of not having one. Students and teachers came up to me and said I was wasting time and it was not going to turn out successfully. I was hurt at first, but I accepted the challenge. The next three months I focused on my goal, not the obstacles. I stayed after school and received help from classmates to make the fundraiser an enjoyable yet an educational night. The event turned out magnificent and I learned the importance of trusting myself because the decisions I make are the ones I will follow for the rest of my life.
At the end of the year, the newspaper staff run around the school handing out their hard work. I have been a part of this great experience since 6th grade. I have a small school so there are not many participants in the newspaper club. Nevertheless, I never saw the population as a weakness but rather utilizing every person’s skills effectively and working as a team. This extracurricular gave me a chance to become a role model for potential members. I started out as a writer, discussing topics happening around the world and other meaningful subjects. I later became the Editor in Chief in 11th grade, spending late nights editing each article and printing it for the entire school to see.
In 10th grade, I earned the position of becoming Student Council’s treasurer. I realized how crucial this role is and the amount of responsibility that comes with it. I learned there is constant money calculation, keeping an updated record on profit made, and most importantly, integrity. In such a time-consuming process, I was devoted to my position no matter how filled my schedule was. My target throughout STUCO was for students to look at fundraisers as giving back to the school, instead of a waste of money. I would constantly encourage my peers and others to participate. Having the ability to inspire people and show what a great help their involvement can be is vital in any association.
The National Honor Society had a complicated application process but was worth the opportunity. It is a pleasure to be a part of NHS for three consecutive years. Not only have I enjoyed these past few years, I have also learned from my mistakes. These have made me stronger, patient, and a reminder to always better myself. I was given the privilege to be NHS’s treasurer and to plan group projects. This position has made me realize how much faith has been bestowed upon me and a way to continue building my character.
I am the fundraiser coordinator for my school’s organization named Mercy Youth Leadership Committee (MYLC). In this group, I share my opinion and come up with creative ideas that would increase the chances of gaining a higher profit. I put in a lot of effort in all the fundraisers and the outcomes have been very successful. I also give a presentation on various topics in front of younger grades every other week. This has helped overcome my fear in public speaking and allowed me to openly communicate in front of anyone.