Senior 33

I am heavily involved within my local church community. I have been a member there since the opening of the church. With the decision of the church to start a dance team, I was interested. In my interest in the dance team, I joined and had a great experience. My first leadership position was as the team lead. This position allowed me to work closely with other team members. As a team lead, it was my job to ensure that we were able to collaborate well. Sometimes we would disagree or emotions might get involved. I had to encourage everyone to work together so that we could positively support each other. This allowed me to lead by example. I needed to demonstrate an attitude that helped the team move forward by showing how they could maneuver different situations.

As I progressed over the years, I became the assistant director of the praise dance team. As the assistant director one of my responsibilities is to lead the team through rehearsals and performances. I also work with my team to choreograph dances, select music, organize rehearsal times, and teach dance steps for the team to be well prepared when we minister through dance. I serve as a motivator for the team. When we struggle, things get tough or are distracted with things within our lives, it is my goal to make sure that I uplift them. It is important for me to also understand and learn the strengths of each team member. This ensures that I work with them to help them grow their skills and learn the dances in a way that helps them retain the moves. Additionally, I have communicated well with team members in ways that they can receive. This makes it easy for feedback and guidance. I always let them know that they have my full support. Ultimately, all of these responsibilities help to maintain a great healthy relationship with our team as a whole.

Going out into the world I hope to use some of the skills I have learned with my current leadership positions to empower other leadership roles. In college, I hope to be in leadership positions that force me to use my communication skills. This would require me to not only be able to listen to others, but also receive their feedback. All of which is a win-win situation for all parties involved. I plan on using skills to further my collaboration with others. One thing my current leadership roles have done is push me out of my comfort zone. Collaborating with others will allow me to diversify my environment and learn how to work with people as an adult. 

Not only will I be able to demonstrate leadership in college, but also when I enter my nursing career. I will advocate for patients to ensure that they receive the care that they need. I will work with my colleagues to make sure that we are all on the same page as it pertains to patients on the floor. I believe that as a leader it is important to continue to learn and grow. As a nurse, I will be able to watch other leaders and learn how to improve my leadership.