Alumni Essay 25

Leadership growth is a never-ending process. A continuous task that requires a special individual with the courage and ability to see it through. I have grown tremendously as a leader. I ensure I stay up to date with what is required of me, seek new information on how to be a better leader, and challenge myself and my skills. Through Youth Lead KC, I have been granted many opportunities to collaborate with others, understand the importance of being part of a team and being a leader, and contribute to something bigger than myself. Youth Lead KC is a melting pot of students, seeing many people from numerous backgrounds. Through the extensive network I have built through Youth Lead, I will apply my knowledge and experience to my future leadership positions and opportunities. I will analyze where my weaknesses and struggles lie as a leader, and apply them to how I will improve, expand my viewpoints, and develop. To grow means to look at your history, so you do not repeat the same mistakes and behaviors that allow you to remain in the same place or even decline. I refuse to take steps back, shy away from changing others positively, or become a stagnant leader. Leaving a legacy means leaving a mark on the hearts of those I meet. In that legacy, I shall pass down my best knowledge and dreams and allow others to carry on. A legacy does not have to be some huge, grand, and elaborate plan.  A legacy can be as little as passing on your positivity and love. Leaving the image of what being a leader truly means. Teaching others to be better. And that is the legacy I choose. I do not need a plaque dedicated to me or some golden shiny statue. All I need is to know that I inspired someone to be like me, the way those before me inspired me to be like them. All I need is to make a change in others, and leave the hope I had in my soul with others to kindle and spread. I want to be remembered as someone who never gave up. As someone who never let her fears restrain her, someone who was talented and had strong morals, and someone who stood up for others, and did what she loved with resilience. I do not know what the future holds, but I can say I am proud to have changed my community through Youth Lead. I know that the projects I worked on, the skills I have gained, the confidence I have unlocked, and the many field trips I attended allowed me to feel a little better about my changing future have left a mark on me. I have taken control of my future and have gained the foundation that will lift me to new heights. All I have to do is write my will, my statement, and allow future generations to work the rest out for themselves. To create true meaning in their lives, as I have once done. To become a leader who will make a legacy for themselves. And to change the world in their own, precious, and unique way.