Alumni Essay 11

Participating in the Youth Lead KC program has been one of the most transformative experiences of my high school journey. As a three sport varsity student athlete, I entered the program believing I understood leadership. However, Youth Lead KC challenged me to think beyond titles and achievements and reflect more deeply on what it truly means to lead.

Before joining Youth Lead KC, I viewed leadership primarily through the lens of athletics. Serving as Captain in Cross Country, Track, and Basketball, I believed leadership meant setting the example through hard work, discipline, and performance. While those qualities remain important, Youth Lead KC helped me recognize that leadership also requires intentional listening, empathy, collaboration, and the courage to engage with perspectives different from my own. Through team building activities, open discussions, and community engagement experiences, I learned that effective leaders create spaces where every voice is valued.

One of the most impactful aspects of the program was interacting with students from different schools and backgrounds across the Kansas City metro area. Hearing their stories broadened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our community. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and strengthened my communication skills. I grew more confident speaking in group settings, facilitating discussions, and respectfully sharing my viewpoint.

Youth Lead KC reinforced the importance of character driven leadership. I learned that integrity, accountability, and humility are just as essential as confidence and ambition. In athletics, I now focus more intentionally on encouraging teammates who may feel overlooked, mentoring younger players, and fostering unity within the team. In the classroom, I strive to contribute thoughtfully to group projects and support classmates who may be struggling. The program helped me understand that leadership is not about recognition, but it is about impact for others.

In college, I plan to major in engineering. The lessons I learned through Youth Lead KC will guide me as I pursue this path. Engineering is not just about solving technical problems, but it is about designing solutions that improve lives. I will use the collaboration skills, open mindedness, and sense of civic responsibility I developed to positively change communities. I also hope to remain involved in service oriented and leadership organizations like I have in high school to continue to grow while helping others develop their potential.

To me, “leaving a legacy” means creating a lasting, positive influence that extends beyond personal accomplishments. It is not defined by trophies, titles, or awards, but by the way you treat people and the opportunities you help create for others. In high school, I left a legacy by starting and building a Claw Crew organization that uplifted others at school sports events to bring a positive culture to my school. As senior leaders, we noticed we were changing the culture through our sports involvement; however, the student body wasn’t supporting the change.  So the Claw Crew helped change the student support and built a culture of school pride. If younger students or teammates feel more confident, supported, or inspired because of my example, then I am leaving the kind of legacy that matters most.

Youth Lead KC has helped me see leadership as a lifelong journey of growth and service. It has shaped me into a more thoughtful, aware, and purpose driven individual. As I move forward into college and my future career as an engineer, I am committed to using what I have learned to lead with character, serve with intention, and leave a legacy that positively impacts my community for years to come.