Alumni Essay 28

Participating in Youth Lead KC challenged me to rethink what leadership actually looks like. Before the program, I believed leadership meant being strong, decisive, and always having the answers. Through Youth Lead KC, I learned that leadership is much more about listening, collaboration, and understanding the community you are serving.

One of the biggest ways I have grown as a leader is in my ability to see perspectives beyond my own. Youth Lead KC exposed me to students from different schools, backgrounds, and experiences. Listening to their stories helped me realize that effective leadership is not one-size-fits-all. Every person carries different responsibilities and struggles. As the oldest sibling in my family, I already carried a strong sense of responsibility at home, often stepping in as a second parent when my mom was not there. However, Youth Lead KC helped me understand that leadership also requires empathy — not just action.

The program emphasized communication and civic engagement. I became more confident speaking in group discussions, presenting ideas, and respectfully challenging viewpoints. Rather than simply stating my opinion, I learned how to ask better questions and encourage quieter voices to participate. That growth has influenced how I lead in other areas of my life, including in the Kansas Army National Guard and as a junior varsity volleyball captain. I have become more intentional about making sure everyone feels heard, whether it is a teammate after a mistake or a fellow soldier facing a difficult training day.

Youth Lead KC also strengthened my understanding of service. Leadership is not about personal achievement; it is about contributing to something larger than yourself. That mindset aligns closely with my experiences in the National Guard, where teamwork and accountability are essential. It also shapes my future goal of becoming a radiologist. Radiologists may not always be the most visible doctors, but their careful analysis and attention to detail directly impact patient outcomes. Youth Lead KC reinforced the idea that meaningful leadership does not require a spotlight — it requires dedication and integrity.

When I think about “leaving a legacy,” I do not think about awards or recognition. I think about influence. A legacy is the culture you create and the standards you uphold long after you are gone. For me, leaving a legacy means setting an example of discipline, compassion, and resilience. It means that younger students, teammates, or even my siblings feel more confident because I believed in them first.

In the future, I will use what I learned in Youth Lead KC by continuing to prioritize service and community involvement. Whether in college, the military, or the medical field, I want to approach leadership with humility and awareness. I want to listen before I speak, support before I criticize, and act with purpose rather than ego.

Youth Lead KC did not just teach me leadership skills; it reshaped my definition of leadership itself. It showed me that true leaders build others up, strengthen their communities, and create impact that extends beyond their immediate presence. That is the kind of legacy I intend to leave.