Alumni Essay 3

Participating in Youth Lead KC since ninth grade has shaped not only how I see leadership, but how I see myself. When I first joined the program, I thought leadership meant being the loudest voice in the room or holding the highest title. Over time, I learned that true leadership is rooted in service, consistency, and the willingness to advocate for others even when it is uncomfortable.

Through Youth Lead KC, I learned how to collaborate with people from different backgrounds, communicate with confidence, and think critically about issues affecting my community. I began to understand that leadership is less about recognition and more about responsibility. It means showing up, even when no one is watching. It means listening before speaking. Most importantly, it means using your voice to uplift those whose voices are often ignored. The program challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and take initiative rather than waiting for direction.

Outside of the program, I have applied these lessons through after-school tutoring on Wednesdays and my teaching internship on Thursdays. Working with younger students has taught me patience, empathy, and adaptability. I have seen how powerful encouragement can be when a student begins to believe in their own potential. Leadership in those moments is not about directing it is about guiding. It is about creating safe spaces where growth is possible. I have also learned that small acts of consistency showing up prepared, offering reassurance, and holding high expectations can make a lasting difference in someone’s confidence.

My involvement in dance has also strengthened my leadership skills in unexpected ways. Dance requires discipline, teamwork, and trust. Each performance depends on every member contributing their part. I learned how to lead by example through preparation, commitment, and accountability. Being part of a team taught me that leadership is sometimes quiet, expressed through reliability and steady effort rather than words.

As I plan to major in nursing and become a midwife, I recognize that leadership will continue to play a central role in my life. I am deeply passionate about addressing disparities in healthcare, particularly the treatment of Black women during pregnancy and childbirth. Black women are disproportionately affected by maternal health complications, and too often their concerns are dismissed or minimized. I want to be a healthcare provider who listens, advocates, and ensures that every woman feels seen and respected. Leadership in healthcare means standing firm in advocacy, even in systems that resist change.

The leadership skills I developed in Youth Lead KC communication, collaboration, accountability, and community awareness will directly shape how I practice nursing. Advocacy requires courage. It requires the ability to speak up in systems that are not always equitable. Youth Lead KC taught me that leadership is not passive; it is intentional and requires sustained commitment.

To me, “leaving a legacy” means creating change that continues long after I am gone. It means mentoring younger students who will one day become leaders themselves. It means improving healthcare experiences for families in my community. It means being remembered not just for what I achieved, but for how I made others feel valued, protected, and empowered.

Youth Lead KC did more than teach me leadership it helped me discover my purpose. I am committed to carrying those lessons forward, using my education and voice to advocate for equitable healthcare and to inspire others to lead with compassion, integrity, and courage.