Alumni Essay 33

All dressed up, looking put together on the outside, yet so uneasy on the inside, my group and I stood behind the double doors waiting for our turn to present. We listened to the group before us, knowing we were next. My hands were sweaty, my stomach felt like it was doing backflips, and one thought kept running through my mind…how am I going to speak in front of all these people?

I entered Youth Lead KC my freshman year unsure of what I was stepping into. I only knew it was an opportunity I needed to take. I had always been known as the “good” kid, someone kind, dependable, and willing to help in any way I could. I loved assisting others so much that supporting from the background became my comfort zone. I did not see myself as a leader. I thought all leaders had bold personalities and loud voices, neither of which I believed described me. I avoided confrontation, felt uncomfortable with too much attention, and never anticipated leading others.

As the years went on, the program stretched me in ways I did not expect. By junior year, growth was necessary due to 20/20 Olympics. Our Olympic project began with a large team, what started as ten quickly became four consistent members. With fewer people came greater responsibility. Instead of shrinking back, I had to step forward and do my part. Through this project, I grew tremendously in communication and initiative. We collaborated closely, even when our ideas didn’t perfectly align. We learned how to have productive conversations, how to compromise, and how to stay unified and on track with our vision. Networking was one of the biggest challenges. Reaching out to local businesses and nonprofits required confidence I did not have. Meeting with the school board and presenting our plans pushed me way beyond my comfort zone. Yet, each conversation strengthened my ability to speak and advocate for something bigger than myself.

When presentation day finally arrived, I was not nervous about our project, I wholeheartedly believed in it. I was nervous about myself. After months of preparation, research, and planning, I still questioned whether I could stand in front of a crowd and deliver our vision, clearly. But when the doors opened and I walked out holding my note cards, something shifted, and it wasn’t just my stomach. I took a breath, scanned the audience, and began to speak. The words flowed more naturally than I expected. I realized I didn’t need to be the loudest person in the room to lead, I just needed to be willing.

Youth Lead KC redefined leadership for me. I once believed leadership was about control or confidence you were simply born with. Now I understand it is about influence, responsibility, and courage. It means stepping up even when you feel uncertain. It means leading by example and allowing kindness to be contagious. In the future, I will carry these lessons into every space I enter. Whether in college or in the dental field, I hope to lead through service, advocating for my patients. Especially those in underserved communities and just creating environments where people feel seen and supported. To me, leaving a legacy means creating something that continues even when you step away. Seeing underclassmen take ownership of our Olympic project and commit to carrying it forward has shown me that leadership is not about recognition, but about building something strong enough to last. If I can create spaces and opportunities that empower others to step up after I’m gone, then I know I’ve led well.