Alumni Essay 5

Being a part of the 20/20 leadership program has helped me grow in lots of ways. Before joining this program, I didn’t know what leadership was about, I always thought it was about who can take control the best or who can be the bossiest. I know now that leadership is about setting a good example for others, responsibility, trying to improve things you do, and helping others. As an athlete and someone who is in many clubs, I’ve grown to work with people and work as a team. 20/20 leadership has also taught me how to lead in a better way.

The biggest thing 20/20 leadership has helped me grow in, is my confidence. This club has helped me interact with people better and speak up when its needed. I have gotten to share my ideas and have an open mind too when it comes to others. This is my second year in leadership, and I did participate in the junior Olympic. Being around college students and listening to the ones that give us tours shows me a great example of what a leader should look like. This has also showed me that leadership continues outside of high school and everywhere you go in life.

The 20/20 leadership program taught me more about the real world and college. It has shown me many different colleges and helped me understand what other options I have.  I learned things that teachers in high school don’t teach. Those are lessons I will carry after high school.

Another way I have grown in this program is building connections. Staff and college guides are always there for help and if we have any questions. Those students gave good advice and honesty. The support that has come from leadership shows me how important it is to help others. Leadership is something you do as a whole and with other people, not by yourself. Leadership is about uplifting people and learning from the people you are around.

In the future, I plan to use what I learn by always staying involved and taking advice wherever I go. When I go to college I want to be involved and maybe do sports and take on leadership when it’s there. Eventually I want to be in college and give high school students tours and answer questions I wish someone would’ve answered for me. When I go to college and I see a high schooler who is maybe confused about scholarships or nervous for college, I want to help and share them with what I know. Small advice can make a big difference. 20/20 Leadership has shown me that even the little actions can help someone so much.

To me, leaving a legacy means to make a positive impact that is still there even when you are gone. It means people remembered the things you did and not just who you are. It is how you treated them and how you helped them grow that they remember. As a triathlete and a club member, I try to always lead by example through dedication, effort, time, and hard work. Legacy can be built through all of that and by setting a positive example.

Overall, the Youth Lead KC program has helped me be more responsible and has prepared me better to be a leader. It has given me advice on college, life skills, and the more important things to life. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities leadership has given ,e and I am excited to leave my legacy wherever I come and go.