Alumni Scholarship 14

When I first joined the 20/20 Leadership program as a junior, I didn’t understand how much it would transform me. Before I joined, I always felt trapped in my situation. I didn’t fully understand leadership and didn’t think I had what it took. Since joining, I have overcome challenges, improved my leadership abilities, and evolved. Now, I realize that leadership isn’t just about being in charge. It’s about understanding people, teamwork, and endurance. 

One of the biggest things I have learned is the importance of empathy. I’ve always felt insecure about my challenges like language barriers and cultural adjustments. This program has helped me understand how many others are fighting their own battles too. Hearing the stories of others has shown me that leadership comes from listening. Listening more to the different points of view of others has expanded my viewpoint and allowed me to gain the trust and respect of those around me. 

This program has also helped me to recognize the importance of teamwork. I used to believe that being a leader meant I had to solve all my problems alone, just like when I first arrived in the United States. However, I learned that leadership is about working together. For example, during the Mayor’s Christmas tree Lighting Festival, it was hard to manage my task on my own, but once I worked with a team, things went more smoothly and successfully. This experience has taught me that leadership is about letting others share the responsibility with me. 

I have also learned the importance of endurance. Growing up, I faced many challenges that often made me question my ability to overcome them, and made me consider giving up. However, the 20/20 Leadership program taught me that these struggles are a part of my growth in becoming a good leader. For example, during a semester when I took college Spanish, I often felt like I couldn’t keep up. There were so many times I wanted to drop out of the class, but this program has helped me realize that to be a good leader, I can’t give up. I learned that challenges are opportunities to grow, not barriers.  With this mindset, I developed the confidence to keep pushing forward, even when things got tough. 

The 20/20 leadership program has expanded my vision of leadership and deepened my commitment to supporting others. I now realize that leadership goes beyond simply giving advice or solving problems, it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels confident, heard, valued, and supported. As I move forward, my vision includes creating programs that focus not only on academic success but also on providing the tools students need to feel confident in their own identities. Ultimately, this program has shaped my understanding of what it means to leave a legacy. It’s not about being recognized for my achievements but creating lasting change in the lives of others. I plan to create programs like Kidzone, giving students academic tools, emotional support, and a place where they feel loved, helping them succeed in life. With the knowledge and skills I’ve gained through 20/20, I feel empowered to create a legacy that focuses on supporting students who have no resources. I want to be the mentor and guide I wish I had when I first arrived in the U.S. By creating programs focused on empathy, teamwork, and endurance, I hope to help others believe in their potential and achieve leadership in their own lives. I want them to make their legacy—one that will empower them to lead with compassion and resilience.