Alumni {sequence}

During my time in the 20/20 Leadership program, I can confidently say I have grown not only in my skills but in my understanding of what leadership really means. Before entering the program, I saw leadership as taking charge and being the final say in decision-making. However, through workshops and community engagement, I have learned that strong leadership is actually based on communication, responsibility, and the ability to listen to others. This process has been one of the most meaningful parts of my growth to become a leader. 

One of the biggest areas of development for me was becoming more confident in utilizing my voice. The program encouraged me to speak up, share my ideas, and contribute to group discussions to make a successful Olympics Project. With each event, I realized that leadership is not always about having the perfect answer, but about stepping forward to take initiative and let other voices be heard. This helped me feel more comfortable when it came to expressing my own thoughts, even in tough situations. 

I have also discovered the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives. When it comes to working with people from different backgrounds, it has taught me how valuable it is to really listen before acting. Real leadership is not about being the loudest person in the room but lifting the voices of others, creating a positive environment, and making sure everyone feels valued. Being in 20/20 leadership not only showed the value of using my voice but also showed me the value of hearing others around me. I have not only become more patient but also open-minded and aware of how my actions impact those around me. 

The 20/20 Leadership program also strengthened my ability to set goals and manage my time. Balancing group responsibilities, planning when to schedule meetings, and making decisions has helped me learn how to stay organized and think ahead. These skills will continue to guide me in school, on teams, and in my future. Looking ahead, I plan to use what I’ve learned to lead by example. I want to encourage others the same way mentors in the program encouraged me. Whether I am in the classroom, on the wrestling mat, or in my community, I will use my voice, confidence, and empathy to support the people around me. I hope to keep developing as a leader by staying involved in opportunities that push me to grow. 

To me, leaving a legacy means impacting others in a way that lasts beyond the moment. According to Merriam-Webster, a legacy is “something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor.” This perfectly reflects the values my wrestling coach passed on to me. Right before my state match, my coach looked at me and asked, “How do you want to be remembered? How do you want to leave a legacy?” That moment stuck with me. The next thing I knew, I was walking off the mat as a state champion—leaving just the start of my legacy. So I will leave you with one question: What will be your legacy?