Alumni {sequence}

I began my freshman year as an anxious fourteen-year-old girl who doubted her ability to speak up, let alone lead others. The thought of being responsible for a group felt overwhelming, and I often questioned whether I belonged in spaces that required confidence. At the time, leadership seemed like something meant for people who were naturally outgoing, not someone who hesitated to trust her own voice. I carried fear quietly, convincing myself that staying in the background was safer than being seen. I had no idea that the experiences ahead would completely change how I saw myself. 

As time passed, I was challenged to step outside of my comfort zone in ways I never had before. Through consistent guidance, reflection, and encouragement, I learned that leadership does not come from perfection, but from growth and intention. I began to understand the importance of communication, accountability, and empathy. Listening became just as valuable as speaking, and supporting others became just as important as leading them. These lessons slowly built my confidence and reshaped the way I approached challenges. 

By my senior year, the person I once was felt almost unrecognizable. I found myself taking leadership roles in multiple groups and situations that would have intimidated me in the past. What changed most was not just my confidence but my mindset. I learned how to remain calm under pressure, collaborate with others who think differently from me, and lead with compassion rather than control. Leadership became less about authority and more about responsibility to others.  

The skills I developed continue to influence how I approach my goals and future. I now feel prepared to take creativity into new environments or my community. The ability to communicate clearly, adapt to challenges, and work as part of a team will follow me long after this chapter ends. These experiences taught me that growth does not end when something feels uncomfortable, but rather it begins there. These lessons have shown me that growth does not stop once a goal is reached; It continues through effort. 

What matters most to me is the impact I leave behind. True influence is not measured by recognition, but by the confidence and motivation passed on to others. I hope to be remembered as someone who made people feel capable, valued, and supported. If my presence can help someone believe in themselves the way I once struggled to, then I know my actions mattered. If someone sees my journey and feels encouraged to push past their own doubts, then I know I have made a difference.  

One day, I want others to look back and see that growth is possible even when fear is present. I want my example to show that leadership is built, not inherited, and that believing in yourself can change everything. That belief is what I carry forward, and it is the foundation of the legacy I hope to leave behind. I am not a girl who gets everything handed to her, but instead a girl who fights to achieve her goals.