Alumni {sequence}

Being part of the 20/20 Leadership program has helped me grow as a leader, a speaker, and a person as a whole. At the beginning of my freshman year, I was quiet and didn’t know how to speak up. I wasn’t confident in my voice, and I found it hard to connect and communicate with others. But as time went on and I continued the program, I started to break out of my shell. I learned how to communicate better, how to express my thoughts, and how to be more confident in myself. Now, I can speak up in a room full of people without hesitation, and I’ve built a strong network of peers and mentors along the way. 

One of the biggest things I’ve learned from this program is how important networking and building relationships are. I’ve had the chance to meet people from different backgrounds and hear different perspectives, which has really opened my mind. I’ve realized that being a leader isn’t just about taking charge it’s about listening, learning, and helping others grow too. Leadership is about making sure everyone’s voice is heard, not just my own. This is something I’ll carry with me into the future.

Moving forward, I plan to use everything I’ve learned to expand my network even more and help others find their voices just like I found mine. I want to be someone who lifts others up, whether that’s through mentorship, community service, or whatever path I take in my career. Leadership isn’t just about personal success but it’s about making sure other people succeed too. If I can help even one person feel more confident in themselves, then I know I’m making a difference in not only their lives but in my own as well. Understanding how to help others develop their voices will help me keep building my own up in the long run.

To me “leaving a legacy” means creating a lasting impact that continues to inspire, uplift, and benefit others long after I’m gone. It’s not just about my personal achievements but about how I shaped the lives of those around me, the values I instilled, and the change I sparked in my community. I believe that a true legacy is built through service, leadership, and compassion by mentoring others, advocating for important causes, and leaving behind opportunities for future generations. It means being remembered not just for what I accomplished, but for how I empowered others to dream bigger and carry forward with their dreams.

As I move forward, I’m going to keep pushing myself to grow as a leader and keep using my voice to create change. The 20/20 Leadership program has given me the tools and confidence to do that and I plan to take everything I’ve learned and use it to make an impact. Whether that’s in my career, my community, or just in everyday life, I want to make sure I leave behind something meaningful. My goal is to help others find their own confidence, just like I found mine, and to create a positive impact that lasts beyond my time here.