Alumni {sequence}

The 20/20 Leadership program led me to so many opportunities and new connections. These are relationships that I would’ve never made if it weren’t for my time spent in this program, and for that, I am forever grateful. 20/20 has been a transformative experience that fostered personal and professional growth and equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to become an effective leader. This structured program taught me essential skills like communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, and strategic thinking. All those factors enable me to lead confidently, handle challenges effectively, and inspire others to do the same. With my intended career path being education, this program has gifted me with plenty of ways to impact future generations of students. For me, leadership isn’t just about authority when it comes to teaching. Leadership is about inspiring and motivating people toward a shared vision. Programs like 20/20 teach the youth how to build trust, engage their teams, and foster a positive organizational culture as early as a freshman in high school. Leaving an impactful legacy would help me better acknowledge all my accomplishments through this program while passing the experience on to others. I would love to push my future students into the 20/20 program to let them have the same opportunities and experiences that have been passed to me. I’m grateful for the members before me who made this program possible and allowed me to apply for this scholarship. 20/20 Leadership has such an inclusive atmosphere and feel about them which helps everyone adapt to sometimes uncomfortable situations. Participating in this leadership program has greatly benefited me in my journey to becoming a teacher after high school. Teaching is more than just sharing knowledge—it requires strong leadership skills to manage a classroom, inspire students, and create a positive learning environment. Through the 20/20 program, I have developed essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, which are crucial for engaging students and addressing challenges in the classroom. Additionally, this leadership training will help me build confidence in public speaking, allowing me to present lessons effectively and maintain students’ attention. I will also learn how to motivate and encourage others, skills that are vital for supporting student growth. I’ve now been taught how to remain patient, organized, and resilient—qualities that great teachers possess. Overall, this experience will prepare me to become a strong, inspiring educator who makes a lasting impact on students’ lives. Leaving a legacy in this program is important when aspiring to become a teacher after high school because it demonstrates leadership, commitment, and the ability to inspire others—key qualities of an effective educator. A teacher’s impact extends beyond the classroom, just as a strong program leader influences future members by setting standards, creating traditions, and fostering a sense of community. By leaving a legacy, I ensure that the values, projects, and initiatives I helped establish continue to benefit others. This experience teaches me how to mentor, guide, and empower students—essential skills for a teacher. It also shows that I can create meaningful change, a quality that will help me develop a lasting influence on my future students. Additionally, being in the 20/20 leadership program and shaping its future has helped me practice organization, teamwork, and problem-solving, all of which are crucial for managing a classroom and supporting student success.