Alumni 14

When I started the 20/20 Leadership program 2 years ago, as a student I wasn’t very composed and overall was not very talkative. I did not know how to talk to people in a professional environment and what our interactions should look like, I was very shy and concealed. As time went on as an individual, I learned skills that helped me talk to real people in the professional world, the Business Expos are not only a great opportunity for students to get to talk to colleges but also develop skills to help them in the real world that will one day be of use to them, maybe one day in the future after studying a career, you are presented with people who are “professional” having those set of skills that help you talk to people in a business environment is crucial. Not only did I grow as a student, but I also grew as a person, talking to people with real jobs and real problems helped me truly see the types of things I would have to face in my adult life. I grew as I was able to speak for myself, I was able to ask questions about the real world, I was able to ask for help, and most importantly I was able to connect and be on a level with the people I’m talking to. I’ve used my newly learned set of skills in the real world when it came to my job, and problems Throughout the 20/20 Leadership program, which I started two years ago, I noticed that I was not very confident in my communication skills. As a student, I was not very composed, and I found it challenging to interact with others in a professional environment. However, over time, I learned valuable skills that helped me communicate with people in the professional world. The Business Expos, in particular, provided a great opportunity for me to develop these skills, as I was able to interact with college representatives and gain practical experience in the real world. As a result, not only did I grow as a student, but I also developed as a person. Talking to people with real jobs and real problems allowed me to gain a better understanding of the types of challenges I might face in my adult life. I was able to speak up for myself, ask questions about the real world, and connect with people on a professional level. These skills have proven to be incredibly useful in my job and in helping my parents navigate language barriers when they need assistance. Overall, the 20/20 Leadership program helped me learn important life skills that will undoubtedly benefit me in the future. I also intend to use the skills I have acquired to find employment and advocate for myself in unjust situations. Additionally, I plan to impart the same skills to my sister so that she can do the same. To me, leaving a legacy means successfully guiding my sister through high school and sharing with her the strategies that have worked for me. I also aspire to be a leader among my peers, offering guidance and advice to those who seek it. I encourage my friends to participate in programs like this, apply to college, and seek scholarships. I believe that true leadership is reflected in the success of others, both among my friends and my family.