Alumni F21

When thinking about 20/20 Leadership I reflect and look back at this big opportunity that was given to me. Good opportunities like these are not given all the time so I am grateful for 20/20 Leadership. As this school year has gone by I have learned many new things as well as about myself. Learning to be a leader has to do a lot with comprehension, I feel like slowly I am understanding a better way to communicate with people and help them feel comfortable or the need to ask me for help or advice. As a first-generation daughter and student becoming a leader already came in the book. As an older sister, I have to be able to set a good example for my little siblings, showing them that anything is possible and that if you put your mind to things you can do anything you wish to do is one of my priorities to set up for them. 

My younger self would identify a leader as someone who likes “bossing” people around. When in reality a leader sacrifices, enforces, and takes responsibility for something or someone(s). In my opinion, I’ve grown to be a better leader but I know I am not perfect and I still have many things to learn and understand. Going to 20/20 Leadership’s field trips have helped my extrovert personality come out. Growing up I was a very shy and intimate person and it feels nice getting to know new people. My past self would have not been able to stand in a class full of students and do a presentation, as a leader you have to do many brave things and one of those I know includes facing your fears. Getting out of my comfort zone is something that I am open to. 

My future is something that I worry about and think about every day. The debate of whether I am doing the right or wrong thing is always on the table, yet it doesn’t stop me from being a better person for myself and others. At the age that I am at I’ve been taught many things, one main piece of advice I get is “Don’t be lazy, you have a future to work for.”. I know taking the easy route doesn’t have a pretty rainbow at the end. Many advice and opportunities that this program as well as teachers and family have given me will and have stuck with me. My future is something that I am excited about and I know putting all my leadership skills and roles to work will help me in getting the career I want. 

Leaving a legacy means so much to me because I am a first-generation student/daughter in my family. Being a good example for my little siblings is something that I always work for. I never had someone that I could look up to siblings-wise. The fact that they copy and try to do many of the same things I do is very heartwarming. In my opinion, I like being the oldest, I can experience things and eventually I will be able to give them tips on the bad or good in the future. Not only is it important for me to leave a legacy with my siblings, but my school as well. I always try to be that hardworking student that strives to go beyond and I hope that’s what many of the people I interact with at school think including teachers. Earning honors and awards help me strive toward having my name known for something good. 

With the year of me being a member of the 20/20 Leadership, I have grown to come out of my comfort zone. It has been a great opportunity to learn more about myself and the community. Expressing myself was something I have always struggled with which now I feel like I have been accomplishing. 20/20 Leadership has helped me grow into the person I am becoming and I know it will help me have a better outlook on the future.