Royals Essay 10

The experience of joining Youth Lead KC (formerly 20/20 leadership) in the last two years has shaped me to be very intentional, self-assured, and ultimately gaining the ability to use perspective as a leader. At the time I entered the program, my definition of leadership was merely about taking responsibility and speaking out. Although those attributes might be cool, Youth Lead KC allowed me to realize that being a leader also requires listening, establishing relationships and understanding how your behaviors impact the peers around you.

During the program we attended a numerous amount of colleges, for example the University of Central Missouri, and not only did we visit colleges, we also were given the opportunity to visit and receive accommodations at the Missouri State Capitol. Those visits made my perspective wider than just my school. Walking on campus made me envision myself in different locations and consider my future studies and profession. My trip to the Capitol demonstrated roles of leadership on a larger scale, how decisions are made, the way people come together in government and make significant decisions. Ultimately, these experiences helped me realize that leadership is not just a term and requires a lot of preparation.
The business and trade expos is one of the most effective elements of Youth Lead KC in my opinion. Having the opportunity to talk directly with the representatives of the schools and various businesses helped me realize that it is important to speak boldly, ask any questions that you have, and clarify your intentions. Initially, it was frightening to initiate a conversation with the professionals. However, with time I got to know how to do it confidently and efficiently. I began to view networking as selling myself but it is about making genuine people connections. Those discussions have made me work on my communication abilities and have assisted me in determining what I would desire in the near future.

YLKC also increased my ability to collaborate with fellow students of other backgrounds. All activities, such as campus visits, leadership workshops, and group discussions, required openness and respect. I have been taught to respect other opinions and it also seemed to me that a good leader is one who allows everyone to have a say. I was more intentional in my attempts to make conversation quieter and to encourage equal conversations instead of attempting to facilitate the entire conversation.
Accountability and being professional is another huge lesson that I have been making. My Youth Lead KC continued to remind us of the importance of RSVPing to the events, being present and attending the events promptly. Those rules initially seemed simple but I quickly realized that they are in fact far more about being more responsible and respectful. Reacting fast, balancing my own schedule, and attending prepared has helped me realize that being a real leader means being a reliable person. Being on time and always showing up demonstrates that you’re not only serious about the program but also everyone else involved. The practices have made my discipline even more influential and have taught me that professionalism lies in being consistent, communicating, and following through, which I will continue to employ in college, in the workplace, and on any other future leadership opportunities.
This program is important to me since every one of my siblings took part in the program before me. Attempting to emulate them was initially the goal, like maintaining a “next in line system” at the beginning, but it soon became a matter of personal significance. I noticed that, although we were in the same program, my experience within the program was individually different. It opened my eyes to the fact that leadership development does not occur automatically, one has to work on it.

Going forward, I intend to apply what I have come to know by going into areas that challenge me. In college, work or with community projects, I will carry the communication ability, networking and teamwork skills acquired during Youth Lead KC. I would like to get opportunities that would enable me to mediate between people, industries, and ideas. Through the program, I have also learned that leadership is most effective when I transform vision into action.

Leaving a legacy to me is to leave a lasting impression that is not based on personal achievement. It is about making a difference to people and systems that continue to make it feel good even after my term is finished. Legacy is not about what you accomplish but rather what doors you open to people and what norms you uphold. With Youth Lead KC, I have acquired the idea that legacy begins with consistent growth, intentional service, and the ability to lead honestly.