Senior Essay 27

I demonstrated leadership ability through my role as co-leader of our 20/20 Leadership boutique project. At first, I did not believe I was capable of leading. I have always been an emotional person, and I assumed that meant I would struggle to make decisions or handle pressure. Despite those doubts, I stepped into the role.
Our goal was to create a boutique that would provide clothes and hygiene products for students in need. We wanted to create a space that felt welcoming rather than embarrassing. Although we started with excitement, we quickly faced obstacles. The location we planned to use became unavailable, communication with administrators became difficult, and progress slowed. Many of my classmates were overwhelmed with their own responsibilities.
During this time, I felt discouraged and pressured. There were moments when I believed we had failed. However, instead of walking away, I continued reaching out to staff members, speaking at meetings, and encouraging my team to stay focused on our vision. I learned that leadership is not about being fearless. It is about continuing even when you are uncomfortable.
This experience taught me that my emotions are not weaknesses. They make me care deeply about the people around me. My empathy helped shape the boutique into a space meant to preserve students’ dignity. Leadership required communication, persistence, and vulnerability. It forced me to grow into someone who speaks up rather than stays silent.
In the future, I hope to continue demonstrating leadership through my career in psychiatry and by eventually starting a nonprofit organization. As a psychiatrist, I will lead by advocating for individuals whose voices are often dismissed. Within immigrant and Somali communities, mental health is often misunderstood. I want to challenge that stigma by educating families and providing accessible care.
Leadership to me is about creating environments where people feel safe and supported. The boutique was my first step in building something tangible for others. My future goal is to build systems that support mental health awareness and treatment on a larger scale.
The lessons I learned through leading the boutique project will stay with me. Leadership is uncomfortable, but it is necessary. I am no longer afraid of stepping forward when something needs to be done. I understand now that growth happens when you move toward responsibility instead of away from it. I plan to carry that mindset into every space I enter.