Leading the way.

 Attending the Ladies of Lead scholarship program was one of the greatest educational opportunities that I’ve been able to experience from the age of nine to my current age of 17. Meetings were held every third Saturday of the month. In each meeting, a new speaker would guide workshops about useful topics like financial literacy, creative writing, or job interviews. However, there would always be someone to give an opening/closing speech, plan workshops, set an example for younger members, and graduate earning the most amount of money when receiving the scholarship; they were the president.

One of the most beneficial takeaways I’ve learned from this program was public speaking. As someone diagnosed with a social anxiety disorder, speaking in front of a group of people is like you’re filled in a room full of a thousand staring eyes waiting for you to slip up so they can laugh at your mistakes. The main tip in the workshop was always to know everything about your topic, not having note cards makes you look well-prepared. Always look to the back of your room if you’re nervous. Lastly, always project your voice even if it is a small group. 

Taking the lessons I've learned from the program I decided to challenge myself to take on the role of being president. I gave my election speech for president, I made sure all eyes were on me. I was able to put my anxiety to the side and confidence on a pedestal; the result of my actions put me in office. Becoming president has given me many opportunities to speak to the point where I have gotten comfortable with speaking in a room filled with people and not feeling like my heart drops to my stomach has never felt better. Even though attending the program took away from my personal free time, in exchange I was equipped with useful knowledge that I can apply in any environment. To me, leadership is a place to gain knowledge but where I also found my voice.