From a young age, I was always the student who would shoot her hand up when the teacher asked for a volunteer to be line leader. If we were assigned a group project, I would automatically delegate work making sure that there was a plan and focus. Everything in my life pointed to the fact that I was a good leader; I held the captain position on the varsity soccer team, I was president of a service organization, and my peers loved having someone like me to follow. In my mind, I was the embodiment of leadership. Until, that is, I attended Loyola University Chicago.

When applying for housing at Loyola, I was asked if I would like to participate in a learning community- a floor devoted to students interested in leadership. Immediately, I pounced at the opportunity. I was a leader and I belonged with these people who were leaders as well. Now reminiscing back at this, I know that I did belong there, however, it was for a completely different reason than I originally imagined.

            During our first meeting, we learned about the Leadership for Social Change Model and it felt like I had hit a brick wall. This was nothing like the “traditional leadership” style I have always been taught. Every single person I met was so perfectly different than I, and it was beautiful. Several of my new friends considered themselves shy or soft-spoken. They did not add much to the conversation to be honest, but what I learned from these individuals was an immensely lesson. Instead of taking time to formulate their next thought to add to the conversation or working up the courage to speak, they carefully listened to each person. While they were listening, it was clear they were processing every word the speaker was saying. They nodded along to comfort the speaker. By putting themselves in the speaker’s shoes, they fully understood their point of view and truly began to grow. Leadership is listening meaningfully, intensely, and honestly.

            As the year progressed, we continued participating in workshops and other activities to enhance our skills. Last January, we all participated in an activity where we all stood in a giant circle. Our facilitator would tell us statements, and if our values aligned with that statement, we would step forward. Initially, the statements were very general such as “I am a current student” or “I believe everyone deserves and education.” However, the statements grew to become very personal very quickly. Questions asking about our sexual orientation, family income, race, and gender were asked. While it was a choice to participate in the activity, I felt obligated to be honest with the other leaders. I recall this activity taking a toll on me emotionally. I questioned why on earth some people would feel comfortable answering some of these. Anger and confusion confused me. Until, that is, the facilitator stated “Loyola would not be affordable for me without my scholarship or financial aid.” Immediately, I felt my face feeling hot. I knew this statement was relevant to me. I felt as if it were my duty to be honest, so I brazenly stepped forward. Anxiously, I looked up. About an eighth of my peers had stepped forward; comfort replaced the anxiety and anger. I was blessed to be in a room filled with others who cared and did not hold judgment. Leadership is open-mindedness, friendship, and comfort.

            Now, as a sophomore here at Loyola, I have been able to implement the skills I have acquired from the past year. As a peer advisor through First and Second Year Advising, I work to educate first year leaders on the Jesuit values Loyola holds dear and how it can shape their individual leadership. Often, it can be difficult to motivate these leaders I work with simply because they aren’t aware of the capabilities they have to make a change.  As an ACT mentor through the GearUP Network, I work with high school juniors on Saturday mornings to improve their ACT scores. By listening and providing honest feedback, I believe I am leading them to success. GlobeMed is an organization on campus that stresses healthcare is a human right. As the community builder, I make it my duty to be inclusive and keep an open-mind about every individual’s background. Building a safe space for all students to speak their minds as they do in GlobeMed, I believe, is a key aspect of leadership. Lastly, as a mentor for the current leadership learning community, I try to give my personal experiences and create a family bond between myself and my mentees. Every leadership experience I have had has ended with me teaching others about the skills I have learned from workshops or personal stories, in addition to learning from others around me. Leadership is education, growing, and implementing.

I believe that every person has their own unique story that has helped them become who they are today. Every single individual around me is a leader in some shape or form. Their strength may lie in something other than mine, and I believe that my ability to recognize my own weaknesses can be a great asset to the Peer Leadership team. Along with my experiences and open-mindedness, I believe I can truly make a difference with this opportunity if given the chance.