i'm a leader: part one.

remember when i said i had really cool classes? well just another blog post that's an assignment. i'm in heaven.

i'm currently taking a two credit student development class- student leadership. in high school leadership was kinda my thing.. if i do say so myself. i was class president three years, vice president one year, and headed up many committees, started new things for my high school, and got to serve in my community plenty. i loved every second, even though it was very stressful at time. i'm proud of what i was able to accomplish and i feel that because of my leadership positions i was able to leave my school and community a better place when i graduated and moved away.

"Leaders are made rather than born." -Warren G. Bennis
this quote always gets me because i have always felt, and been told even, that i am a natural leader.
at the same time, now that i'm out of my comfort zone of my small school and community my leadership experiences are lacking. for this reason i'm really excited for my student leadership class.

our lecture last week was based on three questions: who you are, why you do, what you do.

• i am a leader who is creative, willing to try new things, organized (within reason..), a go getter, and fun. i love bringing people together, especially when it is for a cause. 
• i lead not for the resume or the praise, but because when i am planning, organizing, and leading i feel in my element. the best feeling is after a production of any type, whether it's a meeting or event, to feel like you succeeded. i'm grateful that i had the opportunity to be with those people or raise money for that group, etc. i feel the importance of good leaders that care about taking charge to better the world. i feel the importance of speaking up when you have an idea or contribution. i feel the importance of being selfless and devoting time to something for a greater experience as a whole. 
• right now i'm in retirement from leadership. i know, that is a horrible thing for me to say. and to be honest i regret it, but it's true so i feel like i should admit it. admitting your problem is the first step right? i am coming out of retirement though! before i lead by planning school spirit events, homecoming week, fundraisers, tshirts, and all the things that make high school so fun. i got my school involved in the community with a new internship/service program. i strengthened relationships with classmates, teachers, administrators, and community leaders. now, i'm a devoted college student. i'm loving my social life and being surrounded by others with my common standards and ambition. i often feel like i took the back seat to leadership because there are so many great leaders at byu already, maybe byu didn't need me, or i wasn't the best fit with so many other great people. already i am noticing that this is the attitude i never understood why some kids in high school had. i'm beginning to get re-inspired and remember my love for all that came with leadership.
• i still lead, just in more subtle ways. i am the oldest of five children and i know my younger siblings look up to me. i try and stay well connected and be a mentor for them, but most importantly a friend. i "take charge" when necessary with friends. i have always loved planning get togethers and parties and that is one way my leadership naturally shows when i am not fully intending to "take the lead."

i'm excited for what this semester has to offer, specifically in this class, and hopefully by the end some of my thoughts and answers will have changed!