Out of all the traits I had to work on the most in college, learning how to be a leader was my biggest struggle. I am naturally a shy, introverted person so becoming a leader wasn’t a natural process for me. However, through the perpetual presentations I had to do every semester, UCF programs like LEAD, and leadership positions I have had, it has forced me get out my comfort zone.

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​As a peer mentor I had to help students in my major and outside my major that were on academic probation. Most of all from that experience it has taught me how not to just hear but to listen. I had to help them figure out why they are in the predicament they are in. I couldn't just tell them they needed to just study more, switch majors, or work less hours. I couldn't tell them directly that being in this major because your family wanted you to be in it is not good idea. My job was to help them come to that conclusion on their own. I would also make a plan with them on how they can improve their grades. Which could include either changing majors to something they were more passionate about, or telling them about the many tutoring services we have on campus. From that experience I learned how to not only listen, but how to communicate, and have compassion.

 

Being a physiology and qbm T.A. taught me how to have patience and that not all students learn the same. During my time as a T.A. I had to teach and present. I was able to apply my tips and tricks on how I excelled in this class, while at the same time making it fun. I realized from that experience I love to teach and help. Seeing someone finally get something because I taught them a different way to approach a question, was an amazing and gratifying experience.

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With LEAD I was a part of the global leadership and civic engagement track. LEAD has taught me not only how to be a part of my community but the global community. It has really has opened to my eyes to how before I was just volunteering doing what I “had” to do. To now becoming an active citizen by not just alleviating the problem for a moment, but to research the problem, see why this problem exists and how we as a community can fix this problem. Most importantly through this program I have learned what type of leader I am. Before I use to think of a leader as an overpowering, confident, stern individual. Now I know that there are different types of leaders. I am the leader that likes to take a backseat. I still lead the group but I like to make things fun, listen to everyone’s opinion, and make sure everyone is happy in the end. I lead not to instill dominance, but for the success of the group as a whole.