The first day I walked into the LEAD Office, I had no idea of the major impact it would have on my life. I also was not aware of the effect I would have on others. By developing myself, I have been able to develop others in areas such as leadership, communication, well-being, and many other aspects.

One of the biggest projects that I have worked on in the LEAD Office is the community partnership with Godwin Middle School. Through this partnership, I have interacted with middle school students during multiple workshops, a teen night, and a conference. The workshops and conference focus on how the students can become better leaders for themselves and their community. Not only have I taught them how to become leaders, but I have also helped them identify their goals for the future.

During the InCredAble Conference, I co-facilitated a workshop dedicated to community service. A faculty member and I mentored a group of students on what they wanted to change in their community. We gave them a vision outline for them to draw pictures in and fill out. Through this exercise, the students were able to identify ambitions that they did not know they even had. Also, they created a step-by-step plan on how they can achieve short-term goals, as well as long-term goals. These students transformed in front of my eyes as they dove into their aspirations to search for what they wanted to change in the world and how they could do so as a leader. Being able to facilitate and watch this transformation within the hour time slot given to me was a great accomplishment and humbling experience.

I have also been able to encourage an open and trusting environment for students and peers. This type of environment is crucial for individual and team learning. As a Leadership Consultant, I have organized and implemented workshops focused on team building, leadership styles, and goal setting. in developing others. For example, while facilitating a workshop on how to be a facilitator, I needed to create an open space so that participants could be themselves. They then were better able to learn how to facilitate conversations. These students went on to aid in the conversations with Holocaust survivors on how students can capture the essence of survivor stories for future generations.

My friends and I completing the marshmallow challenge as a team-building exercise.

These examples are only a few of the wonderful experiences I have had in helping others become better leaders. However, the program that exemplifies how I am able to develop others most is L-Team. L-Team is a group of college students who meet weekly to learn more about leadership and how to become more involved. The changes I have seen in these students throughout the semester are outstanding! I, myself, became involved with the LEAD Office by becoming an L-Teamer during my freshman year at Mason, which pushes me to enable these leaders to develop more and more every time we meet.