If you search what “legacy” means into Google, it will tell you that it means a “gift of property.” When I think more deeply about the word legacy, I come to the conclusion that it means what I am leaving with, as well as what I am leaving behind. My legacy is one that no one else can replicate; it is my own, and this is my legacy story.

When I applied for the Leadership Consultant position, I knew nothing about leadership. I thought that leadership was a characteristic of positional jobs only. Now I know that leadership can be seen in everyone’s lives everyday. Anyone and everyone has the potential to be a leader, which is the biggest concept I have learned by working in the Leadership, Education, and Development Office. Also, another big aspect of leadership that I learned is that leadership is fun! Being a leader carries a heavy set of responsibilities; however, having fun is one of the most important of those responsibilities.

I have gained many opportunities to be a leader and grow as a leader throughout my time as a Leadership Consultant. Something that I will take away from this position and never forget is that I am capable. I am capable of being myself, leading myself, and leading others. I am capable of teaching others how to become a leader and mentoring them in the process. I am able to be a leader and acknowledge my capabilities. Along the process of realizing these things, there were some bumps in the road. Like any other job, some circumstances can change very quickly. Being adaptable to changes was my biggest struggle as a Leadership Consultant. Although it was a big challenge for me, I have been able to overcome this challenge and learn from it. I am now able to be more flexible in many circumstances. I know how to take a negative situation and turn it into a great experience for everyone involved.

The LEAD Office team at Godwin Middle School Teen Night 2016.

I would say that, overall, being a Leadership Consultant has been the most rewarding thing from the job. To dig a little deeper, though, I believe that working with and maintaining our community partnership with Godwin Middle School has been the most rewarding experience. My dream career is to work with children and adolescents who may be having a rough time in life. This partnership only strengthened my passion for this. While working with the middle school students, I gained insight into what it would be like to work with children and teens. The LEAD Office, as well as many helpful volunteers, maintained a sustainable partnership with the students by interacting with them throughout the entire school year. By the end of the year, the students were able to recognize that they are leaders. Also, they gained knowledge about how their strengths and weaknesses can contribute to change within their community.

This position in the LEAD Office has impacted me greatly. I know much more now than I did before. My relationships have grown and are stronger than ever. I know that I am taking with me many things within myself, and I also know that I am leaving behind a legacy like no other. Although there are no pictures of me hanging on the walls of the LEAD Office, my name will be known for years to come.