Becoming Leadership

UVUSA Club Ambassador Team Members

I titled this post Becoming Leadership because after four years filled with student advocacy campaigns, administration push-back, power struggles, professor limitations, sexism, and discrimination, I have grown to understand that the triumphs and challenges that I have faced provide me with the desire to reach out and be a guiding light for others.

As a psychology major, I also learned how to recognize behaviors that inhibit a student and I feel more capable of helping others who struggle internally. I can directly affect the life of another if I utilize the skills acquired during times of defeat. I have realized that every choice I make affects the direction I go and my ability to influence another.

Case ASAP Conference with the UVU Student Alumni Board

I want to be a transformational leader. One that engages others and creates a connection that is lasting and dependable. I want to raise the level of motivation and moral in myself and my followers through the actions I take and the person I strive to be. Some of my most memorable leadership experiences came after I was praised for who I was DURING a project instead what was actually accomplished or not accomplished. When my leaders were attentive to my motives and helped me identify positive behaviors and personality characters in morally good leaders, I couldn't help but want to emulate them (Northouse, 2013).

My mentor Kevin Walkenhorst and teammate Kimberly Carlisle

My desire has been to serve and to help and to guide. I want to utilize my skills and abilities to influence the lives of others and help them create a ripple effect. I watched as my efforts as a student leader helped others see their strengths and encouraged them to step forward to help someone else find the same realization. What I didn't expect was to be changed myself. 

I could do hard things and I knew it. I felt like I was given this gift of realization with the capacity to move forward and do extraordinary things. My desire to influence others caught fire and my self confidence increased. Not only did I want to help others but I felt like I had the capability and the responsibility to reach out and be a positive role model (Northouse, 2013). 

As a transformational leader, founded in moral courage and authenticity, I will focus on developing my followers and helping them reach their truest potential (Northouse, 2013). With each triumph and every obstacle they overcome, I hope to provide an opportunity where they will see that these experiences can help them become a better version of themselves.