McClendon Leadership Award

Leadership is defined by our actions and the lasting effects, and leadership is what keeps the planet spinning. It is what keeps people growing and changing. I have had many leadership positions, yet, it was not until this summer that I felt like a leader making a difference. This summer, I participated in a program with the American Red Cross, as a Section Lead. Through the program, along with my other Section Leads, I presented lessons, led activities, and so much more. We mentored our participants in all aspects of disaster preparedness. The most gratifying activity I led was a simulated search and rescue. Before the activity, we had prepared a lesson on the basics when it comes to search and rescue and then started the mission. There had been a major Earthquake where 10 people went missing, and it was our job to save them. We assessed the situation and deemed it was safe enough to enter, and we searched high and low to find the missing behind fallen tables, behind broken furniture, and under the rubble. Under my direction, my participants were able to find all of the missing persons, and the 10 missing people were found. Through this position, I was able to not only teach my participants but also foster an environment where the participants were allowed to make mistakes, learn, and grow. It is important to me in leadership positions to create an environment for people to have the space to grow and flourish. Without doing that, the impact is lessened and does not allow for lasting prosperity. Not only is the growth of others important in leadership positions, but also your personal growth. In this same position, I saw a lot of my personal growth. Over the summer, I was paired with other Section Leads as well as participants from all over the Los Angeles Area from various backgrounds. Because of the diverse population and the frequency with which I saw them, I learned to grow out of my shy shell and I became comfortable around new people. In this position, I also grew as a public speaker. Having to do presentations nearly daily, and in front of new people, I quickly got comfortable speaking in front of people. It soon became quite easy to teach and demonstrate skills to others. I remember the first presentation I did was nerve-racking, and I dreaded it. It felt like a nightmare. After doing tens more presentations, I wasn't nervous, and I was having fun doing the presentations. On the last day, I gave a speech to my participants, and I remember doing it with such ease. Leadership is not only about your label but how your actions influence other people. Over the summer, I fostered personal growth for not only others, but for myself as well, and made sure others had lifesaving information.