Strong Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship

During my sophomore year of high school, I was an Executive Board Officer for the Earth First Club. I would attend bi-weekly meetings that involved helping the officers organize the general meetings and events. At every general meeting, I would help point out important things to keep each student aware. Being able to oversee the club alongside the officers kept me on my toes, but it was incredibly rewarding at the same time. Of course, my advisor was always the first person to keep me in the loop about things, hence why there were meetings designated specifically for the officers. At the end of the school year, I decided to apply for an officer position in the Kawanis Educates Youth Club (KEY Club for short). While I cannot recall the actual position, I remember feeling very excited about having the opportunity as an officer. Unfortunately, the advisor left and the school could not find anyone to take over the club. That meant the KEY Club was no longer existent on campus. Not long after, I found out that the Earth First Club discontinued as well. It broke my heart because I valued those clubs so much and made great memories. Nonetheless, I never lost my passion for leadership. In fact, the hunger I had for becoming an officer again only increased. During the entirety of my junior year, I did school completely online due to the pandemic. Although I felt safer being at home, I genuinely missed being in clubs and doing other fun in-person scholastic activities I always enjoyed. Once the school year ended, I decided to go back to brick-and-mortar school for my senior year. I made sure to savor the last bit of high school as much as possible, so I do not regret making that decision. For a while before, I pondered hard on the thought of becoming an officer for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club. I reached out to the advisor, expressing my interest, and she sent me a simple form to fill out. After completing the form, I hoped and prayed that I could become an officer. Lo and behold, I found out that I was going to be a general officer for the club and I was over the moon excited. Throughout the year, I went to weekly meetings to help organize huddles, Bible studies, and other events. There were a few times I got to speak at huddles and Bible studies. I could not have asked for a better experience. Through my leadership skills, I hope to be a mentor to others and spread awareness. Educating people is vital in our society and can go a long way.

Leadership is not defined solely by titles or positions but by actions, influence, and the ability to inspire positive change in others. In my journey, I have embraced leadership with a profound sense of responsibility and a commitment to serving others. What makes me a leader can be attributed to my experiences, values, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. One of the pivotal moments that molded my leadership journey was my internship with Word Is Bond. During this experience, I had the privilege of collaborating with the Portland Police Bureau to create initiatives that fostered positive relationships between the police and marginalized communities. The goal was to bridge the gap and build trust, reducing tensions and promoting understanding. In this role, I not only learned the importance of effective communication and collaboration but also discovered the transformative power of leadership in promoting social change. The experience deepened my understanding of the complexities of community relations and ignited a passion for leadership that serves as a catalyst for change. My internship journey continued as I traveled to Washington, D.C., where I had the honor of pitching a policy aimed at updating the American education system. This policy sought to acknowledge the significant contributions of Black innovators and leaders throughout history, addressing the underrepresentation of their achievements in history courses. My leadership during this experience lay in my ability to articulate the urgency of recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Black leaders, both past and present. I firmly believed that representation in education was critical to inspiring future generations and fostering a more inclusive society. Beyond my internship, my leadership journey extends to my roles as a student body president, soccer and basketball team captain, and valedictorian. These positions have provided me with opportunities to lead by example, whether it's promoting sportsmanship on the field, advocating for students' needs, or setting a high academic standard for my peers. In these roles, I've learned that leadership is not about dictating orders but about listening, empathizing, and working collaboratively to achieve common goals. I've striven to be a servant leader, drawing inspiration from my faith in Jesus Christ. His example of humility and service has guided me in my leadership journey. My faith has taught me that true leadership is not about seeking recognition or power but about dedicating oneself to the betterment of others. It's about leading with love, compassion, and a heart for service. This perspective has motivated me to approach leadership as an opportunity to uplift and empower those around me. In conclusion, what makes me a leader is not just the roles I've held or the experiences I've gained, but the values that drive my leadership. It's the belief that leadership is a privilege, a responsibility, and a chance to make a positive impact. It's the understanding that leadership is about serving, inspiring, and creating opportunities for others to thrive. My journey, from my internship experiences to my roles in student government and sports teams, has shown me the multifaceted nature of leadership. It's about leading with purpose, passion, and a commitment to serving others. As I continue my leadership journey, I am determined to be a leader who inspires change, fosters unity, and leaves a lasting impact on the lives of those I serve.