The summer after my sophomore year of high school, I held the role of a Junior Servant Leader at Freedom Schools Literacy Academy for the Center for Black Educator Development. Within that role, I was responsible for kindergarten through 3rd-grade students and teaching them literacy while learning classroom management. I felt beyond excited when I got the opportunity to decorate my classroom space because I knew I had the responsibility to set the tone for that classroom while focusing on the growth of the scholars I worked with. I was inclined to fulfill the expectations of a junior servant leader. I learned how to adapt to spaces where everyone is learning, even myself. Being empathetic is a mindset I developed during this experience. I discovered that many students feel comfortable with educators who showcase love and curiosity toward their endeavors. Being a servant leader meant I was serving those who were in need while simultaneously guiding and mentoring them. Being within roles as such encourages me, and I learned that being resilient and driven leads to success and the ability to share it with others. I learned much about elementary-level students and how to redirect them and maintain a productive and nurturing learning space. Being able to serve and lead increased my love for helping others, learning how to manage large groups, and being empathetic to others. I realized that becoming intelligent entails being open to learning new concepts and ideas and putting them into practice. I felt empowered as I realized the students I mentored saw me as a leader in their lives. They depended on me throughout the summer through literacy instruction. I lead by example as I demonstrated to my colleagues that I put the learning needs of my mentees first before myself. As I worked on leadership through service, I often referred to Nelson Mandela as his prosperous work as a leader of South Africa left a positive influence on the lives of others. I focused on the betterment of the scholars I was working with by fostering an environment where they could learn and their needs were met, while also making them feel comfortable. Entering education is my goal and I can sustain leadership through service. This experience has reinforced my desire to enter education and foster communities where the betterment of students is focused. I want learning to be a priority where students learn a wide range of knowledge that can be utilized everywhere. Impacting my community is my biggest goal and my experiences of being responsible to lead by example have allowed me to learn what it takes to be a leader, and as I propel through my career I aspire to expand on my leadership skills to leave a legacy of success and collective growth.