Being the only woman in an organization dominated by men is about saving a seat at the table. I am the only woman in the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums senior corps. This militaristic group is about preserving our history and sharing the tradition with those around us. We strive to be 'historically accurate', and yet the most inaccurate part of the corps is me. Anyone who has faced adversity or felt different in their lives knows the feeling of looking around and feeling out of place. No matter how welcoming and kind most of the guys in Fifes and Drums have been, there’s always something different. I teach kids around the age of ten how to play my instrument. How to march in a straight line and be disciplined and passionate. I love so many things about my job. I love the way I have gotten to become a leader in the place that has meant so much to me. The way I get to help the next generation realize their potential. Yet all of this will never hold as much meaning as the feeling of being a role model. There is only one girl fifer out of the class of kids I instruct. She gets along well with the other boys, and I make sure to keep an eye on her and her progress. Isn’t it funny how a ten-year-old can have no idea how much their words may matter to someone older than them? As I walk over to her to say hello and give her a fist bump, as one should always do when talking to kids, we chat for a second, and then she surprises me. “It’s so nice to finally have a girl as an instructor!” Those words were all the motivation I needed to make sure she would get the opportunities of every single other person. All of the fields I’m passionate about, like government and leadership, are like the corps, dominated by men. Yet I’m determined to continue the path I’ve been following for the past five years of my life. The imbalance of power we see in almost every business or branch of government can be changed if we empower young women. Leading by example is such an important part of this. I will use the tools I learn throughout my college education to further my goals for the future. For a future where all these incredible young women I have met throughout my high school career become the new leaders of our tomorrow. Because government and high leadership positions are so male-dominated, it is essential for women to lift each other up and have each other's backs. I want to learn how to be the best leader I can, and then use that knowledge to inspire other young women to be brave and become politicians, become CEOs. I also hope to have an impact on the people I am leading, or if I do go into government, the people that I represent. I want to have a positive impact on this world, and the careers I'm interested in would affect so many. With a major in political science and government, I could make that impact by creating legislation that would positively affect those around me. I could solve peoples' problems, and make their voices heard. The thought of helping just one person is extremely rewarding to me. I look to the future and am encouraged to continue my journey, continue to strive to be the best leader and person I can be, and proudly occupy my seat at the table.