How I Define Being A Leader In A World Where Leadership Is Uncertain Every day, I strive to display strong leadership and communication skills by actively listening to others and clearly articulating my thoughts and ideas. Whether it's in chorus at home by helping family, group projects in church, or community activities, I make sure to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and valued. I take the initiative to guide discussions, offer constructive feedback, and encourage collaboration, ensuring that all voices are considered. Resilience is a trait I cultivate daily by maintaining a positive attitude and a forward-looking mindset, even in the face of challenges. Whenever I encounter setbacks, whether they’re personal or professional, I remind myself of the bigger picture and focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. I have learned to adapt quickly to changes and view obstacles as opportunities for growth, which helps me bounce back stronger each time. Being unselfish is at the core of my interactions with others. I make it a point to prioritize the needs of those around me, whether it’s offering my time to help a family member, volunteering in my church, or simply being there to support a friend. I believe in the power of giving back and understand that true success comes from lifting others up and contributing to the greater good. My focus and determination drive my daily routine. I set clear, achievable goals for myself and remain dedicated to seeing them through. This means staying organized, managing my time effectively, and being disciplined in my studies and work commitments. I am committed to continuous improvement and refuse to be distracted by setbacks or obstacles, always keeping my eyes on the overall goal. A strong work ethic is something I demonstrate by being a diligent worker, that’s ready to give my best effort. I approach every task, big or small, with dedication and attention to detail. I believe in going above and beyond in all my endeavors, maintaining integrity, and taking pride in the quality of my work at church. This ethic is what motivates me to keep learning, growing, and striving for excellence in everything I do for the ones I work for. My future goals include advancing in my career by taking on leadership roles that allow me to make a positive impact in my field of psychology and church. I am pursuing my psychology degree to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in my profession, build a strong foundation for future opportunities, and empower myself to lead effectively. Education is a stepping stone that will help me achieve my ambitions and contribute meaningfully to society. To me, leadership means serving others with humility, inspiring them to reach their fullest potential, and creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute. A true leader is not just someone who directs or manages but someone who listens, supports, and elevates those around them. Leadership is about being a role model, making tough decisions with integrity, and fostering a culture of collaboration, respect, and innovation. In conclusion, these traits shape who I am and how I approach life, guiding my actions and decisions every day. They drive me to pursue my goals and inspire me to be the best version of myself, both for my personal growth and for the benefit of others.

The Call to Teach: A Journey Rooted in Faith When I first volunteered as a teacher’s assistant in the Sunday school department at West Angeles Church of God in Christ, I was a teenager just like the students I was helping. As I observed their reactions to the lessons, I noticed that many of them struggled to understand what was being taught. It bothered me deeply, though I didn’t fully grasp why at the time. Then, one day, the teacher asked me to elaborate on a lesson, and I broke it down in a way that made sense to my peers. Seeing the light of understanding on their faces and the joy on the teacher’s face sparked something within me—a fire that I now recognize as my call to teach. Since that day, my involvement in my local church has led me to dive deeper into God’s word. The teachings and lessons I’ve absorbed have not only filled me with knowledge but have also shaped my character, helping me to become more Christ-like. I found myself growing in selflessness, love, patience, and a genuine willingness to help others come to know Christ and themselves. Whenever an opportunity arose to teach other young people, I seized it, finding no greater joy than in helping others learn and grow along with their mental health. My journey didn’t stop there. I sought out more teaching opportunities within my community, extending my reach beyond my home church. I taught in other churches' children’s ministries and with teenagers I’d pour positivity and advice on how to improve their mental health. Yet, I know that none of this would have been possible without the principles and values instilled in me by my home church from such a young age. Today, I am surrounded by like-minded individuals at my new church who share my passion for teaching and helping young people in their walk with Christ and their academic pursuits. Their dedication continues to inspire me to serve my community, just as I’ve been blessed to do. My church involvement has not only set me on the path of teaching the gospel but has also taught me how to live the gospel and be the gospel. It has shown me how to represent Christ well, treat people with kindness, and use my teaching abilities to make a positive impact. Most importantly, it has taught me that my gifts are not meant to be hidden or used selfishly—they are meant to serve God and others. I never imagined that accepting the role of a teacher’s assistant would lead me to discover my mission, my purpose, my faith, and myself. But thanks to the God-given church I grew up in, I did.