Leadership

Looking back now it seems strange to know there are that many different people who've influenced leadership on me. Starting as young as five i began to play sports, i was also in a new entrant classroom at school. Little did i know then that my cricket coach and first year teacher would have such an impact on me. As i grew up, i experienced first hand significant teachers in my primary school, then intermediate and high school, many of whom i keep in touch with to this day. As well as teachers, i had many sports coaches who also strived to see the best in me.

During Intermediate leadership really hit me, i admired my school leaders and most importantly my two blue house captains. I had a dream to one day do just as they did. To stand proud, sing crazy songs and paint myself blue just like them. As a young twelve year old i couldn't think of anything cooler. As my years progressed over high school i began to pick up minor leadership roles which then led on to bigger roles. Hockey captain, class representative, sports representative, sports council, SADD leader, Prefect, Peer support, and most importantly house captain - and yes i painted my face blue and sang my lil heart out. Being a leader all those years ago got me to where i am today, and it's only somedays when i sit and reflect i actually realise this.

After my final year of high school i went on to be a lifeguard and counselor to youth in America at a summer camp, i did this three times, each time gaining more responsibility, i also became a unit leader. I have also taken on managing roles and head waitress/bartender in restaurants and have been in charge of staff many times, whether it be a restaurant setting or camp setting. Camp of course being my favourite, through organising rosters/schedules, staff time off, activities and ensuring that the wellbeing of both my staff and campers was being fulfilled. Being at camp, i believe has set me up for life. A passion of mine, is being outdoors and teaching and leading youth of today. Making a difference in life whether it be smiling at a stranger, teaching somebody to spell or encouraging someone to overcome their fear on a high ropes course. That's me in a nutshell.

I guess leadership really is reflected through attitude and that was shown to me the most at the recent RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) course i was fortunate enough to be apart of. I saw a completely different side to leadership. I understand being a leader is someone who teaches, or funnily enough 'leads', but i have now discovered it's not all about that. It's about self efficacy, believing in yourself, and having the confidence in yourself and not just in others to succeed. Also simple thinking strategies, and behaviour has so much impact on who you are as a person. It wasn't until i completed this course that i realised i was missing a big part of leadership. We learnt so many valuable lessons through team building, masterchef, high ropes and initiatives, meetings, speeches and just bonding time through new games and songs. Having being nominated by someone who saw great potential in me but also saw that i lacked so much confidence. I know now i have gained SO much from this experience and look forward to pursuing a great career in leadership and teaching.

The world is so big, there are so many different opportunities out there, still many people to meet and so much more to learn. I am so thankful for the people of RYLA who've helped put my foot in the door to begin my next chapter with confidence and hope. A few words to sum up this experience are as follows: RYLA. Together as one. Inspirational. Motivational. Lifechanging. Inner voice. Confidence. Patience. OAR. Strength. Leadership. Personal growth and development. Respect. Goals. Life lessons. Meaning maker. ATL. Relationships. Trust. Dream. Fellowship of Giants. Change. Peace. Born this way. GROW. Memories. Friendships. Hope.

And i shall now leave you all with one of my favourite quotes, "To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe."