Prelude:
Part of my journey as
an Academy student entails a comprehensive reflection of my time with Live
Different. Appropriately named, the Final Assignment requires me to consider
which events have impacted the most for each semester, how the “leader for the
day” of tour and Mexico changed my perspective, a character trait I’ve
discovered in myself, and three goals for the upcoming year. This blog series
will serve to address these questions and more; I hope you enjoy!
I am a professional tightrope walker.
Seriously.
I have tread fine lines my whole life. I was never this or
that, I just balanced between it all.
Sometimes I was a leader. I felt like the most courageous
fourth grader when I single-handedly organized a fundraiser for tsunami relief.
I was so sure that I would solve the entire crisis if all three hundred
students from my elementary school brought in one dollar. I was passionate,
hopeful, and idealistic.
Yet other times I took a step back from the spotlight. I began
to hold my tongue. I feared being judged and I became passive. I thought people
couldn’t dislike me if I didn’t do anything.
And this was how I behaved. I’d lead then crawl back into my
shell. I walked that tight rope for years.
And then I came to Live Different Academy (LDA) where I
learned to see all of my potential and how my balancing act was limiting me.
I was extremely nervous for my tour Leader Day. The part
that fazed me was talking to the school contact. I was nervous I would forget
to ask a question or that I would say the wrong thing. I had no confidence
going into the situation. Ultimately it went well and I realized that I was
capable of it. I’m sure it would have gone even better had I actually believed
in myself. It goes to show that confidence and self-assurance can let you
accomplish nearly anything.
Tour let me develop my confidence. Unlike during tour, I was
excited for my Leader Day in Mexico. I taught a social justice lesson on
education to my peers and I organized a movie night at a local school. It
played on my teaching and organizational strong suits. It reaffirmed my
newfound confidence and leadership skills.
So what does it mean to be a leader?
It means being approachable to those around you. It means
being organized and problem solving. It means effectively communicating to
those around you. It means taking initiative and taking pride in your work. It
means leading my example, not necessarily by what you say. It doesn’t mean
doing everything yourself, a good leader has the ability to delegate. And the
most important point of all is that a good leader serves their group.
Everything they do it to benefit their team.
I’m excited to put this new trait to the test for when I am
home. I am currently organizing a fundraiser for various slavery-fighting
charities; I am in the midst of finalizing a presentation at a local high
school; I am trying to use my camp as a platform to educate and inspire; and I
am in the beginning stages of planning a humanitarian trip at my university.
As much as I am motivated to go for the big actions, I am
eager to use my skills during my everyday interactions. Just the simple task of
smiling at a stranger or giving out a random act of kindness is important.
Knowing how to better communicate with those around me will help me in all
aspects of my life. Even just knowing myself better will help me succeed in
life.
So I’m putting my tight rope to rest for good. If I ever
want to make a difference I need to have my feet planted firmly on the ground.
I believe that lives are measured by their impact on others. My only wish is
that I will be able to make mine count.
Lots of love,
Meagan <3
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