When I was a little girl, I never saw myself as a leader. I was the kid that hid behind mommy at the store. I was the kid that was a follower and not the leader. I followed the group being my little shy self. Years later, I see that a leader isn't always born, but a leader is grown from what has occurred in their lives. Sure, I didn't exactly show signs of leading when I was 4 years old at preschool, but I am making up for it now.

In elementary school, I always wanted to be line leader, because I liked to be in charge. Yep, everyone was going to follow me and they better like it. I believe that was around the time that I realized that I wanted to be a leader. In middle school, I always wanted to be first chair of the saxophones to keep everyone in check. I ended up being second chair, but I sure tried my hand in leading as much as I could. In high school, I REALLY stepped up my leadership skills. I was a class officer, student council member, first chair in band, and a section leader in band. I loved every moment of leading and didn't ever want it to end.

Finally, in college I walked in walking to the beat of my own drum ready to take on whatever leadership opportunity that would come to me. I stepped up and was elected as a member of our Student Senate and am now Student Senate President.

I strive to be the best I can be in all that I do. Being the best leader I can be is sure on the top of that list. Sure, I wasn't exactly a leader the moment I was born, but I have been shaped into a leader of today and that's all that matters. Who knew that all along there was a little leader in me?!