The trials of COVID-19 have affected everyone’s lives, giving us a different perspective on life and how we navigate through the world. And while it is absolutely impossible to ignore the pain that corona has caused, I have grown and learned so much during this time, even in this virtual space. American University has given me so many tools to foster my growth as a student and as a person, and being involved in SPA Leadership has helped me to develop so many different skills and qualities to make me a better leader. Throughout our leadership classes and the creation of our project, I have been able to really pinpoint my strengths and weaknesses, and through this, I have used this new knowledge to grow even more in my leadership abilities.
My main leadership qualities revolve around uniting people, being empathetic and welcoming, and bringing energy and a creative spark into a space. A year ago that sentence would have been hard for me to write since I had no confidence in my abilities and felt like saying good things about myself was somehow conceited, but I have developed so much more confidence since then, thanks to the things I’ve learned in and outside of the classroom. With supportive and extremely insightful teachers and mentors, I think that I have become a much different person who is more confident in my knowledge and abilities and can use my strengths to get a goal accomplished. My peers have also been instrumental in my growth as a leader by uplifting me and being there to talk about important issues. But my peers have also inspired me so much by just being themselves. Their passion and unique skills and abilities have encouraged me to grow and given me so much to think about. Without SPA Leadership, I honestly would not be the person I am today and would not have been able to accomplish the great things that I have now. I am so thankful for my amazing professors, TA, Anthony, and group members, and peers and I am excited to continue this journey next year.