Lead
Leaders advocate on behalf of a group of followers through their words and actions by motivating them to accomplish a goal or encouraging them in a cause or belief . Leaders are entrusted to serve as role models for their followers.
Understanding
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Influence
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Positivity
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Texas A&M Memorial Student Center Jessie Jordan Innovative Leadership Award
This award is given to a Texas A&M student involved in the Memorial Student Center (MSC) who has promoted continuous improvement within the MSC through innovation, through formal and informal leadership roles, facilitated the development of creative solutions to complex issues while strengthening the team environment of the MSC.
As my time neared a
close as Leadership Development Executive of MSC Aggie Leaders of Tomorrow
(ALOT), I remember hoping that each freshman I had the opportunity to mentor
and each staff member I had the privilege of working with would be changed in
one positive way because of the friendship that I shared with them. It was such a fruitful year, but of course
our fruits did not come without much labor and hard work. As a Leadership Development ("Lead
Devo") subcommittee, we accomplished so many tasks: we revitalized our
"Leadership Challenge" Program (bringing leadership retreats to other
organizations on campus), instituted "ALOT of A's" (an on-campus
study program promoting scholarship within MSC ALOT), all while planning
semester retreats for our own organization and hosting a leadership conference
for Texas A&M freshmen.
However, when I look back on the successes of the year, I see my relationships with freshman members and my fellow staff members and how I was able to leave some small impact on their lives. What I treasured most was the opportunity I had to see them transform, encourage them, and believe in them; to see each one of them as active leaders on campus, impacting ALOT, the MSC, and other campus organizations with their time and love. My role as Executive was not only about accomplishing tasks, but being a mentor and developing each person to be the best version of themselves. I had a personal vision for that year, and it was to make others know that they were strong, capable, and loved - that was my priority in serving freshmen and staff.
I was so honored to receive this award, but I realized that it was not "mine," but it was ours. For me, being a leader is building other people up so that they can continue the cycle of building up others, as well; and I believe that this award is an affirmation that we were all truly taking part in this cycle of building "Leaders of Tomorrow," and that this legacy continues still today. People can see when you truly believe in them, and it inspires them to believe in others, too. Receiving the Jessie Jordan Innovative Leadership Award was a humbling moment to be reminded that I am a leader and that I'm truly making a difference, one heart, one life at a time.
However, when I look back on the successes of the year, I see my relationships with freshman members and my fellow staff members and how I was able to leave some small impact on their lives. What I treasured most was the opportunity I had to see them transform, encourage them, and believe in them; to see each one of them as active leaders on campus, impacting ALOT, the MSC, and other campus organizations with their time and love. My role as Executive was not only about accomplishing tasks, but being a mentor and developing each person to be the best version of themselves. I had a personal vision for that year, and it was to make others know that they were strong, capable, and loved - that was my priority in serving freshmen and staff.
I was so honored to receive this award, but I realized that it was not "mine," but it was ours. For me, being a leader is building other people up so that they can continue the cycle of building up others, as well; and I believe that this award is an affirmation that we were all truly taking part in this cycle of building "Leaders of Tomorrow," and that this legacy continues still today. People can see when you truly believe in them, and it inspires them to believe in others, too. Receiving the Jessie Jordan Innovative Leadership Award was a humbling moment to be reminded that I am a leader and that I'm truly making a difference, one heart, one life at a time.