“Life’s a test, mistakes are lessons, but the gift of life is knowing that you have made a difference.” – Tupac Shakur

Major: Economics
Year: Third
Hometown: Long Beach CA

Leadership to me is a team of individuals who are each influencing each other with different perspectives that help lead each other to a better outcome despite obstacles and challenges along the way. It is important to learn from each other, feel connected to each other, and to allow each person to lead in one way or another. In life, if someone becomes stagnant or too comfortable, they are not growing as a professional developing student. For this reason, I sought out leadership learning opportunities because I want to meet new people, gain confidence, and learn to feel reliability in myself and my abilities to contribute to something bigger than myself. It is a process to be a good leader and teammate but the more practice, the better. Furthermore, the CLL does a great job of teaching students how to work in diverse environments with contrasting opinions for a purpose. In the process, students learn a lot about themselves and their capabilities allowing them to grow during trial and error. I have been on the lookout for a community that is inspiring, encouraging, and understanding. Understanding your passions and interests are important, alongside other individuals striving to obtain similar results in a welcoming and inclusive environment.