Photo courtesy of Centricity for SkillsUSA.
Imagine stepping into a world where every challenge is an opportunity and every obstacle is a chance for an even stronger comeback. That’s the journey I’ve had as your SkillsUSA national college/postsecondary president this year. At Northshore Technical Community College in Louisiana, where I study the Care and Development of Young Children, I haven’t just studied education and been part of SkillsUSA — I’ve also learned so much about the art of resilience.
Through my extensive leadership training in SkillsUSA as well as through my competition experiences, I have developed many valuable and essential life skills such as adaptability, flexibility and confident decision-making. Winning a gold medal in the Early Childhood Education competition was exciting for me, but it wasn’t just about national honors; it was also about embracing unexpected challenges head-on when my competition threw me a curve ball late in the game. I learned just before the deadline to complete my lesson plans that my teaching materials would be split between two rooms. In early childhood education, things do change quickly so I had to stay calm, trust my instincts and adapt my materials to work. I know these are useful skills that will guide me for life. I won gold and standing on the medal podium at State Farm Arena is a moment I will remember for life!
Inspired by Greatness
When I am asked about the people who inspire me, I don’t hesitate with my answer. Michelle Obama stands out not just as the first Black First Lady, but she stands out as a beacon of leadership and empowerment. From promoting healthy lifestyles with “Let’s Move” to encouraging higher education with “Reach Higher,” Michelle Obama’s many national initiatives have touched countless lives. I was especially inspired by the “Let Girls Learn” campaign, which championed education for young girls worldwide. Michelle Obama showed me that true leadership is about lifting others up. Her work motivates me to want to make a real difference in life, especially for those who need it most.
Leading with Purpose
As a young Black leader, I do understand the weight of my role. I have the power to inspire others by sharing my story and by living a life that can be an example of continuous growth. My journey is unique to me, but it is also proof that with resilience and determination, success is possible for all of us if we keep moving forward toward our goals with effort and determination.
As I continue my year as a national officer and moving forward after this year, I am committed to using my platform to advocate for inclusivity and representation, ensuring other students have access to the opportunities I’ve had that they also deserve. I believe in the power of mentorship and I am excited to guide others to become better leaders themselves.
I hope to spark a movement where more students everywhere feel empowered to rise up, chase their dreams and boldly shape their own futures. I hope that by sharing my story I can start a call to action for young adults everywhere to be bold, to be resilient and to never stop believing in their ability to create change for themselves. After all, the future is ours to shape as we each wish — so why not make it extraordinary?
