When I first arrived at the University of Maryland, I was very nervous on making friends and forming connections with professors. Although these feels still exist, I now know how to navigate them better. I used to think that leadership meat being the most outgoing person in the room, and that to be a leader you must be this big figure. Now, I feel that leadership comes in different forms, and what may work in one situation, will not work in another. One does not need to be super outgoing to be a leader, but they must be willing to take on responsibility of having others look to them for guidance. Being a leader means putting others first, and allowing those you lead to grow along with your successes, where the goal should not just be to complete a task, but be a better team now than you were when you first started. Using tools in this class such as: direct leadership vs. a consensus form of leadership, and how to lead when you aren't at the top really resonated with me. I use these lessons in my everyday life at my job back at home, and on campus throughout my animal science courses.

My leadership style is leading by example. I feel that in order for people to follow you effectively, they must know that you too are going to struggle with them towards a goal. This is seen throughout military history with leaders joining their soldiers on the front lines. I also see myself as a hybrid leader, but I lean more towards consensus. I know that I possess skills others may lack, and that others have skills I may need to improve. Rather than only use the things I am good at, I allow others to incorporate their talents into completely a common goal. In doing this, a sense of appreciation is in the work environment, rather than me just barking orders. However, I know that in certain situations, being direct with my leadership is essential if others are to see the path to accomplishing a goal. I would say that I don't need to be at the top to lead either, being more of a servant leader. I am willing to work within an organization and lead those around me within that organization, for the betterment of others.