A New Experience...

I am very excited about the STARS LEAD program this year! The first meeting went well. Not only did I enjoy getting to know everyone, but I also enjoyed the manner by which we introduced ourselves to each other. Given the task of finding three items to describe ourselves, I chose a pack of Trident gum (it's my favorite), Burt's Bees Cuticle Cream, and my photography business card. It has been almost a year since I have experimented with manicuring my own nails, hence the cuticle cream. I hope to master the skills and techniques to create an at home but salon-like manicure. My third item, my photography business card, has the most significance. As a college student, busy with readings and assignments, I don't shoot as often as I would like to. I think of the business card as a reminder of the work I did and will eventually come back to enjoy, once I am not as busy. I found it very entertaining to get to know everyone in that way and to share my items with them. The first meeting was great and I can not wait for the others!

I believe leadership is being able to stand for what you know is right regardless as to what everyone else is doing. At the same time it is trying to be an example for those who aren't necessarily going down the right road. Leadership also involves being able to see things from different views and being open to new ideas. Flexibility is key. Leadership encompasses a lot of things and I am looking forward to learning more about the definition of leadership in this LEAD program.

When the spring semester comes to an end I hope to have made great lasting friendships with the STARS leaders and develop strong networks with the various speakers who are to give presentations at our sessions. In addition to that, I want to become an even better leader and be able to learn about the many roles that are attributed to leaders and how those roles are to be applied in my daily life. I want to grow and develop as an individual by getting as much as I can from this program and my peers, while bringing something to the group to help others strengthen as leaders.

I am looking forward to every meeting of this semester and most of all getting to know Joe, Molly, Kema, Willie, Armando, Karina, Alana, Conrad, Angee, Esperanza, Elana, Syed, and Kassandra!

Lauren L. Adams