Now Do More.

     Alright. So. We're in week eleven. Which is almost crazy for me to think about, because professors are starting to talk about finals week already, and the ending of our very first round of college classes on semesters. I mean... that went really fast, didn't it? I'm not the only one who thinks this, right? My high school friends back home are telling me "Hey, the first quarter is over already," and I'm like "Hah. We're almost halfway through the year here." It's such a contrast, but I love it. Throughout these eleven weeks, I have learned so much, especially about myself as a student, a person, and a woman. My FYS Women in Leadership class has been immensely beneficial for me, and I could not be more grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this experience.
     Leadership is such a big, important term to me. It always has been. All through high school, I held numerous leadership positions. President of Student Council and our chapter of National Honor Society, captain of the varsity softball team, section and squad leader in concert and marching band, section leader in concert and show choir. These positions were always equally important to me. It was my responsibility to lead those in whatever organization or activity it was, and I felt as though I accomplished that exceptionally well for myself. I worked hard to not be bossy, or condescending. I tried to include everyone in everything an organization was doing, and I tried to trump negative remarks or rumors before they even had the chance to start. The experience I gained in these positions really helped me take this Women in Leadership course to its fullest extent of vitality to me. The prior experience I've had up to this point is what has helped me excel here at Otterbein, both in and out of class.
     We have had some phenomenal speakers. Just tonight, Justice McGee Brown spoke to us about a range of topics that all tied together to give us (or me, at least) one general notion. BE YOURSELF. The best thing she told us tonight was to not worry about the guys right now. Worry about developing yourself as a person, as a woman, as an intellectual person. The guys will come along when they're developing themselves and looking for a woman who knows what she wants, who she is, and what she is going to do in the world. I loved that! I mean, I've always been a very goal-oriented person. And I've always kept my priorities straight. My education, academia, and my work have always come first in my life. Without fail. That still holds true today, and that practice has gotten me pretty far here at Otterbein as a freshman. I mean... as a freshman, I'm holding two jobs on campus, maintaining a high GPA, managing all of my classes wonderfully for myself. I'm taking advantage of so many new opportunities that are coming my way because I know they will push me forward in my career and in my life.
     This Women in Leadership class has continually been reinforcing the knowledge that I am doing exactly what I should be. Am I overwhelmed sometimes? Of course I am, but that doesn't mean I drop everything and break down. I am just made stronger through everything I handle. The morals and standards to which I hold myself are extremely high and valued to me. These speakers who discuss things with us, these sessions every Wednesday night that we have, they make me feel good about how I am carrying myself. I feel more confident every day, because I know that what I'm doing is going to be a good thing for me in the long run. This feeling... it truly is priceless. And I do not believe for a minute that I would have this feeling had I not been a part of this remarkable class filled with women leaders.