National Student Leadership Forum Application

A piece of my National Student Leadership Forum Application.  

In Washington DC  Nov. 2-4

I thought this was appropriate for this blog. 

Discuss great leaders of History: 

As Albert Einstein once stated, “learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning”. I am grateful to live in a nation where interrogation is acceptable, criticism is allowed, questions are encouraged. When I ponder great leaders in our world’s history, I immediately think of the courage and determination of Nelson Mandela. Standing for anti-apartheid, Nelson Mandela devoted the entirety of his life to freedom, unity, and tolerance. Although he stood for uplifting ideals, his life was centered around persistence and vigor. Amazingly, Nelson Mandela’s will for South Africa did not cease when in prison, and he displays resilience in every facet of his life.  Nelson Mandela asked questions-even when the questions seemed to have no peaceful answer. In addition to Nelson Mandela, I begin to think about a woman who is my role model, and in a sense, my mentor. I have never met Mother Teresa, but I feel as though I have. Mother Teresa’s journals are real. They are authentic. Mother Teresa, often considered the moving force for humanitarian aid in the past century, struggled with her faith and often asked questions. She knew that even when her faith felt like it was failing or confusing her, she continued to love. She understood that God was love, and she was determined to bring the Joy of her Savior to the world. Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa both asked the hard questions, and sought the answers of peace and love.

Discuss a leader who has personally impacted you:

I am grateful to attend High Point University, a small liberal arts school in North Carolina. The faculty is phenomenal, the classes are rigorous and challenging, and the atmosphere n campus is unrivaled. I am a believer in top-down leadership and top-down culture. The culture of a place is determined by it’s movers and its shakers. Recently I heard this quote, “Positive self-esteem can give you the character to face any obstacle that stands in your way. With high self-esteem, you can meet the most disappointing and discouraging situations with faith, hope, and courage. The primary difference between winners and losers is attitude. Winners make their goals; losers make excuses.” This quote comes from our president, Dr. Nido Qubein. Dr. Qubein moved from Lebanon to the United States when he was seventeen years of age, and fifty dollars in his pocket. In addition, he did not know the language. Dr. Qubein now sits on the board of numerous Fortune 500 companies, is a widely- sought after business consultant and the President of my school. I have been grateful to learn from this man, and have the ability to know him personally. I aspire to have the courage this man has. He not only understands hard work, but understands compassion. Dr. Qubein displays hope in the midst of uncertainly, and his charismatic presence defines the culture of High Point University. I am a believer in top-down operations. I aspire to lead as Dr. Qubein-not simply in the process, but in the philosophy, in the culture and through values.

What is a leader? 

A leader is the encapsulation and execution of two values: integrity and consistency. A leader must be a person of authenticity. Leadership is a transparent role. One cannot lead their peers through words alone, but through transparent motives. In addition, a leader must be consistent in their actions, consistent in their values, and consistent in their approach to those they serve. When one blends consistency and integrity, a winning combination surfaces. The reason it is a winning combination, is because it is rare.  With the presidential election swiftly approaching, it is obvious that clarity, consistency, integrity, and values-based leadership is rare and becoming less and less. I understand though, that when all is said and done, many can be executers and doers. Nevertheless, few individuals can be leaders. Leadership requires the individual to be the same person in the pulpit, in the public’s eye, in their homes, and in the office.  I desire to be, and will be this type of leader. Consistent living is not often a sought-after trait, yet it certainly makes life easier to live. Once values are defined the entirety of the leader must center themselves on those, and those alone.

Why do you desire to attend the National Student Leadership Forum? 

As a California native, I knew that to expand my potential, I would need to change my environment: get out of the west coast fast-paced lifestyle and immerse myself in completely new surroundings. I cherish my home of San Francisco/ Sacramento Valley but I knew that a school in a different part of the country would not only open up new doors for me but also expand my narrow perspective and outlook.  Sometimes, change is beneficial. And, more often than not, change inspires discussion. Change makes people ask questions as to why you chose a different way of living. When I was invited to the National Student Leadership Forum, I became elated at the prospect of genuine discussion, with fellow peers, who share a like-minded passion for change. Our generation is a cohort of social media interaction and fast paced discussion. We desire to get things done. But, we also desire to achieve goals through integrity. NSLF will allow the opportunity for genuine discussion, in the midst of an election year of change. Outlooks will be expanded, and new ideas will be shared. I am grateful for this nomination, and am looking forward to the inspiration awaiting me in D.C. Thank you for this opportunity, and I will continue to serve my peers, and eventually, my nation.