The leader I am becoming is rooted in service, responsibility, and a quiet commitment to helping others grow. Through my experiences in National Honor Society, multiple honors bands, and leadership roles such as drum major, Key Club Web Master, and club officer positions, I have learned that leadership is not about recognition or authority, it is about influence, consistency, and care. Whether I was guiding a marching band rehearsal or organizing information behind the scenes, I began to understand that effective leaders create environments where others feel supported, included, and motivated to succeed.

Music and service have shaped my character in lasting ways. Being part of honors bands taught me discipline, collaboration, and the importance of listening, both musically and personally. As drum major, I learned how to lead with clarity and confidence while also being approachable and encouraging. These roles required me to balance accountability with empathy, recognizing that everyone contributes differently but meaningfully to a group. Similarly, my involvement in service-oriented clubs like Key Club, Campus Club, and Inclusion Club has strengthened my sense of responsibility to my community. These experiences have helped me value inclusiveness, organization, and following through, all qualities that I know will define the leader 1 continue to become.

Looking ahead, I want my leadership to have a lasting, positive impact on individuals, especially those who may feel overlooked or unsupported. I am drawn to the field of occupational therapy because it reflects the kind of leader I strive to be, someone who empowers others to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. I hope to work as an occupational therapist in a local school, helping students develop the skills they need not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. In time, I would like to extend that impact by teaching at the college level, guiding future therapists to approach their work with compassion, patience, and purpose. My goal is not just to lead, but to multiply leadership in others.

To grow into this vision over the next five years, I know I must be intentional in both my goals and daily habits. First, I plan to fully commit to my education at Misericordia University, pursuing not only a bachelor's and master's degree by 2031 but potentially a doctorate all in occupational therapy. This goal is meaningful because it reflects both my dedication to excellence and my desire to deepen my knowledge so I can better serve others. Achieving this will require discipline, time management, and resilience, all qualities I have begun to develop through my current leadership roles but must continue to strengthen over time.

Second, I aim to actively seek out opportunities for hands-on experience and mentorship within the occupational therapy field. Whether through internships, volunteering in schools, or shadowing professionals, I want to learn directly from those who are already making an impact. This goal connects to the leader I hope to become because it emphasizes growth through experience and humility. I recognize that leadership is a continuous learning process, and surrounding myself with strong role models will help shape both my skills and my character.

Ultimately, the leader I am becoming is someone who leads with intention, serves with compassion, and remains committed to growth. I want my impact to be felt not through titles, but through the people I support and the communities I strengthen. By staying grounded in my values and focused on my goals, I am confident that I can grow into a leader who not only achieves success but helps others find it as well.