1LD0 Backstage

First Year

In my first year of university, I remember feeling really intimidated by all the people in my program. I remember thinking that I was no longer a big fish in a small pond but a fish in a pond with a bunch of other accomplished and impressive fish. I was also struggling with general anxiety and panic attacks in first year. Both of these things I feel had a big effect on my leadership journey because it discouraged me from joining things and putting myself out there in terms of leadership opportunities. What I want to take away from this challenging time is that I should not be discouraged by others’ successes and compare myself to them but have them encourage me to pursue more opportunities. My mindset should be more aligned to the idea that “if they can do it, why can’t I?”

• Led a discussion in the first group project for first year first semester – Insight and Inquiry
  • Felt like a leader among other leaders
•   Competed in an Optional Case Competition
  • Had (have) a fear of public speaking but signed up and participated with my friends and we got second

• Leadership Sessions with Lisa
  • Started looking at leadership differently – was introduced to different forms of leadership and how it can present and manifest differently depending on the person and situation