Leadership, noun:
: The action of leading a group or an organization.
Examples: Being an efficient and effective leader depends on several factors. First, the leader needs to ensure that he/she prioritizes the organization’s mission before self. This entails assuming responsibility when a problem occurs and having the courage to handle issues. The leader should also be open to criticism from others in order to improve his/her leadership skills into the future. Second, the leader needs to be able to collaborate with other members of the organization. This entails effective communication and accepting criticism in order to improve one’s leadership capabilities in the future. Likewise, the leader needs to be inclusive of all members of the organization so that they know that they are valued.
Texas A&M
Ole Miss
Alexander Hamilton Society, Co-President 2017-2018; Fundraising Chair 2016-2017
Student Government Association, Student Representative 2016-2018
National Security Career Club, Student Leadership 2016-2018
Croft Institute for International Studies, Ambassador 2014-2016
Croft Institute for International Studies, Senate 2014-2016
Chinese Flagship, Ambassador 2013-2016
International Studies, Freshman Retreat Leader August 2014, 2015
Rebel Global Connections, Officer, 2015-2016
Picture of AHS Presidents from different chapters at the 2017 Reagan National Defense Forum at the Reagan Presidential Library in California
During my time at the Bush School, I was involved with numerous student organizations that promoted camaraderie and teamwork. While serving in these organizations, I developed skills that are critical for effective leadership. In addition to leadership and teamwork, I obtained experience in financial management, communications, networking, organization, and planning.
One of the organizations that I was most passionate about was the Alexander Hamilton Society (AHS) where I served as the Fundraising Chair and later, the Co-President. AHS is a national organization that brings foreign policy and national security debates to college campuses around the country. During my tenure as Fundraising Chair, I was responsible for planning biannual fundraising events, such as Trivia Nights with 100+ attendees, which produced over $1000 in revenue per semester. I decided to seek more responsibility as Co-President the following year. This position resulted in me obtaining experience in leading a national organization, delegating tasks, managing the financial side of AHS, and liaising with the national chapter.
I also served in the Bush School’s Student Government Association as a Class of 2018 Student Elected Representative. This is a student elected position that requires active involvement with the Bush School community, including assisting coordinate and plan events, managing the student workroom, and representing students when voting on various matters, such as budget issues. Finally, I served as an officer to the National Security Career Club. As an officer, I coordinated with professors with previous national security-related careers to organize social events outside of the Bush School so students could network and ask professors career-related questions. This position required time management and organizational skills.
These leadership experiences were further enhanced by the Bush School’s leadership workshops. These workshops gave me the opportunity to learn about my own leadership qualities and Myers Briggs personality type (ENTJ) which allowed me to reflect on the best way for me operationalize my leadership skills.