Growing up as a young girl in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, I always seemed to have problems with authority. I don’t mean that I got into any sort of serious trouble, but just that I always questioned figures of authority, especially at school as I grew into high school. I did not feel that these figures who were helping mold my formative years were genuinely concerned for my well-being. Granted, there were many teachers and adults who I connected with, however throughout my childhood those were few and far between. I usually had issues with adults who told me point-blank “don’t do this”, yet when I asked “why?” I was not given a satisfactory answer. Perhaps, at such a young age I was not entitled to one, but I do believe that as children we need role models who make us want to be better people and make us want to become great leaders. Isn’t that what growing up is all about?

As far as my own role in leadership, I feel as though I developed my skills by seeing people close to me do amazing things. My parents influenced me greatly and to know that they struggled and made many sacrifices to come to this great country only pushes me even more. I am 28 years old, but in my short life I have taken on responsibility that many of my peers would not. I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but I share this with you because I feel that as young adults it is our job to blaze a path for others to follow, not to blindly follow, but instead, to follow their hearts and do what is right in their own unique way. I believe that through exercising our own ability to help others we inadvertently become leaders. Like the saying goes, “if you don’t use it, you lose it”. This is true. Many people do not believe in themselves enough to do great things. They have much self-doubt and would rather not attempt something great and challenging for fear of failing. However, this is a horrible way of thinking.

If you want something bad enough, whether it is to become a police officer, teacher, raise funds for charity or hold public office there is no way you can fail. You try and you try until something sticks. It is through these periods of struggle and sometimes failure, that you grow and you become your own leader, your own trailblazer. You set the bar for yourself and you become a leader to others. This happens by leading through example. You may not feel like it, but the reality is that people are watching you. Many are hoping you fail because they are too scared to try themselves, but then there are others who are rooting for you and want to follow in your footsteps. Whether it is a friend or child that you know, there are people who will take your experiences and use them for their own fuel.

I always suggest that it is best to question authority in a respectful and kind manner. This has to be so, because if we blindly go through life without questioning why things are the way they are then we will NEVER make positive changes in our lives. We will continue to go through the motions that seem easy. Always do the impossible and strive for more. If you do it, so will others and that is a fire that no one can put out.