Leader

* In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a leader? How have you demonstrated these qualities in your own leadership experience? 

Being a leader requires a specific set of characteristics. I feel like one of the most important qualities of being a leader is self awareness. I believe that self-awareness is a process that involves more than just personal introspection. Consciousness of self encompasses not only personal beliefs and values, but also how others perceive you. Ultimately, leadership is about more than just one person. In this way, self-consciousness is also a realization that you are much more than just a single person. Your decisions and actions will end up affecting your friends and peers.

Another important characteristic of a leader is being flexible. When certain factors change, leaders have to be able to recognize the impacts of that change and direct others to adapt in a way that minimizes disturbances. A leader should always have a main goal in mind, and be able to facilitate work in such a way that disruptive changes do not impact the eventual realization of that goal.

In my own experience, I feel that being able to self evaluate has truly helped me grow as a leader.. In doing so, I can judge my own abilities and enrich my knowledge by targeting specific skills that I may be lacking in. That way, I can continue to work on achieving my goals, both in the classroom and in my community. Also, being flexible is a must for a college student. Constant adjustments to schedules are a part of life, and I feel that my experience here at UT has really taught me how to adapt to change.

* What experience and skills do you have with presenting or facilitating? What strengths and challenges (in the area of facilitating) do you anticipate if selected to be part of the Horns Leading Horns team? 

As part of the Outreach Committee for the Learn to Be organization on campus, I had the opportunity to create a personalized pitch to introduce the...