Looking back on this year in Leadership, I’m proud of how much I’ve grown – not just in my ability to lead others, but in how I understand myself and what it means to work alongside others. When I first started, I thought leadership was mainly about taking charge and getting things done. Now I realize that it was much more than that. This course really centred on listening, showing up for others, being reliable, and staying focused on the end goal, even when things get hectic.

Throughout the year, I took on responsibilities that challenged me, including organizing events, supporting my peers, and being a part of the behind-the-scenes chaos that often goes unseen. There were moments I felt overwhelmed or unsure, but I learned how to problem-solve on the spot, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to communicate clearly. One of my biggest takeaways is that good leadership isn’t about being perfect: it’s about being consistent, accountable, and willing to learn.

I can also recognize my personal growth from September to now. I have become much more of a team member and have gotten comfortable working with new people. I am able to better set boundaries and manage my time, which has helped me in many other situations as well. More importantly, I grew to enjoy the joy I see within the student body with the events that we hosted.

Going forward, I plan to use the skills I have developed in Leadership for whatever I do, whether it’s in university, work, or even just daily situations. Things like teamwork, empathy, and responsibility are all things I still have space to improve on, and I know these qualities will help me build stronger connections and face challenges with more clarity.

The overall year was not always easy, but I enjoyed a lot of it: which made it all worth it. I am very grateful for the people I have met and how much I have grown in such a short amount of time. Thank you.