My Leadership Philosophy

Part of leadership is the ability to make a difference under difficult circumstances. But, what is a leader? A leader is a person or thing that holds a dominant or superior position within its field, and is able to exercise a high degree of control or influence over others. I portray the qualities that a leader has: persistance, determination, confidence, and passion. This past summer my gymnastics career went to the next level; I was offered a job at the gymnasium. Knowing this would be a big commitment, I gladly accepted. I went from a student taking classes to being the person teaching the classes. I started out as an assistant to the main coach, Mrs. Joan, keeping kids in line and supervising their actions. My boss noticed my initiative
and my dedication. I soon started taking small classes of my own. Just a few weeks later I was asked to open the gymnasium and start teaching the classes by myself. The little gymnasts started calling me “Miss Dana”. It is humbling when you are treated and respected as an adult. I have never seen anyone, like my boss, put so much trust in me, proving that my leadership was evolving. My leadership in gymnastics goes much further than having my own classes to teach. If my boss or the other coaches were stuck in traffic or running a few minutes late, I was only a call away. I would show up in less than 5 minutes ready to start teaching. Currently, my boss is depending on me more, showing the trust he has in me. My class size ranges from 8-12 girls. I work 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. On top of my job at gymnastics, I am also a straight-A student. Although I have a lot to juggle, it has made me a better person. I have gained many skills through my leadership. I have gained confidence by not being afraid to speak up and speak my mind inside and outside of gymnastics. Now, I take initiative to things that need attention. If the main coaches are busy dealing with a kid from class: an injury, an angry parent, or even a line-cutter, I immediately jump in and take action, resuming the class. Gymnastics has made me mature into a responsible adult through leadership. With this in mind, my leadership has really shined through in one situation.
This past month, a girl with a physical disability has joined class. You cannot tell she has a disability from looking at her, only by her movements. I have developed a soft spot in my heart for her. How does this involve leadership you may ask; instead of her going with the other stricter coaches, I always make sure she is in my class. I know the other coaches are not aware of her slight disability in her arm and I do not want to call unnecessary attention to it by telling them about it. When I am scowling at the other girls for not having their arms up, in which they are supposed to, I take it easy on the disabled girl. It is not that I do not want her to things correctly, I do not want her to feel embarrassed, most importantly I want her to feel comfortable and have fun. I can see that she is trying her hardest and that is all I could ever ask for. When other girls tell her to put her hands up, I quickly tell the girls that she understands what to do. I have exhibited leadership not only to my students, but to the girl with the disability and her parents who watch her in class. I always make sure everything is safe so she can do the skills with one arm. Having a girl with a disability in a competitive and physical sport like gymnastics may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I enjoy the challenge. I see the student just as I see every student, she is most definitely not is an outcast because I create an environment where everyone is equal. I have taken leadership of this situation in which not everyone may want to deal with due to the difficulties of it. Her story has added so much to my leadership skills. She has made me realize that leadership is much more than taking control, being strict, and getting a job done correctly, it is about encouraging people and making a
difference.