Personal Narrative: Becoming An Effective Leader

Growing up I was the loud intrusive child in the kindergarten class who got in trouble for talking and breaking the rules. This is not the same child who left the elementary school. Entering middle school I was quite the opposite, indeed. The shy, quiet, awkward kid in the corner was the title that I owned. Experiences that occurred in the 6 years of primary school had effected me deeply and it would take years to undo the damage that these years had done. I had become a follower. I never stood up for myself or made my own decisions. I needed something to get me out the funk that I gotten myself into. My saving grace came in the form of a friend, let's call her 'Joan'. Joan was a leader. Loud, lively, and independent. I strived to obtain the
Someone who will stand up for what they believe in despite struggles or others tearing them down. A leader will guide others on a path to success, and if we're lucky, the leaders will help teach us followers how to lead. Entering high school along Joan's side was comforting and she was teaching me new things daily. We went on trips together and I got to experience something that I would have never done on my own, my trip to Montreat. Montreat is a church camp held over the summer for one week in Montreat, North Carolina. This week involved breaking away from those I know to meet other people my age, we were split into "small groups". The idea of this terrified me. What if I don't make any friends? What if everyone dislikes me? How will I be able to talk and express my feelings in front of these strangers? It was a flood of emotions. Little did I know, this would be one of the best week's of my life, thus far. With Joan pushing me to do this, and my small group leader helping me along the way, I had an amazing week of self exploration, debates, and friendship and I couldn't be move
I wasn't the loud, boisterous elementary kid but I also wasn't the shy sixth grader. I was, am a confident individual. I am no longer afraid to share my feelings or talk in front of others; I am no longer afraid to be myself. I can finally be a leader. I find myself coming out of my shell more and more daily and I couldn't be more thankful for the person who got me to this point. Joan and I are not close like we used to be and that is for the best. I see her as an angel who came down to help me with one stage of my life. Since the stage is over now, we were both able to move on. I recollect on our friendship often and how I have evolved as an individual. I can finally stand up, not sit. I can finally project, not whisper. I can finally be me. Thanks to my leader,