Hi everyone! I’m Jacarrie, a Leader In Training (L.I.T.), here at MWYF, and have been for the past two years. Through my experience as an L.I.T. in the Elementary classrooms and with the guidance of MWYF staff, I have been learning what it means to be a leader. Ms. Kee, Elementary Program Manager, at MWYF has been someone in particular that has been a major role model for me. She has shown me that being a leader is being able to provide instructions to the students and lead by example through the process. I feel the main priority of being a leader is to help students along the way, let them make their own mistakes, and show them perseverance and positive actions.
There can be some challenges that happen when being a leader to the kids younger than me, however, there is one challenge that I have turned into my biggest accomplishment. For one particular student, I was the one who was able to get through to him during outbursts. This made me aware that I AM a role model to the younger children and my actions are important in these moments. By being a leader, I was able to turn his behavior around and make a difference for him and myself.
In the end, there are several skills that I have gained through this process of being an L.I.T. at MWYF. In terms of my own growth, I have learned through this experience that I am a very patient person. When it come to my leadership growth, I have learned that I have skills in quick reaction time, effective communication, and problem-solving. However, the most important thing I have learned through my leadership experience is to pay attention to others and show a genuine interest in the people around you.
