LEAD’s mission to empower youth by teaching essential life skills and fostering their potential deeply resonates with me. Seeing the growth, confidence, and achievements of the LEADers I work with is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to stay involved. The organization’s focus on helping youth achieve their dreams aligns with my personal values and career goals in school psychology, making it a perfect fit for my passion and skills.
A particularly meaningful experience during my time with LEAD was when a student asked me to be their mentor during a college tour at Houston Community College. As we walked through the campus, they opened up about their aspirations for higher education but admitted they felt overwhelmed by the process of preparing for and applying to college as a first generation student. They expressed how much they valued the guidance and support I offered that day and asked if I could help them navigate this next chapter of their life. This moment was incredibly humbling and reaffirmed my belief in the importance of mentorship. It reminded me that our work goes beyond teaching life skills—it’s about building trust and empowering students to believe in their potential. Supporting that student as they took their first steps toward college readiness was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have in helping young people achieve their dreams.
I’m particularly inspired by LEAD’s impact in creating a supportive environment where students feel seen, heard, and capable. Watching students gain skills that help them succeed in school, relationships, and eventually their careers is incredibly rewarding. It aligns with my belief that every child has untapped potential, and with the right guidance and tools, they can achieve remarkable things.
My involvement with LEAD has profoundly shaped my perspective on youth development and leadership by highlighting the importance of meeting students where they are and empowering them to take ownership of their growth. I’ve come to understand that leadership isn’t just about being in charge—it’s about building confidence, fostering resilience, and equipping young people with the tools to make informed decisions and overcome obstacles. Working with students through LEAD has shown me how much potential can be unlocked when they feel supported and valued. I’ve learned that creating opportunities for youth to lead, whether through small projects or community initiatives, helps them recognize their own strengths and inspires them to strive for more. It’s also reinforced the critical role that mentorship and positive role models play in shaping their trajectories, encouraging me to be even more intentional in my work with young people.
I support LEAD in a number of ways as a LEAD Teacher throughout the week and a volunteer/chaperone on Saturdays.
One of the most striking changes I’ve seen is in their leadership skills. Students who were once shy about speaking up start leading group activities, sharing their ideas, and encouraging their peers. They develop a sense of accountability and pride in their work, and it’s inspiring to see how they apply these skills in real-life scenarios, whether it’s presenting in school, planning for college, or helping their communities.
