I didn’t always have the language for leadership—but I was living it.

My first real taste of having an impact beyond myself came during my sophomore year in college. I was elected as a member of the Residential Council. The purpose of the council was to create a rich experience for students living on campus—through social activities, educational programming, and building a sense of community.

At first, it felt like an opportunity to be involved.

But it became so much more.

As part of serving on the Residential Council, we were required to take a semester-long leadership course. It was one of the most impactful courses I took in college. Up until that point, I had been leading in my own life—I had been advocating for my needs, navigating systems, and pushing through barriers.

But this course expanded my understanding.

It taught me that leadership is not just about advocating for yourself. It is about creating impact for others.

That shift was powerful.

For the first time, I began to see myself not just as someone overcoming challenges, but as someone who could influence experiences, create opportunities, and contribute to a larger community.

In a world that didn’t always expect me to dream—let alone lead—I was actively doing both.

Redefining What Is Possible

That experience changed how I saw myself.

I realized that leadership is not defined by how others see you—it is defined by how you show up. It is built through action, through involvement, and through the willingness to step into spaces where you may not have been expected.



And that is what dreaming does.

It pushes you into places where your presence alone begins to challenge assumptions.

It shows others—and yourself—that you are capable of more than what was imagined for you.