The Process in Developing a Young Female Leader

THE PROJECT

At the beginning of this project, I defined success as accomplishing a set goal. I had in mind that if the initial goal was NOT completed, then you did not succeed.

Girls Inc. of Chicago gave me the chance to create a Girl Engagement Junior Leadership Program from scratch. This summer program is an opportunity for rising 9th grade girls attending Chicago Public Schools to learn, grow, and engage in skills that will begin to prepare them for high school, college, and the real world.

This project involved a number of items to get done:

As the weeks passed by, I noticed not much was getting done. People were not responding to surveys, past GE Leaders were not able to meet or chat, and schedules had to be changed numerous times. My anxiety level was through the roof when I realized how far behind I was according to my agenda. I felt as though I was not going to be successful in completing this project. I was worried about deadlines and the smooth consistency of the entire program. This project helped me realize that many things in life are not going to be done to your expectation. I saw success a little differently at this point.

One of the past GE Leaders I interviewed gave some advice to future girls joining the program. She stated:

Her words gave purpose and meaning to my project. She was more of a quiet girl at the beginning of the program. By the end of it, she became a great role model for the younger girls in the program, and gained better self-confidence. It impacted me due to the fact that she gained positivity in herself and admitted to her weaknesses. She was always one to be persistent and highlight her positive skills.

CAREER READY COMPETENCIES

I feel as though I used professionalism and work ethic the most during this project. I demonstrated effective work habits by being as punctual as I could with all of my deadlines and managing the time I spent on my work. I also maintained ethical behavior while conducting interviews and meetings, as well as learn from any of the mistakes I made that were pointed out by my supervisor.

WHAT I LEARNED

This project taught me to not be so anxious about everything. Some outcomes are not going to be planned as I hoped, and that’s okay. I would give anyone who is very obedient to their schedules and spreadsheets the same advice. It is okay to slack a little bit, it is okay to admit you need help, and it is okay to change things up.

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