I was once a class monitor for two weeks —
not long,
but long enough to learn that watching over others
is also watching over yourself.

In Chinese class, I helped the teacher,
speaking softly,
hoping my quiet hands could carry meaning
even when my voice was unsure.

I stood once as an environmental ambassador,
hoping to plant change —
but not all seeds take root in the soil we’re given.
And that’s okay.
Some lessons grow later.

I tried to join the student council.
I became a Sergeant-at-Arms in Toastmasters.
Each attempt was a door —
sometimes gently closed,
sometimes opening into places I didn't expect.

Right now, I am not leading.
I am learning.
But that does not make me small.

Because leadership is not a badge.
It is found in:
– asking for help
– pausing before you rush
– checking in with those who guide you
– learning to work with those who think differently
– and still showing up with hope.

I rush sometimes.
I forget to break things down.
But I am trying again.

And maybe…
that’s what leading really is.
The quiet bloom of someone who keeps growing
even when no one is watching.