Meridian Junior High Cheerleader

Describe how one of your past activities/experiences has impacted your leadership skills.

In 2011 I became a Meridian Junior High Cheerleader an activity that has impacted my leadership skills which include Enthusiasm, Organization, and Responsibility. These qualities are important for a leader to possess because they show how well someone may contribute to community development through professional activism or volunteer groups such as the Midland CountyYouth Leadership Program.

One of my retirements for my activism especially in Cheerleading is my enthusiasm not only for the the cheerleading activity, but what it represents. Cheerleading is a community activity where young women participate in a n extension of their institution and show support for school related activities. Our enthusiasm is not on the sideline, but in front of the community and our peers

which requires us to be organized in our presentation.
Organization is mandatory not only for my success as a cheerleader, but for the success of my cheerleading team. We practice for approximately 12 hours a week ensuring our practice makes perfect. Additionally I volunteer to help my younger sister in her cheerleading aspirations. My responsibility includes my academics, my teams, and my family.
I would like to increase my responsibilities to include the Midland County Youth Leadership Program because I have learned through my cheerleading roles as the most valuable player and my cumulative years on the team which exceed my teammates that professional responsibilities are key to community and self improvement.
Cheerleading has enhanced my enthusiasm, organization and responsibility I believe opportunities presented to me because of cheerleading have provided me an opportunity to balance my academic, athletic and other extra curricular activities.

Leadership is a balancing act. How do you currently balance your school work and extracurricular activities?

My academic performance and my extra curricular activities are extremely important and I balance them through time management. Properly planning out your week/day/month is crucial, this helps you have an idea on when you have time for everything. Our school provides two half hour time periods where we are given time to work on homework, study or work with a teacher. During this time I usually can get my days homework finished, giving me extra time after school to study or participate in extracurricular activities. Being involved in clubs/organizations or sports means you must excel in time management. Time management is one way you can tell how organized a person is, my organization skills are a big help to balancing my school work and extracurricular activities through time management.

What have you learned about leadership by observing others?
From observing others I have learned leadership comes in many forms.

While in Junior High School and High School I have seen my teachers use humor, clarity (in their instruction) directness, and how an open mind can help me as a learner deepen my understanding of what a leader is and should strive to be.

What leadership strengths and weaknesses do you currently possess?

Leaders possess many qualities but of course some are important than others. The strengths I posses would be courage, bravery and integrity. Some may say that my weaknesses would include collaboration (at times) and agency. I do stick up for what I believe in, I do not always jump into my assignments. However, I believe that there is nothing like the adrenaline rush you get when you are pumping out a paper a few days before it is due, I think that my intelligence level is actually raised when I am, last minutely working on something.

Youth Leadership looks for a applicants who are in different phases of their leadership development (i.e. proven leaders, potential leaders, and followers). How would you describe yourself in a team

environment?
In a team environment I would describe myself as a proven leader. We often work in groups at our school and with that comes a group contract where someone must be picked as group leader, I usually take on that position unless there is someone else that really would like it, most of the time I am just chosen. In a team environment I try my best to include everyone, when worse comes to worst I occasionally take multiple steps of the project on myself.

Why do you feel you should be selected to participate in Midland County Youth Leadership?

I feel that I should be selected for the Midland County Youth Leadership Program due to not only my experience in leadership but also my dedication and determination. This program is a great learning opportunity and I would be honored to be selected.