For as long as I can remember, I have always been a shy and reserved person. I have always believed being quiet was a good thing; it meant I couldn't say anything wrong, much less do anything wrong. I just assumed I would eventually grow out of it throughout the years. However, at every opportunity to open up, I continuously chose to stay in my comfort zone. An unexpected event during the summer into my senior year of high school changed me, for the better.
Toward the end of my sophomore year of high school, I knew medicine and healthcare was a career I wanted to pursue and an opportunity to explore the field came along my junior year - an invitation from NSLC. National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) is a camp designed to explore careers in law, STEM, fine arts and business. I was invited to the 10 day medicine and healthcare camp. The invitation showed opportunities to visit medical schools, practice on medical equipment, and hear from current leaders in medicine. These opportunities overshadowed the little blurs on growth and development of leadership qualities.
Reflecting on the camp, the medical aspects were great. We got to hear from the admissions staff at Maryland School of Medicine, visit a cadaver lab and practice suturing with a plastic surgeon. However, the medical experience wasn't the only gain. Leadership sessions were scattered throughout the week. The activities required us to build trust and confidence within ourselves and our peers. On the night of our arrival, the leadership facilitator said something that has always stuck with me:
"Fear has as much power as you give it. I challenge each and every one of you to try and overcome one thing everyday. Step outside your comfort zone. In order to do good, you have to do something."
I was in Washington D.C. with a group of 120 high school students I didn't know. So I thought "What better place to try something new? I'm only here for 10 days." It was the best decision I've ever made. The staff were supportive and encouraged us to break out of our shells. I worked on overcoming my fear of heights at the challenge course and danced my way through the commitment in action activity - things I never expected to do in front of people, much less, strangers. Friendships I made further encouraged me to act in confidence. Evidence of my growth was seen long after the camp was over. I began to take leadership positions in the clubs I participated in in high school and even petitioned the school on a matter that was important to me and my classmates. As I continued to college, the qualities led me to stay active in sorority life and clubs.
This summer, I have the great opportunity to return to D.C. for the second summer, as a part of the staff. I remember the role models the team advisers were and the impact they had on me. I'm so excited to be the support and encouragement to this year's students. While I haven't become an extrovert and I still have room for improvement, NSLC helped me build my confidence, and I have the staff at NSLC and peers I met there to thank for person I am today.
