#1

What interests me about the STARS lead program is how they encourage leadership in everybody. This program motivates each and every person to find their voice and lead with a purpose. I value this opportunity to improve my leading skills to a level where I can spread knowledge and awareness to others. I have a passion for the protection and advocacy of the environment, among other things. With the STARS lead program I can further develop this passion not by reading any more science books but by learning how to make a change in the world around me first.

The first meeting was new and exciting for me. I heard about all the upcoming events we could get involved in and I want to participate more! It was interesting to see how we came together as group; who spoke and who kept more to themselves. I hope to get to know everybody much better because everyone's opinion is important.

I believe that leadership is a quality that everybody has inside them. Everyone does it whether they notice it or not. You spread your influence to others in small, unintentional ways each day. By doing a good deed you might inspire another to do the same. Similarly, helping pass a law improving social inequities is an example of leadership that might move others to get involved as well. Being a leader doesn't require a set leadership role; you can strive to lead by setting a good example for others, by encouraging them to stand up for what is right, and by motivating awareness and action for the injustices of the world. By doing these things, you are truly demonstrating great leadership. All forms of leadership are valuable regardless of how many followers you have; rather it's what you stand for as a leader that counts. By the end of the lead program I hope to further develop what I stand for and then some