I am aware that I mention my leadership scholarship in practically every article that I write, but that’s because it is such a huge part of my life. Toady I relate my scholarship to one of the many involvements that are required of us LASers to partake in throughout one semester, and that is Spark Leadership! Spark Leadership is a student-run conference in which students who involved in the Leadership Institute get the opportunity to break into groups of new faces and work together to accomplish common goals through team work and leadership skills.
Spark Leadership occurs biannually; once in the fall, and once in the spring. I was given the opportunity to participate in the 2016 fall conference. Being thrown into a group of familiar face, and others unfamiliar, I discovered in myself ways that I function on my own, as well as in groups. In a group setting, I noticed that I typically begin by observing and recognizing the strong leaders who jump into things first. If there is a noticeably strong leader in the group I allow them to speak up and give their input. If I agree, I make it known and ask if there are any other opinions or disagreements. Afterwards, I find it in my best interest to attempt group compromising. Once a group is comfortable with a concept, I will then step up and take charge by making sure each person participates someway somehow so that no one is left out. Overall, I discovered that I am quite a compromising leader.
Spark Leadership has given me a new perspective on how I alone lead in many different ways and has even inspired me to apply to facilitate for the Spring session in 2017 of Spark Leadership. Participating in Spark in the fall, as early as the first month of college classes, was extremely beneficial to me as well. Being able to discover these traits about myself as a leader and as a person was something that I will be able to carry with me for not only the next four of my college years, but for the rest of my life.
Julia's Journal 
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