Gretchen Cope
I've never loved speaking in front of people. While I haven't had a bad experience or received a particularly negative reaction, the thought of getting up to speak in front of a crowd (five people, fifty people--it doesn't matter how many) has always made me a bit too uncomfortable for my liking. I could say that through my journey in the leadership minor, I've realized that I am capable and deserving of speaking on my own to a crowd. As I finish my undergraduate degree at CU Boulder very soon, I do believe that I've gotten to the point of being able to do so. But quite frankly, getting up to speak in front of a group of people is not what I'm interested in or proud of. Instead, I'm proud of: the fact that I am comfortable working with individuals of different backgrounds, that I seek others' expertise, and that I know when to step up, back, or to the side. These points of pride are things I've come to acknowledge as fundamental elements of my identity as a leader. These are the things I wish to share with the world, the lessons I wish to pass on, and what have come in my time involved here at the University of Colorado. I am confident that these will provide me with a committed group of individuals to work with. This solid group of people, whether friends, co-workers, or family, will ensure I won't have to speak in front of a crowd if I am uncomfortable. Just as they will be there to support me, I will be for them, anxious to cheer them on and provide resources when necessary.
I am grateful to have had two particular leadership experiences which each provided me with those people. My positions as the Co-President for Relay for Life and as the Social and Digital Media Intern at the Alumni Association were influential in my college experience and journey as a leader. During my time as the Co-President of Relay for Life, I co-hosted weekly meetings for the Relay committee where we discussed our goals for the Relay event and established a timeline for everything that needed done prior to the event in April 2018. Between meetings, I was in charge of coordinating all logistics with the University for our event, with everything from ensuring we had sturdy tables rented for the 8-hour event to an emergency plan consistent with CU standards. All the while, my co-lead was there, working hard with the American Cancer Society to organize branded materials and finalize community partnerships. Never once did I need to speak in front of people without the support of my team, always helping me prepare. Rather than the "president" I understood myself to be the "representative" for our chapter of Relay for Life; my role only existed because of the immense support I received. Similarly, my role as the Social and Digital Media Intern was possible with the encouragement and guidance of my many co-workers and bosses. Upon being given the responsibility of managing the social media accounts and outreach efforts for the Herd (the Student Alumni Association), I was asked how I'd best feel supported. When the woman who hired me moved on from her time at CU, I was given the opportunity to transition, both with the department to a different office on campus and with a new boss. Each of these moments allowed me to exercise my technical skills in crucial moments for the office, all with the guidance of fellow Buffs. Just as in my experience with Relay for Life, I was on a team; this team was committed not only to telling the stories of CU Boulder graduates, but to my success as a student employee, particularly if it related to a presentation.
My years at CU as an undergraduate student may be wrapping up very soon, but I feel as though my years as a leader are just beginning. I am hopeful that being comfortable working with individuals of different backgrounds, seeking others' expertise, and knowing when to step up, back, or to the side, will help me as it has in my time here. I am confident that with the lessons I've learned, I will be well-suited for the next time I need to speak in front of a crowd-even if that means calling upon one of my teammates. They know we're in this together. And for that, I couldn't be more grateful.