Spring Reflection Essay

Service is really about the individuals. This lesson has hit home repeatedly over the past few months. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to serve in BYUSA so I can come to better understand myself and how I can impact those around me. More than anything, I have come to better understand that BYUSA is about serving the students here at BYU, but it is also about preparing leaders to serve later in their lives. This experience has really refined me and the person that I am so that I am more able to go forth to serve. I guess I am here this year to help others to learn how to be better leaders. Every individual here at BYU has something to offer, here at school, and in society. The Savior was perfect at this. He always left people better than he found them. I want to be able to better follow his example. Throughout my reflection, I want to focus on the major lessons this term has taught me and provide some evidence of experience.

Perspective is everything.

It has been really hard for me to be a member of the presidency for a second round, working under a president who does lack the experience that I have. I do have full confidence in Ryan’s ability to be a leader, but sometimes I have a hard time watching him make the same mistakes I learned this past year. I have said many prayers in my office during the times of frustration and trials. Honestly, at times I have felt that I am not able to be my best self when I am around Ryan. That really worries me. What I have learned this term from Ryan is that we need to remember that perspective is everything. I can make it through anything by remembering who I am and what I stand for. I need to be a leader of integrity. When we are among the people in the office, Ryan and I need to be completely unified. When I am in a closed room with him, those are the times that I need to be honest and upfront so as to create the unity that we will need to live by. As I have taken the council of my mom and Brother Ward, I have realized that often working with other people is all about how we communicate with them so we can have the same perspective about a situation.

Moving forward, I want to be a leader who never says anything bad about anyone around me. I want to have the eternal perspective about the individuals we will encounter and have the opportunity to serve. I need to remember the power that each person has to impact BYU for good and serve in the kingdom. My perspective will be everything as I go throughout this year of service. This is how I will be able to learn and grow from this experience.

Charity is the greatest quality I could have as a leader.

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about my past leaders and the impact they have made on my life. I think the greatest quality they have shown me is that of love. They have been willing to accept me for who I am and help me to become a better person. I want to be known as a kind leader. I want to lead by example and be a leader people can look up to. I often think back on the leadership of Elise May and the kindness she showed those around her. She was able to meet an individual and help them to feel invaluable right away. I want to develop this skill over the next year. In reflecting on many of the experiences I have had this term, being more loving could have helped me to be more successful. If I had been able to love Julie for the girl that she was, I probably would have handled myself better when things went poorly. If I were more loving toward Ryan, I would have been a better support to him as he learned about the leader he wanted to become. If I would have been a better friend to Brandon, he may have come to understand this organization for what it is at a faster speed. Love has the power to change hearts and an immense power to lead people if applied in the right way. As I go throughout this next year, I want to be the leader that those around me need. I want to make people feel like they can do great things. I want to be the friend others can count on. Mostly, I want others to think of me as a sweet leader. No longer will I pride myself on my ability to by bold as a leader, but rather I will strive to help others improve with my love.

Where is my heart?

I would have never been able to participate in this experience if it weren’t for my motive to serve people. I want to help other individuals grow as leaders and become better tools for our Father in the kingdom. I know that I have the right motive in BYUSA, but I think I need to remember it throughout the next year. My motive will keep me going, but it also has the power to help me be better at my other goals. To be able to serve with the right motive, I need to be sure to keep a steady routine this next year. When I am focusing on a good schedule, I am more likely to have good scripture study and do the other things that I think is important. I will also want to keep myself healthy, with proper sleeping habits. If I am able to get enough sleep, I will be a better leader. Motive is at the roots of all of my actions. I need to have a weekly check with myself to ensure that my motive is staying pure.

I am so grateful for this term and for the challenges we have had and the lessons I have learned. Everything truly happens for a reason. As Tommy mentioned in our class, “Love is a lifestyle.” I want to make love my lifestyle. This is the only way I will be able to increase my power as a leader.