When I walked into high school for the first time, I felt incredibly scared. Unlike the majority of my peers, I had come from a small primary school. I only knew one girl. Lunch times were a struggle. I was alone, weak, and powerless, bound by the shackles of low self-esteem. 

However, by using her powers of observation, the female school captain noticed this, taking me under her wing. During lunch, we would play cards together and she would foster strong friendships by encouraging me to connect with my fellow peers. As a high achiever, who needed strong marks for university, she could have easily ignored me and focused on her studies. Nevertheless, she chose to invest in me, to invest in her followers. This compassion, empathy and selflessness – the moral pillars of leadership – ignited a spark within me. I knew that I wanted to be just like her. 

A person who you could trust. A person who you could cry on. A person who you could celebrate your achievements with. A leader. 

She taught me that a leader is not about themselves, but about other people. It is the impression you make on someone else’s life, which changes their world for the greater good.

She changed my world by taking the time to step into my shoes. She would always lend a kind ear, actively listening to my stories, my experiences, and my emotions. By simply listening, I felt important and valued. However, she not only listened, but she acted, initiating change. On my Year 7 orientation days, I was a fish out of the water, disengaged from the group. Nevertheless, instead of ignoring me, she introduced me to a few Year 7 girls, who are now from my closest group of friends. Yet again, she demonstrated the leadership quality of courage. After all, there was an inherent risk that I would not cooperate with those girls. 

As my self-esteem grew, a warmth enveloped my heart. Fear no longer suppressed me, because she helped me realise my self-worth, highlighting that I am socially adept. When I had self-worth, I had self-respect. That feeling of self-respect became the fuel for my success, empowering me to shoot for the stars in my schooling journey.

Her actions inspired me to be a leader within my own community. To help struggling people regain a sense of belonging and purpose. To show them that they mattered, just as much as everyone else. The satisfaction I have gained from being a leader is immeasurable. 

Last year, I inducted the incoming Year 7s into high school. I was transported four years back to my first orientation days. Remembering the impact leadership had on me, I engaged with the students. I played handball with them. I listened to their stories of primary school. I showed them that they belong to the Ayr High family. Now, when I see those students succeeding in their social, academic and sporting lives, I am overwhelmed by a sense of gratification for instilling a sense of self-respect within them, by including them within my community. 

As John C. Maxwell stated, “leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.” I want to empower young girls in my community, because when I was a young girl, I was empowered by the female leaders in mine.