Leadership isn't so bad

When the email arrived asking for group leaders, I immediately pretended I had not seen it. I convinced myself that I would simply be a group member, that I would avoid any sort of leadership position at the Institute. My reasons were selfish. Less responsibility sounded heavenly in light of the huge changes in my personal life: new house, new job, etc.

I felt the same aversion to extra responsibility I see in students all the time. I immediately kicked myself (figuratively) when I heard myself volunteering to be a group leader.

And as cliche as it sounds, I am so glad I did volunteer. It was not nearly as painful as I feared the position would be. The 10 minute group leader meeting really opened my eyes to how I want my student publications to operate: a group of student leaders collaborating to determine how to best present the final product.

As I look at the online product this morning, I really feel a sense of ownership and accomplishment. Yes, my name is on my article in all its italicized sans serif glory, but I am more excited to see the final product. More responsibility = more opportunities enjoying success.

Leadership is not for everyone, but I think that everyone should have an opportunity to try it out. I can create those opportunities in my classrooms for students who, like myself this summer, want to avoid that responsibility. Rather than scaring the student with a list of responsibilities and trying to convince them it's not that bad, I can simply ask them to try it.

And ideally they'll discover, like I did, that the experience and reward far outweighs any extra time spent in the newsroom.

Lynsie Brenner
Putnam City North High School
Oklahoma City