21CL is very intentional about giving students early opportunities to lead. During one program, I was asked to say the dedication over dinner—a first for me. While it was a small task, the experience felt empowering, and the encouragement I received afterward showed me that leadership doesn’t have to be intimidating. This lesson gave me confidence to step into new leadership roles and taught me to volunteer for opportunities, even if they make me nervous or are unfamiliar.
Continue reading
21CL encouraged me to see myself as a leader. As a 17-year-old, I never would have considered myself a leader but 21CL helped me to change my perspective and see that I wasn’t becoming a future leader; I was a leader. This empowered me to pursue new opportunities with confidence. I pursued leadership roles in organizations I was a part of and even spoke up in meetings where I wasn’t the most experienced person in the room. I think this realization came for me through the Georgia Youth Leadership Awards when I received the award in 2018.
Continue reading
21CL connected me with a life-changing internship. In the summer of 2016, I worked at Warner Bros Discovery (formerly Turner) as a “Turner Voices Intern” for the Department of Culture and Engagement. I even helped plan the following year’s summer camp! That internship sparked a chain reaction. I secured internships every summer after that through my growing network, setting me up for success and ultimately leading to a fantastic job that took me from Atlanta to NYC.
Continue reading
The program taught me the core qualities of leadership—confidence, humility, professionalism, and resilience. Through 21CL, I learned that leadership is not only about guiding others but also about consistently showing up as the best version of myself in any environment. These skills were invaluable as I navigated new leadership roles in college and beyond.
Continue reading
21CL was instrumental in shaping my leadership style. It taught me to lead with inquiry, empathy, and a strong sense of humanity, but most importantly, as a team player. My collaborative leadership style is a direct result of working intensively on group projects at 21CL, where teamwork and support led to great outcomes.
Continue reading