Ella Servadio - Be a Leader

      Leadership is a simple word, but it is not a simple task. It is easy to fall into the ways of the people that we surround ourselves with. Many people find it hard to adjust to a new environment, so they change themselves to be like the people around them. 

      About four years ago, I started playing travel softball in a new town. I knew none of the girls before I made the team. I was so overwhelmed because, as many of you know, I am a shy, quiet person. One girl came up to me and invited me to go to eat with a few of our teammates. I went, and I was quiet at first just kind of taking it all in. Then the girls started talking about players who were not there. They asked me what I thought. I knew if I stood up for the other players, these girls may not invite me places again. I hate saying this now, but I made the wrong decision in this situation. I joined in on the gossip. One of the girls had heard what I said, and she went to the coach. When the coach pulled me aside, I had two options: throw the other girls under the bus too or take full responsibility for what was said. I chose option two. I took responsibility. I apologized to all the girls I said something about and moved on. 

     After this event, I chose to be a leader. I began to choose my own path. I encourage other girls. I am the girl on the team that says "You got it, kid. Nobody better." I try my hardest to keep everyone's heads up. I encourage you to choose leadership. Stop falling into the ways of the people around you just because it is "cool," and you want to be like everyone else. Help other people, show them they can count on you to pick them up when they fail. Be a leader.