How I Developed My Leadership Skills

This trip was constantly a challenge and, as a result, I had ample opportunity to practice my leadership skills. Because their were only eight students on the trip, we had to take on a lot of personal responsibility and make decisions as a group. I had a chance to practice my organizational and group management skills. I had to listen to the ideas of others, be flexible and, at times, take on the role of a follower. Overall, this trip required all of us to be team players and focus our energies on what was best for the Zapatistas and for our group rather than on our personal comforts and desires. Also, we had to serve as ambassadors in a sense because some of the people we met had never met anyone from the United States before. Therefore, I had to hone my leadership skills in order to stay on task and make a lasting impact and connection with community members.