Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Making a Difference Through Leadership

Throughout our lives, we will be confronted by ethical dilemmas that question our role as leaders.  Our choices throughout these moments will not only define us; our actions will speak louder than our words, sometimes threatening the stability of our moral compass.  Nevertheless, the effect these instances have upon our own personal development does not even remotely come close to the difference we may make in the lives of others simply by offering our help and guidance as they experience adversity.  It is during these times of adversity that acquaintances and strangers seem to most readily ignore and resist confrontation, as demonstrated by the show What Would You Do?  Verbal abuse is then perceived as a private matter, physical fights become too dangerous to intervene, and stereotypical remarks and racial slurs slide by simply for the sake of keeping the peace.  Yet, through silent conformity, the real victims experiencing psychological, physical, and emotional pain fail to be helped.  As leaders, it is crucial that we have enough confidence in our own judgment and enough compassion in our hearts to help others in need.  Undoubtedly, that’s why we’ve chosen the jobs that we currently hold as resident advisors or other student leaders.  Even moreso, this is why we are leaders striving to further educate ourselves as to how to be the best leaders we possibly can – to make a difference in the lives of others and encourage others to do the same.
- Alyssa Reardon, Manhattanville College Leadership Conference Committee

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