UC PIQ

One week before the fall semester, the IVC Economics Club was leaderless and unorganized. The president transferred out, and I was asked to take her place having just started as the Head of Research that summer. I reluctantly accepted, unsure of my ability to lead. I had seen potential in our Research Opportunity Program for Economics (ROPE), and with that week left I made it my mission to realize that in the term ahead. I gathered the board, selecting students who were passionate about serving their peers and community. I organized speaker events and a research symposium with CSUF's Econ Club. We welcomed 114 members and guided 84 students in ROPE through 14 research teams. But the club faced more challenges, as the momentum we built up was halted by delays from the Inter-Club Council. Weeks of delays frustrated us, but I reminded my board of our larger goals. I encouraged my team to stay proactive, to continue following up with the ICC and plan events ahead, and keep in touch with our club members. By leading through example, our persistence paid off. We got ratified but with only a few days to plan for the first event on our calendar. The first event drew nearly 70 students. I felt my nerves get the best of me as I stood before such a large crowd. After facing the ICC delays and our initial disorganization, my board reassured me. So I gathered them into their teams and by listening to their ideas and reassuring them that the research process could be learned step by step, I helped calm their doubts, and in turn, my own. Seeing their enthusiasm grow reminded me that leadership meant helping others through challenges, not having all the answers myself. These experiences taught me that leadership isn't about authority but trust. Trusting others, the process, and myself. By helping my peers overcome doubts and push through setbacks together, I learned to view uncertainty as an opportunity to trust and share progress with others.