Youth Staff Director

Hello everyone,My name is Bakari Thompson and I am the Youth Staff Director for the 2008-2009 school year. I attend Northside Urban Pathways Charter High School where I am a senior. For the fall of 2009 I plan to attend North Carolina A&T State University and major in chemistry. One of my future goals is to become a neurosurgeon. I do have big goals and to achieve them requires many things, amongst them leadership qualities. Here at UYA I exercise my leadership skills, not only through my job title but also in session, and academic enrichment session. I always ask questions, stay awake, pay close attention, introduce myself to guest, and other things that leaders automatically do. I define leadership as setting an example to others, stepping outside the box (the norm) and doing things creatively and respectfully. Here at UYA to be a leader is to follow the rules, to be self-disciplined, to be innovative, to make an impact, to be friendly and network, the list could go on. Leaders do not become leaders for others to see that they are leaders, but for self fulfillment. Leaders naturally want to break the cycle and step up to the plate when no one else will. Leaders naturally support others when needed and leaders are sometimes unaware that they helped someone or made a difference in the lives of others because they enjoy being leaders. The best thing a leader can do is not ask for anything in return for their job well done or their favors. Being a leader is not always easy, you have to set your mind right to be able to handle things correctly.And I ask you today to assess yourself to see how great of a leader you are. What qualities do you have that make you a leader? How can you become one? Do you expect anything in return for what you did? If you aren’t a leader what can you do to become one? And lastly, If you are a leader already what are some things that you need to improve to make you even a better leader?