My First Gig: Coming Full Circle

Last month I had my first gig presenting a workshop on Intuitive Leadership at a conference for students of color in the UC (University of California) system. There I was, in the conference room of the University Center – sharing my leadership story, guiding participants through somatic exercises, and defining how intuitive leadership compares to and differs from traditional leadership. As someone who found her voice and confidence as a leader for the first time during college, it was a full circle moment for me. It was during my time as a college student that I learned how to become a leader grounded in a purpose bigger than myself and laid the foundation for how I define intuitive leadership. And it was my goal to validate for these students that this type of leadership is not only valid, but it is needed in today’s world. 

I found confidence in my voice as a college student for the first time while giving campus tours. When I arrived on campus at 18 years old, I could sense that this new chapter was going to open many doors for me – and I could not have predicted how radically my life was going to change. I grew up being rather introverted and shy due to many social and cultural factors. For me, moving out of my parents’ house and becoming a college student gave me a newfound independence and introduced me to so many diverse people and communities. Every day I was learning something new. Every day I felt a wave of gratitude as I walked around my beautiful college campus. Every day I was eager to make the most of this new chapter. 

When my student club MEChA (Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán) put out a request for campus tour guides for Latine high school students, I jumped at the opportunity. I wanted to show these students that if I could do it, they could too. When I first started giving these tours, I could feel my cheeks flushing red, I had to wipe my hands of nervous sweat, and I could feel my voice shaking. The first couple of tours were probably a bit awkward, but I was determined to share my story and be the representation for students who looked like me. With practice and support from my fellow student leaders, I became more confident in my voice. Eventually, an opportunity opened up with the Office of Undergraduate Admission to apply for a paid role to give these campus tours. I applied and got the role – providing me with my first paid job to do meaningful and purpose-driven work (a long way from my first job as a cashier at McDs). 

From there, I continued to challenge myself to step outside of my comfort zone. I applied to become a summer orientation leader for incoming first-year students. I applied to take on leadership roles with the Multicultural Center (becoming the director my senior year). I applied to study abroad in El Salvador. I applied to a fellowship to teach students in The Gambia. I applied for and was accepted for all of these and more. I was on fire. I felt a confidence in myself that I never had before in my life. It was truly liberating and exciting to find my Purpose (capital P). 

In my career and life since college, I have worked in education following my purpose to be an advocate for students and communities of color. I have worn many hats – from reading college applications, to hosting large-scale campus events, to advising college students, to facilitating racial justice workshops, to office operations. In every role, I have learned the importance of taking action aligned with my values. And throughout every high and every low, I have grown confidence in myself as an intuitive leader.

During my presentation at the conference, I felt the significance of the moment coming full circle. It was my first time in front of an audience in over seven months since I was laid off from my last job. Students were engaged and asked thoughtful questions; many even stayed after to continue chatting and to express gratitude. I validated for these students that they are allowed to grow into leaders, whether they saw themselves as a “natural leader” or not. I reiterated several times that intuitive leadership is in fact a valid form of leadership and that it is needed now more than ever for the world we are living in. This message is exactly what 18-year-old-me needed to hear, and it was an honor to share it with this group of students.