My leadership style in the past was kind of a mix between trying to make everyone happy and keeping everything under control. Honestly, I thought that by doing that, I could keep everyone on my side and make things run smoothly. Sometimes, it actually worked out okay, and I managed to keep a good balance. But most of the time, I found myself just kind of drifting into the role of a pushover, which definitely wasn’t my original intention. I’d say I was trying to be nice and accommodating, but it sometimes meant I wasn’t really standing firm on important issues, and people could take advantage of that. This internship, though, has totally challenged that way of thinking. It’s pushed me to rethink my approach and to be more confident in taking charge. Not in a mean or overbearing way, but in a way that’s still kind and respectful, but also firm and clear. I’ve realized that being assertive and showing leadership doesn’t mean you have to be aggressive or dismissive; it’s about finding that healthy balance. Plus, I think that deciding to go away for about eight weeks, like, stepping out of your usual environment and routines, really helps you grow into someone more independent and leader-like from the start. It’s like, you learn so much about yourself and how to handle different situations when you’re kind of on your own and have to figure things out for yourself. Overall, this experience has really opened my eyes to what true leadership looks like, and I’m excited to keep developing those skills and perspectives as I go forward.