Before coming to Madrid, I had a pretty basic idea of what leadership looked like. I thought leaders were the people in charge, the ones giving directions, making decisions, and always knowing the right answer. After spending the summer interning at Jaleo Language School, my perspective has changed. I have learned that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about being willing to learn, adapting to unfamiliar situations, and helping the people around you however you can.

One of the biggest changes I have noticed is how much more confident I have become. During my first few days at Jaleo, I was nervous to answer emails from prospective students because I was afraid of giving someone the wrong information. Even if I was fairly sure I knew the answer, I would still ask my supervisor to look over my response before I sent it. I wanted to make sure everything I wrote was accurate and professional. Instead of taking over, my supervisor would usually say, “You know this.” At first, I doubted myself, but hearing those words over and over helped me realize I was more capable than I gave myself credit for. As the weeks went on, I became more familiar with our programs, schedules, and policies. Now, I confidently answer questions about class times, course options, and which programs best fit each student’s goals. If someone asks me something I genuinely do not know, I still ask for help. The difference is that I no longer question every decision I make. I trust what I have learned and know when it is appropriate to ask for guidance. Working with students has also taught me how important it is to be flexible. Every student who contacts Jaleo has different goals. Some are preparing for university, some are learning Spanish for work, and others simply want to become more comfortable speaking the language. Because of that, there is never one perfect response. I have learned to listen carefully, understand what each person is looking for, and recommend the course that best fits their needs. Being able to adapt to different situations is something I now see as an important leadership skill.

My growth has not been limited to my internship. Living in Madrid has pushed me outside my comfort zone in ways I never expected. At first, everything felt unfamiliar, from navigating the metro to communicating in another language. Over time, those challenges became part of my daily routine, and I became much more confident because of them. One experience that stands out happened in the metro when a woman was trying to figure out how to get to the airport. Since I had been using the metro every day, I knew exactly which train she needed and was able to point her in the right direction. It was a simple interaction that only lasted a few minutes, but afterward I realized I probably would not have been confident enough to help someone like that before coming abroad. It reminded me that leadership does not always happen in an office or classroom. Sometimes it is simply being willing to step in when you know you can help.

Another lesson I will take home is the importance of building relationships. In Madrid, people seem much more willing to slow down and have conversations, whether it is with coworkers, customers, or even strangers. At first, that felt very different from what I was used to in the United States. Over time, I began to appreciate it. Those conversations create trust and make communication much easier. They have also shown me that being approachable and making people feel comfortable can be just as valuable as being efficient.

Looking back, my definition of leadership has changed completely. I no longer think it is about having a title or always knowing the right answer. Instead, I believe leadership is about continuing to learn, trusting yourself, supporting others, and stepping up when someone needs help. My internship in Madrid has given me valuable professional experience, but more importantly, it has helped me become more confident in myself. That confidence is something I know I will carry with me long after I leave Spain, and it will continue to shape the way I approach both leadership and future opportunities.