How JAG taught me that experience isn’t the only path to impact.
What does experience mean to you? In school or work, it usually means how long you’ve been doing something or how much you already know. When someone asks about my skills, I take a moment to feel proud of my hard work. But I’ve learned that you don’t need a long résumé or a shelf full of awards to accomplish great things or create change.
The most important recognition you can get comes from using your voice and making your mark.
Passion Over Experience
What really sets you apart isn’t your title or your medals—it’s the impact you make by being yourself. I used to think experience was everything, but I’ve learned that passion and belief in your abilities matter even more.
Start with your voice. Let confidence lead the way.
Stepping Into Leadership
Joining a brand-new JAG program was already a challenge. Stepping into a state officer role my very first year? That was even bigger. Some days I doubted myself and leaned on others for support, but I kept reminding myself that I belonged there.
Even without years of experience, authenticity and effort helped me grow—and eventually become JAGCA Parliamentarian in my first year. That experience taught me that when you lead with confidence and heart, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
What I’ve Learned
What I want other students—the future leaders of JAG—to know is this: it doesn’t matter where you come from, what your background is, or how much experience you have. You can succeed in anything you set your mind to if you’re true to yourself and your confidence.
Awards and titles are great, but they aren’t the only proof of growth. Every chance you take, every challenge you face, is just as meaningful when you give it your all. Believing in your own skills can be the ultimate reward—even without a medal to show for it.
Leading in Everyday Moments
I try to inspire others every day just by sharing my passion for the Career Association, even in casual conversations. It doesn’t take a microphone or a spotlight to make an impact—leadership starts close to home.
When you recognize your own strengths and use them to lift others, you build confidence that lasts. Within every challenge, a new leader can be born.
From the power of youth in JAG across the country, I’ve learned to lead with pride in who we are. And with that pride—and that power—I believe we can change the world, no matter our backgrounds.