My name is Madeline Miller, and I am a 20-year-old sophomore student at Saint Martin’s University. All of my various positions of leadership, through my involvement in numerous activities has brought me to where I am today. Currently I am double majoring in Political Science and History, this semester I have started to take classes to complete a minor in Legal Studies. Recently I found out that I am two classes away from a Minor in Global Studies as well, which is something I will be completing by graduation. I plan on continuing to attend St. Martin’s University for two more years and obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree with the previously aforementioned double majors and minors, and then continuing my education at law school to earn my Juris Doctorate and pursue a legal career. Ideally I would like to practice Maritime, Transportation, or Trade law. I have been a leader in many different facets of my school, work and community throughout the years and my leadership pursuits as well as qualities have paved the way for the degree and education that I am currently working on, and essentially shaped who I am today.
In regards to school I challenge myself with higher level classes (300+) and an 18 credit per semester course load, and I involve myself on campus in various activities. There is a famous quote by Ray Kroc: “The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves,” this is one of my favorite quotes. I set high standards for myself in all I do, but with school especially. I have participated in activities and taken on tasks beyond my comfort zone, pursuing positions of leadership that I otherwise would not have pursued. For example, I am on the Saint Martin’s University Cheerleading Team, where my teammates and coaches voted for me to be Captain for the past two years, and I have recently been elected again for the next year. Throughout the school year I was also on the Board of Trustees committees for Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. I was also invited to be on the Institutional Student Affairs Committee by the Dean of Students, and have held that position since my freshman year. Last Spring I ran for and was elected to the position of Executive Secretary on the student government (Associated Students of Saint Martin’s University) for the 2016-2017 school year. I intend on running for re-election in the position of Vice President in the Spring again this year. I was inducted into the esteemed honor society on campus; The Society of Fellows, for my academic achievements, campus involvement, leadership skills and “contributions to the Human family.” Additionally I work as an English tutor in the library at school tutoring students of all levels (Freshman to Masters) including International Students. In high school I was highly involved in various leadership roles as well. I was ASB Vice President, heavily involved in the National Honor Society, as well as Cheerleading Captain of both squads for my junior and senior years. I also was in Leadership, Yearbook, Theater and FFA in high school. My parents always kept me very involved and so I learned invaluable leadership skills throughout all the activities I participated in.
Moreover I strive to exude the qualities of a great leader in the various jobs that I have held over the years. Throughout my childhood, and still now, I work for my Mom’s catering company, in this position I use my leadership skills for customer service and efficiency, sometimes also problem solving as catering is unpredictable! My first official job outside the family business was as a Retail Sales Associate at Rue21, I put my leadership skills to work through customer service and challenging myself to reach new sales goals. I was top in sales on several occasions, Employee of the Month, and I also received several positive customer comment cards. Later on in high school I obtained a position at Starbucks as a barista, there I put a great deal of leadership skills to use in the fast paced environment, I was typically the first person called to cover shifts because I am very reliable. I learned invaluable customer service skills and problem solving. Currently I am working at Saint Martin’s University as a tutor, this uses many of my leadership skills. Such as patience, extensive knowledge, and kindness to tutor students effectively and yield returns to the tutoring center. I also currently am working at Doria’s prom and bridal shop on the weekends, which involves a great deal of customer service skills. Sometimes I am with a single customer for hours on end, helping them find the perfect gown, and you have to build a relationship with clients. Another professional position I held was as an intern at a private company within the transportation industry. Taking the initiative to pursue an internship as a freshmen exemplifies my leadership skills on several levels. I learned a great deal at the internship and I currently have four different internship opportunities for the upcoming summer.
Finally within the community I find myself taking on various leadership roles while volunteering my time at different organizations and events. I believe that it is the duty of those who have the ability to give back to the community in any way possible. All of my various volunteer endeavors are listed in the application but there are a few that I am most proud of, the times I get to volunteer with children! I love being able to work with children whether it is through cheerleading, reading or any of the other various events I participate in that involve kids. Setting an example is something I believe in firmly because there is always someone watching you, if you are fortunate to have a little set of eyes looking up to you, then there is great power to make a difference. Leadership essentially is making a difference, helping others and setting a positive example for others to do so as well.
In conclusion, I believe that being a leader has brought me where I am today and lit the path that I have for the future. Being a leader has taught me many invaluable lessons and qualities such as confidence, focus, grace under pressure, integrity, passion and patience. These are all qualities that I have learned through being involved in school, work, and my community. Leadership has instilled in me a drive for changing the world, a sense of agency and the desire to help and inspire others!