In reflection of Martin Luther King Day over our three day weekend, I was reminded of the impact leaders like Dr. King and his civil rights counterparts had in shaping up society.

After having been exposed to different forms of leadership my whole life and comparing that to real life examples of those who embody the concept like Dr. King, I’m resolute in the fact that leadership is not by the textbook.

It’s not a quality you see among your peers in only the backdrop of school, academics, and club/extracurricular affairs. Like Dr. King and Rosa Parks, leadership is demonstrated in everyday life. In affecting change. In inspiring and uplifting others. In living a good life with the navigation of your moral compass.

Figures who spearhead great movements don’t become honored leaders because they strive to carry the title and bask in the grandeur that comes with it.

They genuinely observe a problem and seek to make some change by their behavior and actions.

Leadership isn’t granted with a role, rank, or office of authority.

Leadership doesn’t necessarily have to mean that others are dependent on you for instruction and guidance.

To me, leadership simply means to accept your strengths, overcome your weaknesses, empower others, and better the world in some shape or form, big or small.

One naturally exemplifies leadership when they live their best life and actively seek to do better.

Leadership can come in even the simplest forms of being a good citizen or friend.

Dr. King’s ripples are still felt today, and I hope to learn from him and the past to use my leadership to fuel the future.