F&M Stories
We Asked Students: What Defines Leadership?
What does leadership mean to Franklin & Marshall students? You might be surprised to learn the many forms it can take.
For student-athlete Sophia Rhazali 鈥�27, it鈥檚 uplifting teammates on the tennis court. For Posse Scholar Gregory Ajose-Martinez 鈥�29, it鈥檚 implementing ideas shared by others. For peer counselor Piper Lidstad 鈥�27, it鈥檚 lending a listening ear to students navigating the challenges of college life.
Ask any student across campus, and they鈥檒l likely provide an inspiring example of the moment they found their footing as a leader within a club, community or mentorship role.
What does leadership mean to you?
鈥淭rying to make something better and caring about what you're a part of.鈥�
鈥淟eadership isn't just leading a group of people to the finish line, but also bringing everyone there at the same time.鈥� - Yael Torres 鈥�29
鈥淚t鈥檚 not about being the most important person in the room, but ensuring that everybody has a chance to contribute.鈥� - Ariel Levine 鈥�27
鈥淚t's bouncing information off the people around you as a group 鈥� rather than as an
individual 鈥� to see what you can all accomplish. Leadership is being able to unite
other people.鈥�
鈥淟eading people, while at the same time being able to implement ideas you get from those people.鈥� - Gregory Ajose-Martinez 鈥�29
鈥淏eing able to connect with people and lead them by example. It also includes humility.鈥� - Grace Noh 鈥�26
鈥淗elping others when they need it, whether that's on the tennis court or in the classroom.鈥�
鈥淪etting a model for yourself and living by it. It鈥檚 setting an example for others to follow.鈥� - Kezmond Elliott 鈥�26
鈥淟eadership is being the example 鈥� the role model 鈥� instead of only imposing rules.鈥� - Maria Fernanda Araoz Pozo 鈥�26
Franklin & Marshall Fellows are purpose-driven communities of students who exemplify
F&M鈥檚 commitment to meaningful impact through leadership, innovation, and problem-solving.Franklin & Marshall Leadership Fellows
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