This week, although it was filled with hours of planning, scheduling, and stress, I was able to grow as a leader in a positive way. This week, we planned a "Welcome Lunch", to introduce our volunteers to each other and make them more comfortable around us. My goal for this lunch was to really get to know the people I was working with - to hear about their areas of study, to find out where they were from, to learn why they were passionate about volunteering. I also wanted to practice my Spanish, but we wound up speaking in English, which was kind of a relief, and I was extremely glad I got to help them with that. 

I have never really thought about my "volunteer style." I've never known if I was a visionary or vocal leader - I've kind of just showed up and led when I was needed to. This proved no different. I've found that I serve others best when I am my genuine and authentic self. So, I showed up to the leadership lunch, talking about how I was hungry and ready for the food to be served. Project stuff was second to the fried chicken sandwich and brownies we were presented with. 

However, I was surprised when I was told by a volunteer, with the others rejoicing in praise, that I was "an incredible leader."  I wasn't humble with my reaction on purpose, I was just shocked. The others joined in saying how I had such a "calming presence", and how I created such a "chill vibe". Leading 20 other students had been nothing close to calming or chill for me. Although I don't get nervous speaking in front of multitudes of people, I am often full of anxiety, as I get overwhelmed trying to make everything perfect. However, I was overjoyed to hear that I do not bring those internal feelings to my outside work. I am glad that I make the others around me feel like I have everything taken care of, and the calm and collected presence that I bring to the table according to my volunteers, was one of the biggest compliments I have ever received, 

The rest of the Welcome Lunch went well. We laughed and joked and yes, we ate the sandwiches. Knowing that my volunteers were all happy to work under me and felt like I was a good leader made me so confident in handling all of the stressful events that I knew would entail later that week. Sometimes, the support of others, even strangers, can change your entire outlook on the situation. Not only was I proud of myself, but I felt completely backed up by 20 others, who were willing to cheer me on through my difficult endeavors. As the group member who has taken over all of the scheduling and volunteer interactions, I am so glad that they feel as excited as I do about this project. 

After the lunch, one of my volunteers invited me to go to the gym with her and lift. Although I had already been that morning to the gym, I happily accepted, jumping for any time to make 1 on 1 connections with these generous, kind students. I went with her and although it was a bit out of my comfort zone because she lifted much heavier weights than me, I pushed through and was able to have a really good time. Even though I couldn't really walk the next day, I had a huge smile on my face, excited to get to work on this fulfilling project. 

At this point, I am not just doing this for me anymore. I want to make these events incredible for my volunteers because they deserve it after all the hard work and sacrifices they have put into this. One thing about the people in Colombia is that they are selfless. Everyone I have met has wanted to put me before themselves. This is something I do not find often in the US, and I hope to take some lessons from the genuine character these people exploit, and apply it to my everyday life. In these last two weeks, I hope to of course, excel within my project, but also make more connections with my volunteers and learn as much as I can from them. I said a couple posts ago that the best part about Colombia has been the people, and I stand with that statement still. With every interaction, I find more reasons to love the people in this city, and I hope to keep their ways of living and treating others (even strangers) in my life forever.