Leading Through Service
Student Leader — Montgomery Plan / Special Olympics | 2024–Present
The Role
I joined Montgomery Plan, my school’s community-service organization, as a ninth grader. As I became more involved, I took on a leadership role with Bomber Buddies, a group focused on creating opportunities for children with disabilities to participate, connect, and have fun.
Behind the Event
Helping plan Special Olympics showed me how much thought and preparation happen before an event ever begins. I helped organize student-athlete pairings, activities, games, decorations, and other logistics so that participants could arrive to an environment that felt welcoming, organized, and ready for them.
Designing for Inclusion
I learned that inclusion often comes down to small decisions. Who is paired with whom, whether an activity feels approachable, and whether someone knows where to go can all influence how comfortable and confident they feel. The experience taught me to think beyond simply making an activity available and instead consider what helps each person feel that they truly belong.
“Inclusion is more than inviting someone in. It is creating a space where they can participate fully.”
From Volunteer to Leader
Earlier service experiences taught me how to support one person at a time. Montgomery Plan challenged me to think on a larger scale—about how to organize people, anticipate needs, and create an experience where many participants could feel included at once.
What I’m Learning
Service leadership has taught me that preparation matters, but so does flexibility. Even with a detailed plan, every participant and situation is different. I’ve learned to pay attention, adjust when something isn't working, and focus on what will make the experience meaningful for the people we serve.
Why It Matters
The most rewarding part of these events is seeing participants become comfortable enough to join in, try something new, and enjoy being part of the group. It has reinforced my belief that inclusion isn't simply inviting someone into a space—it is making sure the space works for them, too.