Defining Leadership at the Law Magnet

Picture a leader in your life. Maybe it’s a parent, an older sibling, a teacher, or a team captain. These people surround us every single day of our lives and lift us up more than we even realize. They’re the driving force behind all the tasks that are never left uncompleted and the deadlines that are always met. At the Law Magnet, we see these people staying after school for club meetings, showing up on early weekend mornings, and looking out for their teammates. These strong individuals pave the way for a bright future, but behind them, they leave a lingering question: what makes a leader?

In order to answer this question, we interviewed multiple prominent leaders in our school, and they all spoke of their experience on the path to leadership.

How did you rise to leadership?

“By showing up consistently and putting in the work. I spent hours after school helping novices with their cases, along with spending my weekends/summers at debate-related events.” – Nathan Webber (Debate Captain)

“I rose to be a leader by seeing the lack of STEM opportunities and deciding to build them from the ground up. I dedicated hours recruiting members and securing resources.” – Fouzan Yousef (Destination Imagination Engineering and Science Bowl Teams’ Founder)

“I had to learn to delegate responsibilities and not be a one-woman show unnecessarily; as a leader, you have to be able to rely on your team.” – Harlem Gilbert (Volleyball Club Co-President)

What was the transition into becoming a leader like for you?

“The biggest change I had to make was no joke—to stop being so nonchalant. My natural demeanor is perceived as lackadaisical, so I had to show people that I actually cared. Mr. T used to say this all the time: ‘People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you ‘care’”—Harlem “I had to come to terms with the fact that weekends don’t really mean breaks 😅. Rather, being ready to fix problems whenever they arise. To have the position name meant I had to put in the work 💯.” – Emily Muñoz (Mock Trial President)

“I had to adjust to being able to guide new members in their learning process while also keeping up with my own learning.” – Serena Herrera (Computer Science Club President)

What are your responsibilities as a leader?

“I collaborate to come up with ideas to make the class as a whole better and the novices to succeed and take interest in debate.” -Anyssa Alcala (Debate Captain)

“My role is to understand the dynamics of my teams and base my contributions on strengths and weaknesses.” – Harlem Gilbert

“Being the person my teammates go to for guidance and keeping everyone focused during tournaments. I try to create an environment where teammates feel supported, calm, and ready to perform at their best.” – Nathan Webber

“I help encourage my team by reminding them that you don’t need to be an expert in coding in order to win. If we do our best, then we can win again.” – Serena Herrera

“I make sure that students feel comfortable within the team and smooth out any issues that arise within the group. And when they do, they get resolved civilly 🙌.” – Emily Muñoz

What struggles have you encountered being a leader?

“Dealing with imposter syndrome. Sometimes I question if I’m really good enough to guide others. But I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up and doing your best for the people who trust you.” – Nathan Webber

“Learning how to use different approaches with different people to push them to the best of their abilities. Some people need more encouragement, while others prefer more direction. It’s hard to be nice and firm, but balancing both has helped me grow as a leader.” – Serena Herrera

What are your favorite aspects of being a leader?

‘Witnessing growth. Seeing what comes of hard work is a great feeling. As a leader, one of your roles is to push your team members and peers to be their best selves and hone their respective skills while growing their weaker areas.” – Harlem Gilbert

“Seeing others succeed. I love hearing about the accomplishments others have made within or outside of the club. Something as simple as solving a problem on their own is enough to make me proud.” – Serena Herrera

“Watching people grow. I love seeing novices go from nervous to confident, especially when the novices won the city championship. It was one of the proudest moments I’ve had, seeing their hard work pay off.”  – Nathan Webber

What is your definition of leadership?

“Being an example to others and leading the team to be successful.” – Anyssa Alcala

“Helping others reach their full potential while still learning yourself.” – Serena Herrera

“Someone who uses their experience to lift others up.” —Nathan Webber

“Leadership can be ambiguous, which is why there are so many different types and styles that are all needed in specific situations.” – Harlem Gilbert

“It’s all about influence. Sometimes you don’t need the title to prove to other people you are a leader.” – Fouzan Yousef

“Leadership is influence. You don’t need a title, just the respect and the ability to take responsibility.” – Emily Muñoz

What advice would you give to someone pursuing a leadership role?

“Not to let the pressure get to them and ask for help.” –  Anyssa Alcala

“Be patient, stay humble, and above all, just stay consistent. The best leaders aren’t the loudest ones, but the ones who make everyone around them better.” – Nathan Webber

“Self-evaluation should be done before pursuing any leadership opportunities. Taking care of yourself makes it easier for you to help others.” – Harlem Gilbert

“Stay open to learning new things. You don’t need to have all the answers to be a leader, but you do need to be willing to listen and grow. You need to understand your team and help them improve while also improving yourself.” – Serena Herrera

“Don’t think your club ideas or pursuing a certain leadership position as an underclassman are too early. Through an ambitious mind and advocating for yourself, you may be able to rise up.” -Fouzan Yousef

• “People know when you’re doing it because you just want it for a college app, and when you’re doing it because of the love of the game. Love the game, and it will love you. 🫶” – Emily Munoz

  

While leadership comes in all shapes and sizes, it’s evident that being a leader comes down to being willing to serve others, taking risks, constantly improving, and most importantly, being the influence you wish to see around you.  These are the qualities that define trailblazers, not only within school halls but throughout all walks of life.