The National Society of Leadership and Success, or NSLS, is a nationally recognized leadership honors society that helps transform students into leaders. It has over 700 chapters in the country, and South Piedmont happened to have a local chapter that dates back to 2013.

​

     I joined during the Fall semester of 2019 as a junior. I was rather shy and timid when I first joined because I was highly introverted. I attended the orientation with many new faces and anticipated the Leadership Training Day (LTD) that the Executive Board was so excited about. On Saturday, August 13, I hesitantly and sleepily made my way to Building A in South Piedmont's OCH campus at eight in the morning. It was very cold in the room that over 40 were situated in. Although I cannot recall the name of that room, it looked similar to a room in which a board of directors would meet. That day, I met great people, some of which became a part of my Success Networking Team (SNT). In an SNT, you collaborate with others and hold each other accountable for personal goals. 

​

     To become an inducted NSLS member, you have to meet with your SNT at least three times, and attend at least three speaker broadcasts. The speaker broadcasts were motivational and inspirational, so it was interesting to see how these public figures grew or overcame obstacles. I learned a few things from attending these events, as they were similar to TED Talks, and gave great life advice or advice in general.

​

     The obstacle for me was meeting three times with my SNT group. We all had either conflicting schedules or transportation issues because not all of the members could drive. In the end, we decided to meet at libraries since these wonderful book-filled locations happened to be the midpoint between where we lived. We decided to meet biweekly starting during the middle of October. While we met and helped each other with our goals, we created a friendly bond. I got to know my companions on a deeper level than just classmates or clubmates. I learned a bit about how their minds worked and their values in life. Reaching this threshold helped me better my interpersonal skills and gain confidence in my ability to present myself. I learned how to lead with confidence and approach others with confidence. After all, first impressions have significant staying power in one's mind.

​

     Came the Spring of 2020, COVID-19 came in like a lion. Everything was shut down in the blink of an eye, primary schools, colleges, stores, restaurants, it was chaotic to say the least. So, instead of having an in-person induction ceremony, the national office of NSLS decided to have a virtual broadcast for the induction ceremony. It was interesting with the featured speaker, Daniel Dae Kim, an actor and producer of sorts. He detailed his experience with COVID-19, and his recovery, as well as himself as a leader. His speech of finding yourself, leading, and breaking stereotypes was empowering.

​

     With this empowerment, I went and applied to be on the Executive Board of the local NSLS chapter as the SNT Coordinator. I gained enough self-confidence and courage, so I wanted to become more involved in the NSLS rather than just a shadow of a member. The role of the SNT Coordinator is to help facilitate SNT meetings, assist members with SNT goals, and more. Additionally, because I preside over one of the major steps to induction, I have to monitor members progress and coordinate their groups.

​

     In this position, I gained both leadership experience as well as managerial skills. I found opportunities to use the oral communication skills I acquired in Public Speaking, to aid me in my presentations and explanations. Luckily, I was able to quickly determine the balance between micromanagement and macromanagement. I had fun with the rest of the Executive Board, from hosting orientations and LTDs to our biweekly meetings. I send my gratitude to these lovely considerate and funny folks for participating with me during the 2020-2021 academic year.