“Leaders look like little boys at the end of summer…scratched, muddy, and bruised, but excited for what’s next.”

Being a leader is not always something that felt natural to me.  In fact, I often felt like more of a follower in middle school.  Constantly looking to others, I wanted to be absolutely sure I was doing the “right” thing or the “cool” thing before making a decision.  I often felt unsure of myself and paralyzed by fear in difficult situations.

Tennis  helped change me.  Ever since I was a little girl, I had a racket in my hand.  My parents (both amazing players) took on the role of coaching me everyday, encouraging me to believe in myself, take control of the match, and not be afraid to win.  Through the hundreds of matches I played in high school and college, I learned how to strategically compete and come out on top.  I gained confidence in myself, and eventually took on the role of inspiring others to do the same as captain of my team.  The road was not always easy.  There were many times I would fight hard and still lose, coming off the court with physical scratches and emotional bruises.  However, it was in those times I felt like I learned the most.  I learned how to never accept defeat, but to take it gracefully when it came.  I learned that my performance was a direct result of the practice I put in.  I learned that being a leader on the court required hard work and the confidence to take risks.  Most importantly, I learned to reach for the determination to keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in myself.

“Leaders look like little boys at the end of summer…scratched, muddy, and bruised, but excited for what’s next.”  I know that I want to be a leader in the photography industry.  The road may not always be easy, and I am sure I will make many mistakes.  However, I know at the end of the season I will look back at the experience with a big smile on my face, happy to be doing something I love so much, and excited for the next one to begin.  Here is to a fabulous 2013, to working hard, pushing myself to take new business risks, and to becoming known as a leader in this industry I love so much.