By: David Yang

In eighth grade, my performing arts teacher assigned us a unique project that challenged us to delve into a topic and then teach it to our classmates. This was a novel experience for us, as we had never taken on the role of educators before. Standing in front of the class and presenting while our peers and teacher assumed the role of students was quite a daunting task. Our group was assigned the topic of music sound design, and I was selected as the group leader.

Unlike other groups that developed individual presentations later combined into a comprehensive report, we opted to collaborate on an online report. We devised a systematic approach where each member focused on a specific aspect of the presentation, providing assistance whenever someone needed it. However, we encountered a challenge when one of our members couldn’t participate due to commitments at cram school. As the team leader, I stepped in and covered his portion. At that time, I didn’t know that similar things would happen again.

Throughout the process of crafting the ideal report, we encountered several obstacles. Some team members went offline for dinner or sleep, but I remained committed to my responsibilities as a leader. I stayed up late to ensure the report was in impeccable condition. Eventually, we crafted the best possible report, and I felt a sense of excitement and confidence to present it in class.

This experience of creating and leading the presentation illuminated the crucial role of effective leadership. Without a guiding figure, our group could have wandered in confusion. I had assigned specific parts to each member, demonstrating that a strong leader should offer guidance, support, and take charge when necessary. I stepped in to assist others even when it wasn’t strictly my duty, recognizing the significance of my role as a leader.

The performing arts project underscored why being a skillful leader is paramount and how such efforts contribute to a group’s success. A leader’s ability significantly influences a group’s potential. This experience transcended being a mere project; it imparted valuable lessons about diverse facets of leadership. I am appreciative of this opportunity and eagerly anticipate using my skills to support others and further develop my leadership abilities in the future.