Key Events: Big Event

What: The Big Event at Virginia Tech is the second largest collegiate service organization in the nation. In 2016, we collected over 1,200 community service projects for over 9,000 student volunteers to complete in the surrounding community. The Big Event is one big day to say one big thanks to the NRV. Big Event was my first leadership "role" in college. I was selected as a committee member for project evaluations and served in this role for two years. After that I was promoted to Director of Projects. This year I serve as a mentor to those in my role this year.

So What: This event taught me all about people's prospective of what leadership is while I learned what leadership actually is. The Big Event is a highly structured organization. There is an operations team, a group of committee members, a board of directors, an assistant director, and two co-directors. It is very hierarchical and structured. I learned by watching people that those viewed at the tops of organizations like this are thought to be the best leaders. They get the most publicity, thanks, and respect. Many times, these leaders are fantastic, however sometimes they're not. But, because of the structure, people go on mindlessly following their leadership.

In an earlier blog post, I defined leadership something along the lines as working together with your followers towards a common goal. In the Big Event, I saw committee members often "out leading" their directors. Often the 'little guy' makes more of a significant gain towards accomplishing that common goal.

Now What: After the Big Event, I began to regard leadership more as a process than as a position. While I still hold leadership roles, I ensure that my actions still reflect those of working towards a common goal. In non-leadership roles, I've stopped caring about stepping on toes and often try to make a difference where ever possible.