Alex Thompson

Class of 2024 - 2025

When I was encouraged to apply to the Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program, I initially thought to myself, “What possible impact could I have?” I was hesitant and reluctant to join the program, as I did not see myself as a “leader.” Even after selection as one of 26 participants, I still felt unsure. As someone who experiences social anxiety, the prospect of taking part in a program like this was both exciting and intimidating, especially since I am not particularly comfortable in large groups. However, I quickly discovered during our first session that I was not alone in feeling this way. This realization was
comforting and set the tone for the journey ahead. Throughout the program, I learned a great deal about the Flint Hills region, its strengths, challenges, opportunities, and complexities. The program’s sessions were thoughtfully designed to foster growth in areas such as teamwork, communication, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and political literacy.

One of the most important lessons I took away from the program was that there are many different types of leaders. Leadership does not always look the same. Sometimes it requires a great listener; other times, it needs someone who can see a goal from a unique perspective or someone who is willing to speak out. The Flint Hills Regional Leadership Program taught me that effective leadership is rarely about a single individual. Instead, it takes a diverse group of leaders, each contributing their unique strengths, to achieve a common purpose. This experience reshaped my understanding of leadership.

Even if you do not see yourself as a traditional leader, you can still play a vital role in bringing people together and working toward a shared goal. I am grateful for the lessons I learned and the confidence I gained, and I now understand that leadership can take many forms, even forms I once doubted I could embody.

ALEX THOMPSON
Class of 2024-25 Ambassador