Justin is a University of Oregon graduate who is currently a first and second grade youth professional at the Boys and Girls Club and the creator of @thebetterworldchallenge, a project which aims to bring Gen Zs together to create positive change. As an undergrad, he was involved at the Holden Center through Duck Corps. Justin describes himself as wearing a lot of hats: coach, teacher, social entrepreneur, content creator, community developer, and the list goes on. “I struggle to put myself in a box and I believe that it is hard to put leaders in a box.” Leaders need to be open to feedback and show care for the people on their team. Beyond that, leadership is simply about having a strive to create positive change. With experience he’s learned that the best leaders have humility and make a million mistakes. Community members such as Sarah Koski and Ayisha Elliot (podcast: @blackgirlfromeugene) have taught Justin that when it comes to leadership, the most important thing is don’t wait, go out, and solve it.
When asked if he felt like he could be a leader growing up, a story came to mind. A few years ago he posted an inspirational video on facebook for the first time, his third grade teacher commented, “Justin I always knew there was a quiet leader in you.” As a people pleaser, he did not always see it in himself. His leadership skills come in the form of bringing people together because he has the ability to get along with everyone. Now, he views that as a skill. Being able to connect and relate with everyone has placed him in between relationships, telling both parties “I hear you, I hear you.” Looking at leadership as pulling people up and getting insights he asks “what in the world do you want from this?” “In all honesty, you be a great leader by listening.” Justin explained that he is not a perfect listener but he works to be a better listener by focusing on one conversation at a time, maintaining eye contact, and by taking the time to process and respond at a slow pace rather than thinking of the next thing that he will say.
The advice Justin had for students is to find a volunteer role related to your interest. “If you have your own passion or niche, you can drive positive change.” Most people want some sort of leadership role and I suggest taking small steps. There are benefits to jumping in, I love to, but sometimes I fail and flutter. Failing is great, I love failing, that’s how you learn.” For those who are curious he recommends looking to other leaders. See what you like and see what you do not like and learn from them.
When asked if he considers himself to be a leader Justin said that he does. He is confident in his abilities given the three plus years of leadership experience that he has. “Imposter Syndrome is real, but you just keep learning”, explaining how the Holden Center helped him grow as a leader and recognize how his own identities relate to his leadership abilities. Justin explains that he strives to be a Change Agent by driving positive change for social action and causes. People do not always see themselves as leaders because they see leaders as individuals who are high up and well known. Leadership comes in small roles. It’s not necessarily a job title but a set of small actions and changes. “The more you can call yourself a leader the more you are one.”
By Sophia Mauelshagen, Sophomore, Outreach Program Assistant
