I am Called Laura Vivian Walter, and this is my Introduction

Hello, my name is Laura Vivian Walter, and I am currently a student at the University of Oregon studying linguistics. My interests include song writing, dancing, drawing, painting, playing the ukulele, computer programming, and yoga. I also love to practice different languages, I only have proficiency in two foreign languages, Spanish and Korean. Although, I enjoy learning other languages using Duolingo currently I am learning 18. Interestingly, I told my roommate it was my favorite videogame and she told me that it was not a videogame because I was learning. Though, I believe that learning is fun, especially since it can help to build a new connection with people that before wouldn’t be there or spark a unknown passion.

I am at that wonderful point in college where I am discovering that the world is not black and white that there is no one right path. That I can take a journey to my future career and experience the world to find the career that is the best fit for me. First, I will become an English teacher in Spain come next October, which is exciting and terrifying to leave the country without knowing what to expect. Though, I will not let my fear stop me, for there is always going to be something unseen down the road, and as a person it is how I react to the world that matters. Therefore, I am choosing to stand my ground and not let fear control my every move, although I will still practice safe practices to protect people. It is this belief to not let fear stand in my way that after teaching in Spain I am going to work for FEMA, to help other people when disaster has hit, and their worlds are turned upside down. Then, after that I will join the FBI or go back to school for a master’s in English or Computer Science.

To me one does not simply wake up one day and decide they are going to be a leader, rather it is through experience and hard work that a leader is created. A leader is someone that learns from those around them, especially those they lead, and they are always willing to listen to the suggestions of others. Where a leader is not a perfect person, no they make mistakes, but the difference is they are willing to listen to the positive criticism, asking for help when they need it. These are some of the things I have learned about what makes a good leader, from my own role models and from own experience of leading in National Honor Society in high school, being a student aide, as well working as with a team in my job as a research assistant. The most important quality of a leader to me, is someone that wants to foster the growth in the people they lead, to raise them up to be future leaders, where they can reach their own true potential.