In order to be a Disney princess, one must meet the following criteria: special hair, magic hands and daddy issues.
I would argue that I have at least two of those, and yet here I am, writing alone in my bed rather than ruling over Arendelle.
So while cartoon royalty is a status few can ever hope to reach, what being an American in 2025 has taught me is that anybody can be a leader. I suppose Donald Trump’s hair meets the criteria for both President and princess-hood.
But when I say “leader,” I don’t mean the “fair, brave and true” or “whoever is worthy shall possess the power of Thor” kind of leader. I mean the Executive Activities Coordinator of a club nobody shows up to. Yes, that’s right, I mean YOU!
Time and time again, us students hear the word “leader” preached at us like it’s the Lebron James of a college app resume. We are told that being a leader means cleaning up after yourself, listening to the teacher and being a good role model — last time I checked, that’s just called being a decent human being.
Leadership at Trinity is like the Grille’s sushi: it looks great when everyone is flocking around it, but it’s not worth the trip to the Holloway bathroom 30 minutes later.
Here is my belief: be a follower. Now I don’t mean that in a discouraging, condescending kind of way. I simply mean that there is value in being a participant rather than clinging on to some meaningless title.
Don’t put yourself in a box — try new activities, get inspired by others and once you find what you’re passionate about, the leadership opportunity will eventually come to you.
Leadership must be better understood as a powerful position used to guide others, and it collapses when everyone tries to claim it for themselves.
After all, when everybody is a leader, nobody is.
Peace and love,
Snow White
