‘I found my voice’: How one DreamBuilder’s Lead2Change experience changed the course of her life.

When Mikel joined Lead2Change, she had no idea the decision would put her on a path toward becoming a pilot. In fact, she almost didn’t apply.

Mikel, a student at MacDowell Montessori School, first learned about Lead2Change just hours before the application deadline. She already had plans for another summer program and wasn’t sure she wanted to change course. Still, something told her to take a chance.

She submitted her application at the last minute, and that one decision changed the course of her life.

When Mikel entered the program, one of her biggest challenges was communication. Speaking english confidently made her nervous, especially when she had to talk with new people or stand in front of a group. “Lead2Change didn’t let me hide in the back,” Mikel said. Through classes, presentations and encouragement from Lead2Change instructors, Mikel began stepping outside her comfort zone. She learned how to network, interview and build a professional résumé. More importantly, she learned that making mistakes was part of growing. “Slowly but surely, I found my voice,” she said.

As Mikel’s confidence grew, so did her opportunities. With a passion for aviation and dreams of becoming a pilot, Mikel connected with a pilot at the Lead2Change Career Exploration Boot Camp and Networking Reception, and saw that her dream could be a reality. With the help of her Lead2Change accountability coach, she was connected to internship experiences at Timmerman Airport and Watertown Airport. She learned

about flight operations, saw how airplanes are built and had the chance to speak directly with pilots.

One of those connections became especially meaningful. Mikel met an Army veteran and pilot who trains young aviators. That relationship ultimately led to an offer of a scholarship to help fund her private pilot’s license. For Mikel, the transformation goes far beyond career preparation. “I started this program as a nervous student, and I am standing here today as a confident future pilot,” she said. “All because I took a chance on a deadline.”

Now, she hopes her experience encourages other young people to take chances on

opportunities, even when they aren’t sure where those opportunities will lead. “If you are ever hesitating to take a leap, do it,” Mikel said. “You never know where one choice

will take you.”