From Good Girl to Great Woman

5. Become an expert and write about it. One of the best ways to gain respect among your peers is to become an expert about something so that people come to you for advice. Whether you know every detail of your local sports team’s stats, have read every book by J.D. Salinger, or know all the dates of American history, make it known. Write for your school newspaper; publish something online or in your neighborhood. Being an expert gives you power; and this can only be a good thing.

6. Follow through with commitments. Whether on your science fair project, on a sports team, or on student council, always complete what you’ve said you would do. People count on you. When you let them down, you damage your relationship and your reputation.

7. Gain experience without commitment. You don’t have to know exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life, but I’m sure you have at least a few ideas. Try them out. Contact your local newspaper if you’re interested in journalism, and spend a day touring the place. Apply for a summer internship in a field of potential interest. Volunteer for a political candidate and take a look at politics from the inside out. You have the opportunity to take risks now and find a passion before you’ve made a commitment.

8. Start a club. Whether it’s a Spanish cooking club, a local chapter of Amnesty International, or a movie group, starting a club and following through for a few years shows leadership, team spirit, and commitment to anyone. Future employers, guidance counselors, and college admissions officers will be impressed by your initiative and consistency.

9. Pass the baton. Being a leader is about creating new paths and guiding the way. But, it’s also about ensuring that the people who come behind you can make their way, too. Handpick an incoming freshman and guide her to become a leader. Just because you’re heading off to college or a year abroad doesn’t mean your work should end. You wouldn’t want your team or club to fizzle just because you’re not there to keep it running.