LESSONS FROM THE INFINITY CLUB
We Don’t Lead Alone
by Zachary Dar
What does it mean to lead? Some may say it comes with the responsibility of being a leader, or even just to be in charge; however, is it that simple?
Photo: Zachary Dar
I’m a Criminal Justice student at Seattle University, whose mission statement is to “educate the whole person.” While my focus may be on forensic science, my passion lies with people. As I’ve written in my biography for the Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement (CEIE, where I work on campus), “everyone is just as important as the person next to them.” What I’ve learned from my academic journey is that this phrase is true; every person – even genetically identical twins – is unique in some way.
During my time at CEIE, I have met members of different religious, ethnic, gender, and racial backgrounds. It has meant a lot to me to learn about the many unique backgrounds and cultures we encounter in daily life. Having the opportunity to converse with diversity has allowed my skills as a leader to blossom and my mind to widen.
Stepping Up
As a neurodivergent and disabled student, adjusting to a higher education setting was extremely difficult, even with the accommodations provided. Facing similar challenges, a group of neurodivergent students came together to create the Infinity Club – a space for neurodivergent students and allies to create awareness, safety, and culture. When I agreed to help found the club, I took on the role of Vice President so I could lead the activities and development of the club from behind the curtain.
Photo: Zachary Dar
It was three months after the creation of the Infinity Club that an untimely incident occurred; the president had to step down from their role for personal health reasons. Incredibly nervous and , I stepped up to fill the role of club president. In the two years since, I have learned a tremendous amount about being a leader, leading a club, and being a part of a group.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve experienced is seeing how important a team is for a leader. In a club where the goal is to provide a safe and social environment for students, a leader does not act like an overbearing boss who simply dictates how things should be, but instead acts a friend who listens carefully and is there to be supportive. As the president, it is my responsibility to facilitate tasks, run meetings, bridge communications, and establish the strength of the team. When decisions are needed, I try to gather input from everyone in the group before I suggest a path forward.
Being a Team Player
One of my strongest beliefs is that you learn more from trying and failing than you do from trying and succeeding. As my undergraduate journey ends, I have begun to reflect on the growth and learning I’ve experienced through failure. When you succeed, you’re not sure what needs to improve or change; however, when you fail, it creates an opportunity to connect with the members of your team and reflect on your actions, plans, and accomplishments. Additionally, you can learn just as much from working in your team as you can from working outside your team. As a senior student affiliate with CEIE, I have been able to capitalize on its unique leadership, to develop a structure and foundation for the Infinity Club.
A panel on neurodivergence held by the Infinity Club — Photo: Zachary Dar
As expected, leading is not always easy, especially when a club must be built from scratch. There have been several occasions when I have felt confusion and isolation in my role and an innumerable amount more where I felt like I shouldn’t be the one to lead the team. These feelings are understandable and certainly not unique to me. As a full-time student, it was difficult to find a good club-school balance; even today I’m not convinced I ever found the right balance. With a growing expectation for the club to hold events and gain new members, my spare time grew ever thinner.
Being a leader isn’t just a title, it’s a responsibility and essential for good teamwork. I’ve had my fair share of moments when I didn’t make the right decisions or do my part to make the club fun. When this happened, the club felt authoritative and cold. Sometimes it’s hard to know what path to take when you’re the one making the path.
Fortunately, I’m not alone. When I find myself feeling confused, isolated, or even discouraged, the Infinity Club has a whole team – my friends – are there to support me. Delegating tasks to the other members has allowed me to have more time to plan events for, and connect with, the community of students I so heavily resonate with. It has also given me the time to train the rest of the team to lead the club in the future; they are the next generation of the Infinity Club.
Considering my time with the Infinity Club, what does “leading” mean to me? It means being a link – someone who fills the gaps in a team. It’s certainly true that everyone IS just as important as the person next to them. It’s also the case that as a leader, you’re never alone. As a leader, you learn just as much from teammates as they learn from you. If you’re a student (or even adult!), I recommend joining a club or group you have a lot of passion for. If there isn’t something already that you feel suits you best, don’t be afraid to create a club or group with your friends.
Thank you, Infinity Club, for helping me to grow as a person and become more comfortable with my identity.
Header Photo: Unsplash