Proof and Promise: My Transformation with SCLA

Answering the Call I Wasn’t Sure I Could Carry

A stylishly adorned hand reaches for the rotary dial phone labeled "OPPORTUNITIES," symbolizing the act of seizing new chances.

When I was nominated to join the Society for Collegiate Leadership and Achievement, I felt that quiet kind of pride… the kind that doesn’t shout, but sits still and says, “you’ve been seen.”

But right behind that pride?

Came doubt. Loud, persistent, and a little too familiar.

Because what people don’t always see is the life behind the recognition.

I’m a full-time mom.

I work full-time.

My days are already spoken for before I even leave the house.

So, the real question wasn’t “Do I deserve this?”

It was “Can I actually show up for this?”

The Intimidation No One Talks About

Joining something like SCLA sounds beautiful on paper. Leadership, networking, growth. And it is. But stepping into a space built on excellence can feel like walking into a room where everyone already knows the steps… and you’re still learning the rhythm.

I didn’t know how I would pivot.

I didn’t know if I could be consistent.

And if we’re being honest? Consistency feels like a luxury when your life is already full in all the ways that matter.

There’s a quiet pressure that comes with opportunities like this. The kind that whispers,

"Don’t drop the ball.”But what if your hands are already full?

Empowering words overlay a newspaper background, accompanied by an illustration of a thoughtful figure, creating a message of encouragement and potential.

Why I Said Yes Anyway

Somewhere between the doubt and the overthinking, I realized something simple:

Not every opportunity comes when you feel ready.

Some come to make you ready.

Accepting my invitation into SCLA wasn’t about having it all figured out. It was about choosing growth, even if it comes in small, imperfect steps.

It was about allowing myself to exist in rooms where I’m still learning.

To be the beginner.

To figure it out as I go.

Because growth doesn’t always look like big, bold moves.

Sometimes it looks like showing up tired.

Logging in anyway.

Reading one email.

Attending one workshop. Trying… even when your capacity feels stretched thin.

Redefining What “Showing Up” Means

I used to think showing up meant giving 100% all the time.

Now? I’m learning that showing up might look like 60% on a long day…and that still counts.

It might look like:

• Listening instead of leading

• Learning instead of mastering

• Being present instead of being perfect

And maybe that’s the kind of leadership I actually want to grow into. One that is honest, sustainable, and real.

What I Hope This Journey Becomes

I didn’t join SCLA to prove anything.

I joined because I want to evolve.

I want to:

• Grow into a stronger, more confident version of myself

• Connect with people who are building something meaningful

• Learn how to lead without losing myself in the process

And if I’m lucky, I’ll walk away from this not just with new skills—but with a new understanding of what I’m capable of… even on my busiest days.

For Anyone Standing Where I Was

If you’ve ever been offered something that felt bigger than your current capacity…If you’ve ever questioned whether you could handle one more thing…

This is your reminder:

You don’t have to have it all figured out to say yes.

You just have to be willing.

Because sometimes the life you’re building requires you to stretch in ways that feel uncomfortable but necessary.

So here I am.

A little unsure. A little intimidated. But still… stepping forward anyway.

And maybe that’s what growth really looks like.

Let me ask you this

What’s something you’ve been invited into that you’re not sure you’re ready for… but can’t stop thinking about?

-Mo'