Alycia Holwerda

            In June of 2016, I was chosen as the Willmar Fests 2016-2017 Aqua Princess. For an entire year, two other ladies and I represented my hometown Willmar at many community events within Willmar and in various other towns. We traveled to other community celebrations where we participated in parades, volunteering event, coronations, and various activities. Our goal was to spread the fun excitement for Willmar to other people whether inside or outside the Willmar community. I met many amazing people along the way. Through this wonderful opportunity, many doors were opened for me and I gained various, valuable skills in leadership. 

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            Through this experience and my related Honors Service Learning class, I was able to reflect upon personal leadership strengths and weaknesses (Values Level 2). As a natural introvert, I have excellent listening skills. I would listen to ambassadors explain how being an ambassador has shaped their lives and listen to their advice on what they found to be most important. I could then take that information and shape it into being an ambassador for my own community. Another skill I have is being able to hold a conversation. When a conversation starts dwindling, I could revamp it to keep then interested in what I had to say about amazing Willmar. I am also a perfectionist. For example, when designing our Hawaiian themed flat for the Anoka Halloween celebration, I was very particular on how to carry out my vision I designed. I was able to articulate and transfer my idea to others so that they knew exactly what was desired. All the helpers were very diligent and inspired to create my amazing vision. However, I also learned more about my weaknesses. One of my weaknesses is being hesitant towards new people. However, another one of my team members was very extroverted and could spark a conversation with anyone. We complimented each other very well in this aspect.

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            Also, I practiced group member skills and abilities to work toward common goals (Teams Level 2). The Willmar Fests ambassadors are not just one person but three remarkable ladies working together to spread the joy of Willmar. We lead the community, communicated to others, and represented Willmar together as a group. Hoping to inspire enthusiasm, we would talk to others and share what we believe to be so special about Willmar. For example, during Willmar Fests week we were able to lead ten candidates into learning and discovering all that Willmar has to offer by attending many events around the community for an entire week. The Queen of Festivals was great at sparking conversations with others, I was able to turn the conversation onto whom we were talking to keep their attention.

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            I could also reflect upon roles within group and team settings (Teams Level 3). The Queen of Festivals was the designated leader of the three Willmar Fests ambassadors. She would be the main leader due to her natural extroverted energy. The International princess and the Aqua princess would help lead and communicate to others about our experience and knowledge of Willmar. Together we contrasted, complimented and empowered each other’s leadership skills. We were able to cheerfully, passionately, and charismatically spread the positivity towards Willmar.