The quote “be a leader not a follower” means to live by example so others can be inspired to do the same. Violetta Zarza, a senior at Cardozo High School, is one of many students in the Cardozo Leader Program. 

At first, Zarza didn’t want to join the leader program. That was, until one of her teachers approached her and recommended her to join the program. 

“It was a really fun class, you get to help teachers with what they need. If it’s attendance or stretches or anything else they ask you to do,” Zarza explained.

The Leader Program might seem intimidating to join because there is a lot of training required to become a leader. However, to Zarza, the benefits outweigh the training she had to go through. She made a lot of friends along the way, and also gained important knowledge and skills while being a leader. 

“I learned important skills like how to help direct and teach students,” Zarza reflected.  

Currently, she isn’t sure what college she is going to, but is passionate about beginning that next chapter in her life and majoring in art. Zarza said it’s because she loves to draw in her free time. She also enjoys watching YouTube and her favorite TV series outside of school—which we can all relate to doing after a long day.  

Zarza hopes for students who are considering joining the leader program to know, “It’s gonna be tough, but it’s gonna look really good for your college. It will help you become a better person.”