Leadership lessons from the Air Force Academy

Representing Augustana College at the National Character & Leadership Symposium (NCLS) in Colorado Springs, Colo., was an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the most mission-driven individuals I’ve ever met.

The conference was at the United States Air Force Academy, and while many attendees were ROTC or Air Force-affiliated, the lessons on leadership, discipline and teamwork were universal. It was the kind of environment that made you want to sit up straighter, lean in a little closer and absorb every word from the diverse lineup of speakers.

1. Learning to lead: Why delegation is key

One of the standout sessions for me was hearing from Retired Col. Allison Black, who spoke about the reality of building functional teams, both personally and professionally. I’m someone who tends to take on a lot so her words about delegation hit home for me.

Leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself; it’s about trusting your people, equipping them with what they need and stepping back so they can contribute and grow. That’s something I’m constantly working on as a leader, whether it’s in my role as a PACE mentor, president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship or just within my own personal and professional circles.

2. When motivation fades, discipline leads the way

Another major takeaway? Discipline matters. Now, I know what you’re thinking: girl, this isn’t groundbreaking news. And yeah, sure, you can hear about discipline in self-help books and binge-watch all the YouTube videos on productivity hacks. Trust me…been there, done that. But there’s something different about being in a room filled with people who don’t just talk about discipline, they live it.

For most of my time at the conference, I found myself surrounded by military professionals who embody consistency and commitment in a way that made me rethink every excuse I’ve ever made. It was one of those moments where you realize motivation is fleeting, but discipline? That’s what keeps you moving forward when you’d rather do anything else.

The reality check was real. Success isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment or feeling inspired; real success comes from the day-in, day-out habits that push you forward even when you don’t feel like it. That’s something I want to be more intentional about, especially as I continue growing as a student and leader.

3. From NCLS to campus: Bridging the lessons

Attending NCLS wasn’t just about listening to inspiring speakers or joining their workshops; it was a chance to connect with their transformative experiences and see the impact on their journeys, while reinforcing the many lessons I’ve learned at Augustana.

Whether it’s the emphasis on servant leadership in my nonprofit leadership courses or the way PACE has taught me to meet people where they are, this conference made it clear that leadership is about showing up for others. It’s not about having all the answers but about being someone people can trust to show up, listen and create space for them to succeed.

All in all, I walked away feeling inspired, challenged and more committed than ever to becoming a leader who not only sets high standards for myself but also empowers others to reach theirs (and maybe even exceed them).

As I continue my journey, whether in school, leadership or faith, I carry these lessons with me. Because of experiences like NCLS, I am sure that leadership isn’t just about holding a title; it’s about stepping up, learning and being willing to grow.

Also, side note: the mountains were incredible. But would I trade them for the Mississippi River? Debatable. Thanks again to Augustana for this opportunity — can’t wait to carry these lessons forward!