How do I become more of a leader in college?

High school is on the way out, and I am certain I have not left any sort of impression. But that’s alright in my book since I didn’t want the spotlight then anyways. With college coming around, I want to turn that around a bit. How can I start becoming a leader figure as a freshman in college?

Also, do you believe introverts make the better leaders?

Get involved with activities in your dorm. Join clubs and participate instead of just showing up. Lots of clubs want you to be active early and lead committees 2nd semester.

Join clubs, and in the ones that interest you the most, be an active member during meetings, etc. Bounce around ideas/suggestions, give your input, but respect the leaders currently in place (most clubs will have an executive board). Once you get comfortable being an active participant, you’ll become more comfortable to run for a leadership position (if positions are determined through elections). Finding your voice can be hard, especially as an introvert, but once you find a club you’re really passionate about and once you figure out how the club structurally operates, it should begin to come naturally.

D is an introvert - joined a club her freshman year as an active member (it’s a competitive club, so limited spots and everyone has a role). Was asked to be a director of a group within the club the following year. It was a great opportunity for her to demonstrate her strengths, learn some things about leading people and being led, and it forced her to be more social. Extroverts draw energy from interactions with people - introverts tend to be exhausted by it. Doesn’t mean introverts don’t like people or cannot lead - it’s just knowing yourself enough to know you probably won’t be a good social activities director, for instance.