Dana Priest, a journalist from the Washington Post spoke to my leadership class at Northwest High School during the "Student and Leaders" program. From this experience I learned that those in public service should share their interest with the world and choose a job that contributes to society. When in a position of leadership, one must engage in the world around, remain unique, and always act with integrity. These ideals are applicable to any individual who wishes to become successful.

Dana mentioned that since high school she wanted to contribute to Americans' understanding about the world they live in. She wished to make choices independently, so she chose to be a journalist. Through this career, Dana has fulfilled her dream to serve the public. She benefits society by informing people of important issues. For example, as a new reporter at the Washington Post, Dana began writing about the horrible conditions in local overcrowded prisons. When people became aware of the problem, they provided solutions. Now there is less prison overcrowding. Dana currently writes about our country's national security, explaining the current events at the CIA. She shares her interests daily with thousands of people so that they can be informed about world affairs.

Dana is a leader in her field. She has always followed her own philosophy: "There are obstacles, but they are surmountable." To overcome the hurdles in life, one must rush "like water into areas where there are no obstacles." Individuals must stand out from other people who are just as qualified and talented by "finding opportunities between the rocks." With this belief, one can accomplish anything. Dana did not start out as a top reporter. Instead, she grasped every opportunity and researched important topics that no one else reported. When Dana wrote about prison overcrowding, no one else had addressed the topic. She stayed in prison for several days and experienced everything first hand. Dana suffered with the other prisoners so she could express clearly what was happening. This certainly made her stand out from her coworkers, and helped her to become a top reporter.

Dana is a leader because she continuously engages herself in the world around her. She researches in detail, by conducting interviews with both top officials and common people and traveling all over the world. Dana is a leader because she puts her own personal feelings aside and addresses the facts in order to present the truth as best as possible. This shows integrity. Dana does not try to manipulate data in attempts to change the views of others.

The most important thing I learned is that leadership and public service is about fulfilling who you are. Through journalism, Dana expresses herself by doing what she loves. She serves the public and is certainly an outstanding figure in her field. I hope to be a leader in my future career. With Dana Priest as my role model, I know I can achieve great things.

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