Stories Plus

As the oldest child, I tend to be more of a leader. I often had to help solve problems or just help take care of the kids in general! I am also typically the oldest in my friend group and the most likely to make a decision when no one else knows what to choose. They’re usually small things like choosing where to eat or what activity to do. Now that I’m a part of discord communities, I have actual responsibilities to help run the server smoothly.

I’ve been a leader most of my life. As a kid, I was a bit bossy. Now that I’m older, I know how to effectively lead without causing issues. Helping raise my siblings definitely gave me the skills to put my foot down and not get swayed by begging. I learned how to make my own decisions in how to best help the situation and handle conflict with grace. For example, my youngest brother often struggled with words he didn’t understand immediately. He would get very frustrated and upset but I knew how to keep my composure and calmly walk him through the difficult words. He calmed down rather quickly after he figured it out.

I joined a server of people hoping to do Minecraft roleplays. I managed to become a manager rather quickly because I called people out when they were overstepping other people’s boundaries. Over time, I began taking on more and more responsibility to help ensure things are running smoothly. Eventually, I worked my way up to co director because I was helping organize everyone’s schedules to come up with the time to record, setting up meetings to discuss the scripts with the cast, helping give direction during the recordings, etc. My primary job is to write the scripts which requires a lot of meetings and check ins with the director. I’m also the one who makes sure everyone is okay and comfortable. The director and producer are good at what they do, but neither like confrontation. If someone in the server is being toxic, I’m the only one who can put my foot down and call them out and give the consequences for not listening. We have a member who started listening to anti trans propaganda and has been causing issues with all the trans members. He hasn’t been as active now, but I made it clear what the rules are and the consequences for bigotry. I made sure to get permission from the other leaders to ban him after his second strike. The first strike I plan to give a heavy talking to and explain not only why he’s wrong but what happens if he can’t keep his opinions to himself and respect the trans community.

It’s hard sometimes to remember I don’t have responsibilities in other servers. I’m in a TMNT fan server where, for once, I am one of the youngest members. I try to help out where I can still, especially when admin is away. Just simple things like greeting new arrivals and telling them where they can introduce themselves and pick their roles. I’ve also tried talking to others and helping set some stuff up for the dnd sessions when the dm is away. Mostly I just explain what the admin already said to the ones who missed it and telling them it’s okay if they’re struggling and we can adjust around their needs. I’m afraid of overstepping but I also know the server itself runs like a family trying to make sure everyone feels comfortable. Like my friend’s first time playing dnd with us was very nerve wracking for her, she barely spoke during the first session. But we made sure to include her and ask what her character does. In the second session, she was much more confident in the role play aspects and even played the role of a sibling very well, even calling one of the other player’s character “big headed!” (That character had been in the head with books at least three times!) It’s great watching her flourish and get comfortable!

Working the last two years I worked in fast food I was told I’d make a good manager. Then, in the last year I was made a shift leader! I helped organize where everyone is set up, opened the store, counted drawers, put the truck away, and made sure all the checklists were completed before I left! I also had to handle phone calls from angry customers which wasn’t easy, but I managed to keep calm. The job wasn’t bad, but I enjoy the job I have now more. I’m back to my roots in childcare making decisions and helping the child as best as I can.

I’ve come a long way over the years, learning how best to lead and help out. I still know how to fall in line and I don’t mind following a leader. My goal is never to take control from those in charge, but to help out where I can. I’d like to think I’ve helped a lot of people, but it’s hard to say sometimes. When all else fails and no one knows what to do, I try my best to guide them in the right direction.