Reflecting on the early stages of my healthcare leadership career in a rural community hospital setting, I am reminded of the individuals who shaped my character and laid the groundwork for leading others. These individuals dedicated their careers to serving and caring for patients or staff, quietly demonstrating the importance of building trust and integrity to serve others. Stepping into a leadership role is a thrilling yet challenging journey. I have learned that trust is the foundation of leadership, and in mentoring new leaders, we set this as a top priority. Trust matters and it has been shown to foster open communication, enhance team collaboration, and increase employee engagement. Without trust, team members can quickly become disengaged and resist change. In serving in a fast-paced, continually evolving setting, it is critical to prioritize building trust from day one in leading teams. Building trust takes time, nurturing, and consistent effort. I routinely emphasize it’s a marathon and a daily discipline to show up for your team. Brene Brown, inspirational author and researcher, said, “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” Showing up for your team is just one brave step in building trust but also leads to many rewards for your leadership journey and your team’s success.

When I first started college, I had no idea what I wanted to major in. But through my experiences in customer service and my passion for helping others, I found my way to healthcare, and I am graduating from the Penn State University with a master’s in Health Administration. With this degree and knowledge, I plan on closing the gap between patients and providers. I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be for people—family, friends, and even myself—to understand the complexities of healthcare, from medical jargon to financial processes. I also have a deep appreciation for frontline clinicians and hospital staff, who do the jobs I would never be able to. Working as a healthcare administrator, I could assist those who care for patients daily. To explore different careers in healthcare leadership, I joined ACHE, where I found networking and learning from industry professionals important aspects in my career journey. For the first ACHE event I attended, I drove over an hour just to talk to members and healthcare leaders. Through this experience, I learned more about potential paths available upon graduation. For those who are hesitant about going to events alone or because of not knowing anyone else going, just do it! Everyone is extremely supportive and truly wants you to succeed in your education and career. I communicate with those I have met through these events to ask for advice, and they are always receptive. Because of this, I plan to continue my involvement with ACHE post-graduation and pursue my FACHE credential when eligible to assist students who will be in my shoes. While my career path is still in the making, my interests lie in hospital operations, quality improvement, and working with community and rural health centers. With the support of my mentors, peers, and the ACHE Chapter, I have no doubt that I will step into a leadership role in healthcare and make a meaningful impact.