Vision Board Narrative – Olivia Ricca

My vision board details a general description of my future career goals and leadership style, as well as what has influenced them. Diving first into my career, I aspire to become an aerospace engineer. My older sister pointed me in the direction of engineering when I was in middle school. Being two years older, she was on a high school club robotics team. I would tag along to competitions and become more and more exposed to robotics. Going into eighth grade, I decided to join the team and give engineering a try. Not once have I ever regretted that decision. I chose specifically aerospace engineering because the idea of space exploration has always interested me. As of recently, I also opened myself up to the atmospheric aspects of aerospace such as planes and other aircraft vehicles. I generally enjoy problem solving and tinkering with tools, so I think that my career will feel fun rather than a chore.

Pursuing this degree has led me to career exposure during my time in college. Last summer, I had the amazing opportunity to intern at NASA Kennedy Space Center. My experience solidified my confidence in my career choices. Next summer, I will be able to try my hand at aircraft engineering at Northrop Grumman. I look forward to opening myself up to different aerospace tracks which will help me decide what I want to be specified in once I graduate. Overall, I hope to have a career that I enjoy, as I enjoy what I do to pursue it.

My leadership has always followed a servant-style. This is modeled after Jesus, someone who is known worldwide for his leadership and influence. Being raised Catholic has led me to emulating Jesus’ philosophies in my leadership. I included a verse from the Bible in my vision board from Philippians 2:3. It defines servant leadership as “valuing others above yourself” and to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” I believe that serving your followers and being “down in the trenches” with them is the best form of leadership.

I have applied this philosophy in various leadership experiences. My senior year of high school, I held the officer position of Drum Major in my school’s marching band. This position is the highest a student can have and requires communication between the members and the band director. I made sure to be a leader who would serve the members of the band instead of abusing the power and acting like an authoritarian. This leadership style was effective as me and my fellow students developed a strong trust between each other, and the band overall had great chemistry. I also developed a close bond with my band director who directly influenced my leadership style and mentored me throughout the season. She taught me how to make quick decisions under pressure and be flexible in difficult situations. My time in high school robotics also developed my leadership skills. My last few years on the team had me involved with teaching new members various skills during our build season. This role allowed me to learn how to instruct effectively while empowering younger students to gain confidence in their engineering capabilities.

Lastly, my parents have been the ultimate influence on my career and leadership. They raised me under Catholic beliefs that built up my philosophies and morals. They’ve also supported my choices regarding my education and career. They are both hard workers who I developed my work ethic from and got me to where I am now. In conclusion, my career goals of becoming an aerospace engineer and my servant leadership style have been influenced by these key people and experiences in my life.