The Wonder Woman Catalyst

This week, an amazing woman, Alyson Woloshyn, lost her three year battle with brain cancer.  Alyson has always been a force to be reckoned with.  She had more spirit, drive, and positive energy than anyone I have ever know. 

The strongest memory I have of Alyson is a number of years ago when she was running U of C 101 and I was a Student Leader.  During 101 training, Alyson taught us the five basic principles of leadership:

Take the initiative to make things better
Lead by example
Maintain the self-respect and self-esteem of others
Build constructive relationships
Focus on the problem/question/situation at hand, not the person

She told us all that we needed to memorize those, that she would quiz us on them when we were least expecting it.We all laughed this off.

Two weeks later, I was walking down the hall near the 101 office when all of a sudden Alyson jumped out from behind a trash can and demanded to know what the five basic principles of leadership were.  Somehow, in my stunned state, I got them out.  That wasn't the last time if happened.

Beyond randomly scaring the bejeezus out of me and making me learn the basic principles of leadership, Alyson was my mentor at University.  She helped me realize that even though I was quiet by nature, that didn't mean I wasn't strong.  It didn't mean I couldn't lead and help others.  With her support, I grew as a leader, finding my voice and becoming less afraid to use it.  During U of C 101 I was One-oh-Wonderful Woman, and nickname that stuck, and was later shortened to Wonder Woman among my family, friends, students and colleagues. 

Seeing myself as Wonder Woman, and knowing that others see me that way, I feel stronger, more capable of taking on the world.  I want to use all that I have to make things better and help those around me.

Alyson taught me that we are all stronger than we think we are, and that we are all capable of greatness if we are will to let go of fear and really shine.

Thank you, Alyson.

Life lesson:  You don't know what you are capable of until you try.


To learn more about Alyson, check out: http://alysonwoloshyn.com/