“ True Leadership: How Humility and Collaboration Win Hearts (KIA & HAVEN’s Story)” #CreativeWellness

At college, KIA and HAVEN met and quickly became roommates and friends. KIA was bold and knew she was brilliant—her high GPA was the talk of the campus, and anyone with ears knew it. She spoke about it freely, almost like it were her secret superpower. Meanwhile, HAVEN carried a quiet strength. She, too, had excellent grades but chose to let the grades speak for themself. It wasn’t a shock to most that Kia wanted to run for president. But, Haven… She seemed too reserved and not popular enough even to consider it. 

When they started planning for their campaign to run for sorority president, the differences in their styles became clear. HAVEN often asked if KIA needed a hand with the details or ideas. KIA would shoot her down, saying, “I got this, but if you need help, I can point you in the right direction.” 

One day, when HAVEN asked KIA about her eye-catching flyers, KIA proudly replied that she had designed them herself. HAVEN thanked her but decided to try another way since it wasn’t her strength. She reached out to a talented graphic design sophomore, who created a flyer that was as captivating as it was beautifully worded. The young designer, Michelle, was grateful for the extra work, even developing hashtags and social media posts, because of  Haven’s generosity. 

Later, at a campus mixer, the two friends shined differently. KIA captivated the room with her booming voice and energy, while HAVEN made deep connections by truly listening and offering heartfelt compliments. When someone admired KIA’s outfit, she couldn’t help but bask in the praise. She held her head high, forgetting to look her fellow sisters in the eyes.  

HAVEN, in her quiet way, returned sincere compliments that left people feeling appreciated. A girl, “You're wearing those heels,” was followed by “I’m trying to be like you.” The brief exchanges ended with giggles and fuller hearts. At the event, the opponents bumped into an old professor who had once been the chapter president. HAVEN eagerly connected and asked if she could be mentored, while KIA gave a dry greeting before joining the current president. She thought while walking away, “TikTok wasn’t even around in the 90s. How can the former chapter president possibly help me?”

The day before the election, both candidates were tested on their vision for the future of the college in a friendly debate before voting. KIA dazzled everyone with fascinating facts about the Charity Brown Arts Building—its history, accolades, and its namesake's legacy. Although not as loaded with facts, HAVEN spoke from the heart about what the college needed: safer dorms, healthier meals, stronger community ties through clean roads, donations, and networking for life after college.

The next morning, over breakfast of bagels, cream cheese, and fruit, KIA offered a few pointers to HAVEN. “Next time, you should get your nails done one or two days early. I could see that you needed a refill from my lectern. And you misused the word ‘bereft’ and then mispronounced a few others, I guess that Mississippi public education kicked in,” she said with a teasing smile. Just then, their phones began chiming rapidly from text messages. The results were in. Haven checked and couldn’t believe it—she had lost by only six votes. Though disappointed, she remained undeterred. KIA patted her on the shoulder and walked off with a confident smile. “Close only counts in horseshoes,” She chortled.

She was secretly upset that it wasn’t a landslide. 

In the end, KIA’s bold, know-it-all attitude won the election, but HAVEN’s warm, humble spirit won the hearts of many. With time, HAVEN’s approach of listening, learning, and collaborating led her to become the global president of the sorority, leaving a lasting mark on her community with scholarships and transformed lives.

This story reminds us that authentic leadership comes in many forms. Whether you carry the spirit of KIA or embrace the nurturing soul of HAVEN, remember that true success isn’t measured in titles or votes but in the lives you touch. Are you a Kia or a  Haven? 

K.I.A.  ( Know it All) 

H.A.V.E.N. ( Humble, Appreciative, Virtuous, Empathetic, Nurturer) 

Journal Prompts

1. How do you pause and reflect to ensure humility guides your actions?

2. Recall a moment when pride got in the way of a friendship. What happened, and how would you handle it differently now?

3. How do you honor others’ strengths and contributions instead of focusing solely on what they can do for you?

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With Heartfelt Ink, Write on!

Phyllis G. Williams

Thee Art of Me