At first, my involvement in golf course maintenance was simply a way to earn extra money as a high school student. However, it evolved into something much more significant as my commitment and understanding of turf management practices developed. Since 2018, I have worked at Birmingham Country Club, Baltimore Country Club, Medinah Country Club, and the turf pathology lab at Michigan State. Each of these experiences has given me invaluable mentors who have imparted the knowledge necessary to create a quality golf course. My aspiration to become a golf course superintendent has been fueled by the mentors I’ve had the privilege to learn from. They are always open to answering my questions, which is essential since they have performed the tasks I strive to master repeatedly and with a high level of skill. Their trust in me to handle jobs that require meticulous attention to detail has also boosted my confidence. Over the years, I aim to excel in tasks such as spraying, moisture management, course setup, rolling, and irrigation and drainage repairs. Working alongside my mentors has encouraged me to think critically and consider all aspects of each job. Recently, I have also been challenged to juggle multiple tasks at work, which has motivated me to believe I will be ready to take on the role of assistant superintendent in the coming year. My preparation has largely come from my experiences at Birmingham Country Club and my internships at Baltimore Country Club and Medinah Country Club. These environments have equipped me with the skills to handle various tasks on the golf course and have taught me essential leadership and interpersonal skills, as well as how to conduct myself as a supervisor. I recently learned that work on the golf course should never overshadow significant life events like birthdays, reunions, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and weddings. This principle applies to both myself and my future employees. As someone who enjoys working hard, this lesson is challenging to embrace, but it is crucial for the well-being of the employees I will oversee in the future. My past mentors instilled in me a couple of memorable sayings: “There is always something to be done,” and “If you don’t do it, who will?” No matter the conditions—be it rain, an event, or the belief that you’ve caught up—there is always work to be done on the golf course. The idea that “if you don’t do it, who will?” applies to tasks of all sizes, and this discipline can be effectively instilled in all crew members when encouraged and reinforced by the superintendent. Looking ahead, I aspire to cultivate a top-notch golf course while being a strong leader, effective communicator, and supportive mentor. A key aspect of good leadership involves regularly checking in on your staff. When training individuals to perform tasks or operate new equipment, I want to anticipate every question a trainee might have and provide thorough answers. Effective communication as a leader includes clearly outlining expectations, thoughtfully discussing challenges within the operation, and collaboratively preparing for upcoming plans as a team. As a future superintendent, I hope to make a lasting impact on young people. By encouraging employees to realize their potential and emphasizing the significance of every job, I can help them grow and foster a strong work ethic.