Shaped by Crisis, Defined by Courage - By Erica Arizmendi

Dear Young Leaders,

Let me begin by telling you something no one told me at your age: life will test you. It will lift you up with joy and promise one moment, then pull the ground from beneath your feet the next. But here's the truth hidden in both the crisis and the victory—you are being shaped.

Every crisis you face is not just a hardship; it is a furnace that forges character. The disappointment that broke your heart, the failure that embarrassed you, the silence that left you lonely—all of it matters. It’s not a sign that you’re weak. It’s a sign that you are alive and growing. Every great leader you admire has been through the fire. The crisis is not your enemy; it is your classroom.

You will be tempted to quit. You will question your worth, your vision, even your dreams. That’s okay. Questioning is not weakness—it’s how truth is strengthened. Keep going. Keep moving forward, even if it’s just one step at a time. The journey of leadership isn’t a straight line. It’s a winding road that demands resilience, humility, and relentless hope.

But let me also speak of victory—not just the kind that comes with applause or medals, but the quiet kind. Victory is when you choose kindness over anger. It’s when you rise again after falling for the hundredth time. It’s when you forgive. When you speak the truth. When you lead with love, even when no one is watching. These victories shape the soul of a true leader.

Remember: your title doesn’t define you. Your followers don’t make you a leader. Your values do. Your courage does. Your willingness to stand up when it’s hard, and your decision to lift others when you could take all the credit—that’s what makes you great.

So when crisis comes, meet it with a steady heart. And when victory arrives, wear it with humility. You were born for this moment—not because it is easy, but because you are being called to something greater than comfort. You are being called to lead.

– Erica

About Erica

My name is Erica Arizmendi, and I am a clinical mental health counselor with a passion

for supporting individuals on their mental health journey. Having lived on the Eastern

Shore my whole life, I bring a deep understanding of my community and its unique

needs. I hold a Master Degree in Education and a Master Degree in Mental Health

Counseling.

With over 7 years of experience in education, I have spent the past 5 years working in

an inclusive classroom, gaining invaluable experience in working with diverse

populations and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment for all students. This

experience has laid the foundation for my current path in counseling. I interned at

Peacewerks Center for Well-Being, gaining over 240 hours of experience working

directly with a diversity of clients of all ages, and have gained so much insight while

working with Polly and Gerald. I am now working toward my clinical license at Coastal

Counseling with Sarah Lewis, LPC.

Living on a farm with my husband, three children, and a variety of animals, I understand

the importance of balance, nature, and the power of meaningful connections. I am

excited to be working toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), with

a focus on using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered and Play

Therapy to help clients gain clarity, develop healthier thought patterns, and make

positive changes in their lives.

I am passionate about creating a safe, empathetic, and understanding environment

where clients feel heard and supported as they navigate their mental health and

personal growth.