Police Academy--Week One

Kelly came home from week one at Police Academy with swollen cheeks. She smiled through her busted lip as she described her first-ever boxing match. On the first solid punch her partner landed, she saw stars.

She also described what she'd been learning. The lessons on how to turn and salute were secondary to the lessons on teamwork and sacrifice. She described the oath of an officer and how it doesn't allow for selfishness and individualism. She understands.

She also smiled because she was finding out that she really does have what it takes to get through this. The moxie. The chutzpah. The stuff. Not just to get through it, as it turns out, but to lead the way as the Guide On--the one who carries the flag at the head of the group. One of her superiors told her she was chosen for a reason.

I'm not there to watch her at the academy, but I see her diligence at home. What I see is that she understands that true leadership is sacrificing self for the team.

To serve and protect while others wait to be served and protected.