Today we’d like to introduce you to Asher Lubin
Hi Asher, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Asher Lubin, and I am an 18-year-old incoming freshman at Washington University in St. Louis. Before attending WashU, I was a student at Pace Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. Pace Academy allowed me to receive an education that taught me how to explore the world and aided in developing what I see as most necessary for a community to thrive: Leadership.
My interest in exploring what it means to be a leader began in 9th grade when I begrudgingly put my hat in the ring to be the Student Council Treasurer for my class after some convincing from my parents. What I had originally thought was a silly thing my mom wanted me to do, turned into the foundation of what I have found to be my passion. Having the opportunity to interact with my peers, and to make our class, as a whole, successful in whatever way they envisioned, became so fulfilling. After serving two more years in this role, I ran for Student Body President of my school and was fortunate enough to be trusted by my peers to represent them in this capacity. In addition to my interest in student government, I also took part in helping co-preside over our investment club Knight Capital, helping plan and coordinate the TedX event at my school as the Technical Director, participated in a cohort of 4 students in a grant-funded exploration of issues surrounding global water usage, and was one of 18 seniors selected to mentor incoming freshmen students as a Peer Leader.
Although activities at school have played a large role in shaping my leadership abilities, it is the job that I have held at Chick-fil-A that has provided me with the insight that hard work is beneficial to success. Two years ago, when I began working at Chick-fil-A, my manager described the drive-through in a way that stuck with me: “Even though it is just a few minutes of someone’s day, make it magical.” Whether it is giving out a dog treat or chatting with returning customers about their day, my job is more than taking orders and making milkshakes; it is making sure each person’s experience is memorable. I have learned through my employment at Chick-fil-A that kindness, empathy, and especially human connection are the most important things in life. Every time I make a small compliment on someone’s watch or something they are wearing, the smile that is produced is enough to brighten my whole shift. Having a job at Chick-fil-A has also really helped contribute to my passion for working.
This past summer, I interned at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, WI in the security department. This experience was not only the best thing that I have ever done, but it was a complete change for me. Not only was I a part of a new community and team, but I was meeting people and working in an industry I had only had a great interest in but lacked any experience. What I gained from this experience was understanding the value of connecting with others and building relationships. From the interns who were in the same boat as me, to my incredible leadership and other staffers on the team, I realized that it is important to foster connections and help others by giving back and doing the best you can. Being that I was unfamiliar with many of the larger names attending as well, I made sure to always treat everyone as if they were important because that is what brings out the best in others and makes an impact. I can only hope to have another amazing opportunity to not only explore my interests but make change.
Now I am in a new chapter of my life: college student. While this is a large change, and there are many unknowns, I am excited to grow not only academically, but as a person. I look forward to continuing to develop my burgeoning leadership skills while learning new techniques in order to change the world for the better.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
During my leadership journey up until the current point in my life, I have had to tackle some obstacles along the way. Many of these obstacles that have shaped me occurred during my high school career and especially during my Student Council position.
For instance, when planning a fundraising effort for my class at school, I decided to purchase butter biscuits from Chick-fil-A instead of chicken biscuits and sold them for the same price. This choice led to quite a large and now infamous backlash from the student body and was even coined The “Butter Biscuit Scandal” around the community. After this debacle, I took ownership and learned from my mistake. I realized that I could grow from incidents like this, rather than just dwelling on them. My struggles have not only been limited to my time at school, but have even occurred at my job at Chick-fil-A.
On my first day on the job, I handed a customer a coffee. Hot coffee poured onto the customer’s hand as the lid popped off. Stunned, I gasped as the customer shouted at me and demanded to see my manager. I tried to remember my training and skills that I had developed. I quickly apologized and gave her a new cup of coffee with the lid on tight. I learned the importance of assessing a situation, accepting responsibility, and taking action.
From these obstacles, I began to form a leadership mindset that I see to be most effective and influential: Leading from Behind. If you can inspire and motivate others to try their best and be passionate, then impactful change will follow. By being focused on the impact, and not any credit or recognition, the joy and excitement of helping others is seeing them succeed.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an incoming freshman student at WashU in St. Louis and I am interested in studying Political Science, American History, and International Relations. I am extremely passionate about politics, government, current events, and homeland security. Any exposure I can have to professional life and career development is absolutely incredible. I only hope to continue pursuing my passions through my education, internships, hearing from professionals, and having a fulfilling job that has purpose and direction.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
While luck has definitely been a part of my journey, I truly owe any of my success to my parents and family, mentors and teachers, and friends in my life. While we often hope for luck or coincidence to occur, when you try to spread kindness and joy to anyone you meet, things will begin to fall into place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alphotographs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lubinasher
Image Credits
Angie Browning Photography
