Today I was given a quick lesson on leadership. The sequence of events leading up to this lesson began about a week ago. My cluster mates and I were in our school house preparing lunch. We were scouring around the kitchen like mice (inside joke). The sink broke in the midst of the chaos causing it to sit unevenly.

We ignored our most basic problem for nearly a week. Quite honestly, I pointed the figure at the landlord. Day by day the sink sat uneven while we planned our grand community project. To fix it was not a hard task. All it took was 20 minute and a few spare supplies from a junk pile.

Some leaders miss the many small projects starring them in the face. Much like our broken sink many tasks in Ukraine, and around the world, need attention. Leaders must get their hands dirty in order for their state to function properly.

In my short time in Ukraine I have had many long conversations with citizens. They are frustrated with their system of government and look to me as if I can fix it. However, I do not believe that I am here to fix their problems. I believe that I am here to show them that they have the power to do it themselves. One small action will lead to another, and drastic change does not come over night.

*These are the thoughts of Richard J. Roman, and do not in any way reflect the views of Peace Corps or its affiliates.