By MC1 Lewis Hunsaker

Herm Edwards Jr. speaks with NPS' Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) interns about becoming better leaders during a special presentation in Reed Hall, June 21. Edwards was raised in nearby Seaside, California, and spent 30 years in the National Football League as a player and coach.

"There are two ways you can look at life. You can be a follower, or you can be a leader," said Edwards. "When you follow, you see the same thing all the time, someone's backside. If you want to be a leader, that's a whole different concept."

Edwards use the famed Lone Cypress tree on 17-mile Drive, standing alone on a granite hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, as a sign of leader.

"You are going to have stand alone, and make decisions in your life that affect a lot of people when you get a little older," said Edwards. "What is your vision? It's not about making speeches, it's about your vision to lift peoples' performances to the next level. That is what leadership is all about, if you want to be a true leader."

Edwards also talked about preparation, listening, and having a vision for success, as well as planning and enjoying what you do as part of being a good leader.

"I had the privilege and honor to play professional football, a very difficult task. I started playing football in high school right here at Monterey High. I went on play at the University of California in Berkley, California and then on to the NFL.

"Life is not about fair, it's about opportunities," he continued. "When you get your opportunity make sure you prepared … You have to be willing to bet on you."