Difficulties, failures, and family tragedies have not been lacking in my life; yet I hold tight to my dreams and seek a means to feel a sense of fulfillment. My journey led me to search for a book with which I can identify and gain new knowledge that will help me persevere in the goals I have set for myself. I wanted a book that would help me grow without neglecting my past experiences, but that would help me use my failures and tragedies as a stepping stone to personal development, maturity, and experience in my life now. My narrow search led me to a book that immediately caught my attention with its title, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg. He explained it to me in a few words. As a wife and mother of two wonderful boys, returning to college full time after many years, and working full time, I have faced so many challenges. One challenge in particular is how do other women with families, careers and in leadership positions juggle and balance it all? It is necessary to become aware of the challenges, struggles and internal and external barriers that women face on a daily basis in this so-called “man's world” in order to understand how to deal with the expectations imposed by society and, yet, mine. My expectation is to recognize and remind myself that when I push myself and give it my all, I can achieve greatness. As Ray Davis said, “Your greatness is revealed not by the lights that shine on you, but by the light that shines within you.” We hold the keys that can unlock a world of opportunity, but there is one four-letter word that holds us back: fear. If we learn to lean on ourselves without FEAR, we can bring out the best in us! The Lean I book...... middle of paper ...... the first to join their group often chooses another man. Is it the competition you fear? Is it jealousy? You only see what's in it for her, and you don't see what's in it for someone else. I don't have the answer. I just know that attitudes need to change. Until we have equal numbers of men and women in leadership positions, things won't change. Women will continue to earn most college degrees and will remain where they are – (somewhere in the middle) unless they are ready to make the change” (203). It is vital that if we want to see a change in women's leadership roles, it starts with ourselves. We must take a step forward and not be afraid. We must gain self-confidence, raise expectations and aspire to be women who can lead. Let's no longer stay on the sidelines, but let's stand out by taking a step forward and leaning in!