Leadership Through a New Lens by Addison
Addison's entry into Varsity Tutor's May 2024 scholarship contest
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Leadership Through a New Lens by Addison - May 2024 Scholarship Essay
In the past four years, I have had the opportunity to discover my passion for biomedical engineering through conducting my own multi-year research project that aims to make food pasteurization more accessible around the world. Of course, this project is an example of how I wish to use my academic abilities to better the world. However, for me, it has meant so much more than that. It has changed the way that I view the research process and scientific community as a whole.
The truth is, I used to think that research was like a sport. Scientists vied for the top prize, which was the most novel and award-winning research. Researchers withheld their findings in a competitive effort. I drew parallels to my own sports of cross country and track, thinking that even though I was on a team, everyone was really fighting each other for that first place finish.
It was through watching my dad lead a team meeting for his office that changed my perspective. The way that he asked questions to his team, the way that he kept the team organized, the way that he balanced his home and work life, all inspired me to rethink the idea of leadership. I learned that when conducting my research in the classroom, I would get results faster if I asked a mentor for help. My peers and I would see more progress if we collaborated and shared methodology. Around the same time, I found myself improving as a runner. My team and I improved when we shared race strategy, or when we encouraged each other during workouts. As I grew up during high school, this lesson became embedded in me.
I am a leader in the classroom for the same reason that I am a leader on the track. I have come to recognize that without collaboration, a team falters. Without collaboration, it is impossible to innovate, to set a PR, to have breakthroughs, to win. It is essential to both a group of researchers and a sports program that there are leaders that seek to motivate their peers, to divulge knowledge, and to support those around them. I have strived to become that person in both of these aspects of my life, and in doing so, have become a team leader.