College is What You Make of It by Angela

College is What You Make of It by Angela - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

Leadership is a good quality to have, to be sure, but I do not think it is necessary for a successful college career, or indeed, for every professional occupation. College does not demand that only natural-born leaders or students who exhibit leadership will receive a diploma or be counted amongst those whom the college deems as “successes.” Degrees are given to those that work hard, focus on their studies, and are determined to succeed - leadership qualities notwithstanding. One can be listed on the Dean’s List or graduate summa cum laude without exhibiting or having leading qualities.

College experiences differ from person to person; each person can have the college experience they desire based on their personality and major. Indeed, a college experience is what anyone wants it to be: whatever one directs one’s focus and how one expends one’s energy varies between students. Some students who lead may do well in student government or group projects, but not every college career is made up of such events. My major rarely required group work and if it did, leadership qualities did not automatically result in a good grade; rather, it was working together as equals, utilizing our different qualities and talents that allowed group work to flourish. Though leadership qualities may be beneficial in such a setting, I do not believe it is necessary in order to be successful at an assigned project.

Everyone has different talents that can be beneficial in different circumstances. Being a leader, either exhibiting such characteristic either naturally or born of necessity, may be favorable in certain circumstances, but it does not guarantee success in college or career. One can be successful in college by working hard, following one’s passion, and having the experience one desires; that will measure one’s true college - and career - success.