My Passion by Ava

My Passion by Ava - May 2024 Scholarship Essay

What does it mean to be the person someone looks up to? What does it mean to share your passions? What does it mean to be the person that someone can lean on? What does it mean to take initiative in your life? What does it mean to be a leader?
I was asked “Are you ready?” when I interviewed for Chief Color Guard Captain. I looked Mr. Rossi right in the eyes and said “Yes I am.”
The first rehearsal someone cried. They secluded themselves everytime we took breaks and I always talked to them. I knew something wasn’t right. I asked them the very general question, “are you ok?”; they started crying. In the midst of their emotional overwhelm, they rambled about the many things that made them so upset. Trying to express to me how they felt, I took initiative and brought them to a more private place to talk. I proceeded to give them a snack and water after they told me they didn’t eat anything prior to showing up. I asked if I could hug them and they thankfully said yes. They proceed to express that they did not feel like they could achieve the skills my instructors and I were teaching them. I reassured them by saying this was the first day, one day, out of many. I allowed them to acknowledge that improvement takes time and I told them that they shouldn't give up because our instructors and I won’t give up on them. They showed up the next rehearsal with a better attitude and mindset. That was the last time I saw them. They didn’t stick with the activity, but I know I impacted them because they impacted me.
At that moment, I felt what it means to be a leader. I had to be the shoulder people cry on, I had to listen, I had to reassure, I had to relate, and I had to teach and share my passion. I know I use the words “I had” so harshly, but I didn’t do it resentfully. I signed up for the leadership position and the responsibilities that come with it because I wanted and still want to continue to share my passion with people.
Therefore, I would like to say that I will be joining Drum Corps International (DCI) with the Sunrisers Corp outside of high school. I know I won’t be captain my first year and I don’t know if I ever will be, but no matter what, I know what it takes to be a leader. I know how to help others with the knowledge I have. I know what it takes to be a team. I know what it takes to be a pioneer.
Marching Band is the most impactful passion of mine. That is why it was so important to me to express this experience to you, the reader.
Through every piece of art, every song, and every performance, I was given the voice to express to you that I am a leader. I became my own leader. For the people that aided me along the way, specifically marching band and my marching band director, Mr. Rossi, I am forever grateful. I will take the passion, the drive, and the feeling of success with me to my field of profession and life.