Leadership Breeds Success by Bethany

Leadership Breeds Success by Bethany - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

Leadership is a trait that is hard to measure and to define. To say that a person has “good leadership skills” can be interpreted in many different ways. Some may say that it is the ability to command the respect of a large group of people. Others may believe that it is the ability to give advice and help to those people who need it. A third opinion could be that it is the ability to keep your cool in tough situations and be able to diffuse uncomfortable situations. Personally, I believe that leadership is a much more complex mix of these traits, as well as other aspects that may or may not be explainable. Some people are born with the gift of leadership skills, while others must work very hard to obtain them.

As a current college student, I believe that leadership is not essential to make your way successfully through college. I do, however, believe that it is a necessary trait to have in order to thrive in the college setting. College is intended not only as an opportunity for greater education but also as a time to mature and grow personally. Being a good student is an accomplishment, while being a successful student is what allows you to grow as a person and move beyond whatever restraints you may have previously encountered. On any given day, it takes a certain amount of personal integrity to be able to pull yourself out of bed in the morning, put on a smile, and make your way through the day. This integrity is one of the many building blocks for developing your leadership skills. To truly become involved on campus, start developing yourself, and prepare for life after graduation, you must move beyond that basic daily routine. This step takes both internal and external leadership, and is what pushes you beyond the average student. Even if you get the best grades in the school, you will struggle to find a job and live a proper life without some basic leadership skills. Having these skills also opens up opportunities for leadership positions in clubs on campus, and in jobs once you graduate. It may even become useful in personal, day-to-day experiences and can help you to see the world from a different perspective.

In my experience, the difference between an A+ student and a truly successful student is whether or not they have the ability to be a leader. Being able to lead yourself and others is what makes the difference between someone who graduates with a diploma and a person who thrives not only on campus but off campus as well. I believe that leadership is a very important life skill to have, and while it may not directly impact college graduation, it is necessary for college success.