Are leadership skills necessary for college success? by Bryan

Are leadership skills necessary for college success? by Bryan - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

George Washington and Abraham Lincoln led America through two of our most critical times, the American Revolution and the Civil War, yet neither had a formal college education. These are just two examples that prove you do not need to have college success to be a great leader. Are there equal examples that show great leaders that did have success in college? Of course; Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, William Clinton and a complete list would fill take forever to complete. The world needs great leaders, but probably more important, the worlds need everyday people that are great thinkers, researchers, teachers, entrepreneurs, creators, designers, musicians, dancers, computer developers, electricians, plumbers, scientists, and every other job that make our society functional. It is the diversity of our people that make the United States great. It is hard work, commitment, love for our country, and ingenuity, not leadership that is necessary for college success.

George S. Patton once said, “by perseverance, study, and eternal desire, any man can become great." I have a lot of fear going off to college, fear of failure, I worry whether I can pass calculus, and will I have enough money to get through the four-years required for my degree. I look at the millions of people that have completed their degrees and I know it begins with one class at a time. Then I know I too can finish the task.

My mother is fond of setting goals and defining the steps to complete those goals. She has taught me that by identifying the steps you need to take, every goal can be obtained, one small step at a time. I know it will take perseverance, and the desire to complete the task. I don’t think this is leadership; it is an internal drive to be successful, to be a contributor rather than a taker from society.