Select an inspirational quote and explain how it has influenced you. by Daniel

Select an inspirational quote and explain how it has influenced you. by Daniel - February 2014 Scholarship Essay

According to the longest serving First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt,"People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built."
Experience is known to be the best teacher. Depending on the event, experience can change your life positively or negatively . Fortunately for me, my transformational experiences have always had positive effects on my life.

One particular event changed my life more than any other. I was a person who always ran from responsibility. I didn’t want to acquire a leadership position because I was scared of the associated responsibilities. My experience transformed me from a lazy child to a responsible and hardworking young adult.

It all started when I was elected as the Assistant Food Prefect of my school, Faith Academy. Faith Academy is a Christian boarding school in Canaan Land, Nigeria my home country. This came to me as a surprise because I personally was not expecting to be a Prefect in my school. For one to be a Prefect, he or she must have good moral conduct, be responsible, and have a good academic record. There were so many responsibilities attached to this position that I almost cried when I was elected. The most important thing was that I was honored to find myself in such a leadership position. I held this leadership position for 8 months and I can say that it is the best thing that has ever happened to me as a person.

My job as the Assistant Food Prefect was tedious but I did it with a sincere heart and with great responsibility. I had to ensure that every student in that school had food to eat during breakfast, lunch and dinner and that every student was satisfied with the food. I engaged myself in helping the staff to set the plates, cups, and serving spoons which were used for serving the food as well as the pot which contained the food. I was also in charge of ensuring order and cleanliness in the dining hall. Basically, I had to serve the students and to ensure that they obeyed the rules and regulations of the dining hall. As a Prefect my leadership position was not only limited to the dining hall. I had to ensure that students obeyed the rules and regulations of the school as well. During my tenure I was able to raise ideas that were beneficial to the entire school and students.

I will forever be grateful for this experience. After this event, things that I never thought I would do, I find myself doing. This experience changed my perspective about leadership. I learned that being a leader is a great privilege and something that should be sought after. Now I don’t run away from being a leader but instead have developed the urge to be one and to improve my leadership skills.