Leadership and Self-effacing Qualities by Emma

Leadership and Self-effacing Qualities by Emma - December 2021 Scholarship Essay

If you would have asked me a year ago to give examples of traits that leaders possess, I would have described all of the goods things they would install in whatever association they're a part of. My viewpoints have changed significantly throughout the last year. Growing up in a small-town such as Choteau, Montana, I've looked up to selfless leaders in my community. These individuals are made up of teachers, coaches, and parents of my peers. They have had great influence on my life not solely because of great deeds they accomplish, but the resilience they possess to bounce back from tragedy or conflict.
An exceptional example would be my volleyball coach of seven years, Ann Funk. I realized what traits a leader should possess as she kept her composure in a great time of loss. During our season this year, our team overcame many tribulations including, slander against the coaching staff because of assumptions of favoritism resulting in a starting player quitting, a highly unexpected death of my teammates father, and lastly Coach Funk's father dying the same week as the State Tournament. After all of the overwhelming occurrences, you couldn't detect an ounce of defeat on that woman's face in front of her players. This was simply because she knew our team had a mission and a purpose at the State Tournament-where we ended up 4th. She wasn't going to let anything stop us.
She led us with determination and also grace when needed. Lastly, I believe that the humility it takes for someone to lead in a time of distress is a true display of what a leader looks like. Vulnerability is an essential characteristic that lets others know it's okay to not be okay for a moment. Confidence in a time of anguish is leadership. My coach will continue to be a role model in my life and accurately represents what a leader should be.