Select an inspirational quote and explain how it has influenced you. by Haley
Haleyof PSL's entry into Varsity Tutor's February 2014 scholarship contest
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Select an inspirational quote and explain how it has influenced you. by Haley - February 2014 Scholarship Essay
When I initially read the essay prompt asking me to select an inspirational quote and explain how it has influenced me; I immediately thought of a quote that my grandmother has recited for as long as I can remember. “Do what you feel in your heart to be right–for you’ll be criticized anyway.”
It was not until I started high school that I realized exactly what this quote and its message about leadership would mean to me and that it was in fact an Eleanor Roosevelt quote and not coined by my grandmother. Having said that, I can, without hesitation, affirm that this quote about leadership has influenced me throughout my life and especially my academic career.
I have been fortunate enough to avoid being the victim of any detrimental peer pressure, severe bullying, or physical abuse of any kind. I have also never been faced with the need to overcome any tragic events or prejudicial adversity, which may have made this essay more intriguing or compelling. I have only been challenged by peer pressure, and I have been able to get out of those negative situations by simply having the confidence to do what I felt was right in my heart, knowing that my decision was not always going to be popular.
I think people view the roll of leadership through a narrow lens. Too often, leadership is defined as leading a group of people. I believe in a broader definition of leadership; one that embraces the concept that one may be leading no one at all. I believe that this does not question one’s leadership ability, but instead proves one’s commitment to do what is right in spite of obstacles.
Although I have no way of knowing what challenges I will face in the collegiate chapter of my academic course, I am confident that if I approach them believing in my heart that what I am doing is right, then regardless of whom may follow, I need only lead myself-for I’ll be criticized anyway.
