"Don't follow the crowd, you might get lost in it." by Haley

"Don't follow the crowd, you might get lost in it." by Haley - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

When researching the definition of the word ‘leadership,’ the first few synonyms include the words ‘direction, control, and management.” With that being said, I absolutely believe that having leadership skills are necessary for college success. Without direction, control, or management, success in general is nearly unachievable.

Direction is a key factor of leadership and can be one of the most important skills needed in order to gain success in college. I firmly believe that because without a path of direction, where would life go? Life would mean aimlessly wandering without goals and without an idea of what anyone wants for themselves. With direction, college students have an idea of what they would like to graduate with, and what they would like to accomplish in their education and careers. As important as direction is, control is the second most important leadership skill that a college student must have.

Control is a very important part of leadership skills, as without self-control, goals and successes would be unattainable. It’s easy to get caught in the wrong crowd, especially in college when most students are getting their first taste of independence. Putting aside homework for a party, a dinner and movie or just a night out on the town with friends is simple, none of it takes control or effort. However, staying in when everyone else is out and finishing the hardest essay of the semester, or study for midterms or even spend time doing the extra credit activities to help boost a class grade. Last but not least, management is the final leadership skill that will create success for a college student.

Management is something that is used constantly through out life. The way a student manages their life will determine their success as they must manage classes, homework, working in order to pay for school, as well as family and having a social life. Creating an equal balance of management using control, will lead to success in life and in college.

Although direction, control and management are all synonyms of leadership, I believe that the three put together become leadership. Leaderships skills are important for college success because they are what keeps students grounded and in preparation for the real world.