Are leadership skills necessary for college success? Why or why not? by Haley

Are leadership skills necessary for college success? Why or why not? by Haley - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

As a person moves from a senior in high school to a freshmen in college, I believe it is quite necessary to have leadership skills to be successful when taking the path to further one’s career. Due to the independence a person tends to receive after leaving their house to be in school, that person has to take control of their life, and sometimes being a follower is not an option.

College comes with a lot of independence; allowed to go where you choose, to do what you please, and other choices people tend to make when given the chance. As a leader, you have the opportunity to redirect a struggling peer from bad grades to ones that exceed his or her expectations, and if you are excelling in a subject and they ask for help, why not help? You need to be brave and determined to achieve your own goals, so why not choose to help others? You have not only taken the responsibility to help yourself, but you have chosen to help others, letting yourself and others achieve things that neither one of you thought were reachable.

Since you are going into college, you are also planning a future for yourself. Whether it is a job with minimal interactions with people or a lot, having those leadership qualities brought over from college is a great asset. Upon entering the workforce, you already have an understanding of how to listen to others, how to take responsibilities for your actions good or bad, and how to lead a group in a project. One who has been a follower will have to learn what you already know, making you a step ahead of them. But just because you feel you wouldn’t have “followers” does not mean having leadership skills is not a necessity.

Be a leader to yourself and follow the path that you know is the one you want. Everyone needs to be led at one point in their life, whether it be a simple push or a lecture. There are leaders within groups that are led by one. A teacher can be your leader, and you lead another. Have someone guide you, then you lead the way. College does not have to be the time when you gain these either; be accountable for your actions, listen to others, believe in others, and you will be successful even outside of college.