Unafraid to Lead by Hannah

Unafraid to Lead by Hannah - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

What is leadership? A definition of leadership is the action of leading a group, the ability to lead, a person who guides or directs a group. However, being a leader is not simply being in charge. Leadership is being an example, looking to improve to be a blessing to those he or she leads. Leadership is also the willingness to wholeheartedly follow others when necessary. Leaders are unafraid to take a stand for what is right.

I learned leadership from my dad. Growing up in Colorado and the Rocky Mountains, we were always on an adventure in the great outdoors. My dad took me running and hiking in the mountains. He taught me about encouraging others, with joy in my heart. A light-hearted attitude contributes a lot of positivity, and helps to strengthen others.

When participating on the track team at my school, my favorite race is the mile run. The mile consists of four laps around a 400 meter track, while competing against many other runners from different schools. A gun is fired and the runners begin sprinting down the lanes. The first lap is always fast. There are flailing elbows and arms in the pack, as the runners position themselves and stride out quickly to get a good start. During the second lap, the runners begin to separate, faster from slower. The third lap is the testing point. Some runners run out of steam and fade to the back of the pack, while the leaders have trained their bodies and minds to continue, or even increase the pace. The fourth lap is the final sprint. Runners give every ounce of energy they have left to pump their arms and legs, and lean forward to accelerate past competitors. One must display a fearless demeanor, and give everything from themselves physically and mentally. The race winner crosses the finish line first, celebrating the victory, and the training put in to earn the victory, with his or her teammates.

A race is comparable to life. Hard work and leadership are necessary to be successful and contribute to a team. Sometimes one has to take the lead, unafraid, and confident. During the third lap of life, one must think positively and refuse to give up, eyes focused forward. Leadership applies to every category of life, including college. Like running, success comes when one makes a decision and leads the way. If I was asked what quality I think will bring success in college, I would point to our school record board, where my name is written in black beside the cross country record, and say, “Leader.”