Finding the Leader in Me: A Lifelong Journey Essential to Future Success by Havana

Finding the Leader in Me: A Lifelong Journey Essential to Future Success by Havana - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

Ralph Nader once said, "I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers." Leadership skills are necessary for college success. Overcoming the many testing and trials that occur during this transition to adulthood, learning that helping others is one the keys to personal fulfillment and contributing to this Earth, and further developing a belief system that is one’s own, are all leadership skills not only necessary for success in college, but also in life. Most importantly, the essential attribute of a good leader is to give people hope and the inspiration that assures others that they have the potential to lead as well.

A person must overcome many trials in order to become a leader. I believe that one must be persistent in pursuing Christ in order to become the best leader. A struggle of mine was when my mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. I did not understand why my mother had to endure such a trial when she had been a humble servant of Christ her entire life. However, throughout the overwhelming changes in our family’s lives, one thing remained constant, God’s faithfulness. Even after we found out that the cancer had metastasized, I tried to hold on to His love. That was a very difficult time for me.
During my mother’s illness, I struggled physically and spiritually. I was exhausted; I was taking advanced classes and then coming home and taking care of her. By experiencing those trials, I was able to gain confidence in my faith and it molded me into a leader. When my mother passed in 2013, I was overwhelmed by His peace. I am not ashamed to admit that I struggled. A good leader is not afraid of vulnerability and asking for help.

Now I can help others by showing them that God’s love is real. The daily struggles I continue to endure enable me to aid others in knowing that they are not alone in trials. I know a support system is crucial. As a leader of my church’s dance ministry, I advise my fellow dancers and try my best to be an example. I am also humbled to teach Kindergarten-2nd Graders in a children’s program every week that focus on community improvement, developing cooperation, learning about good citizenship, and teaching personal growth through Scripture.

Another opportunity I’m blessed to share the love of Christ through, is making cards for dear friends that struggle with self-harm. I remind them of how valuable they are to their Heavenly Father. This experience has refined my opinion not just concerning those friends but also towards others--we all need love. I want to make my actions louder than my words. I want people to see love and hope in me and by the way I lead, whether it is through dancing, teaching, or hand making cards. And, I want to inspire them to lead others as well. My goal is not the glory or notoriety of being in a position of leadership, but to give others the encouragement and hope they need to heal if that is the situation and recover to in turn help others with their story. Leadership skills should include developing a cycle that produces more leaders.

Without a doubt, I believe that my trials have formed me into a leader and deepened by spirituality. My faith has become even more important to me after my mother’s passing. James 1:3 states, “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” Endurance and faith are integral leadership qualities gained only by experience. With confidence I can truly say, the experiences and hardships molded me into the leader I am today. My faith is my own, and it may differ or evolve further in the future, but I know what I believe and why. This faith is built on the premise that it is only my job to love others, not to judge them. I believe a good leader must have compassion and the insight to remember everyone is facing a battle. My goal is to help hone those battles into personal victories that can be used to help and inspire others on this journey called life.

I have a bright hope for my future. As I have stated, I believe leadership skills are a necessity for success in college, for success does not depend on grades alone, but on the ability to leave the world a better place—to inspire and help others, and to develop a belief system that will form my morals and goals for the future. With great certainty and wholehearted belief I quote John Quincy Adams, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”