The Leader in You by ilda

The Leader in You by ilda - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

The term “being a leader” may be misconstrued. It’s the motivation inside a person that helps one reach their personal goal. At times, some associate leaders with having a political or religious title: president, priest. When in reality, we encounter leaders in our everyday lives. The Barista that makes one’s morning coffee is a leader, the bagging grocer at one’s local market is a leader, and a hard working student is a leader. It is necessary and essential for a successful college student to have developed leadership skills. Motivation, adaptability, problem solving, and initiative are all attributing skills of a strong leader.

For the average student, college is a grand new experience. Many are leaving the comfort zone of their families and homes and moving on to start on their journey to a new chapter. It’s up to the protagonist to either allow the plot to take control of their life, or become the leader and conquer all plot twists. That is why being a successful student and having leadership skills go hand in hand. Students that are goal oriented have a dream that they are working towards. Goals, long-term or short-term, create internal motivation. In life, there will always be situations that may alter a set path. Leaders have the initiative to take action against these setbacks. No one has all the answer to life. A good leader knows when to seek help and knows when to take personal action, solve the problem and continue on the route to the end goal. College is a place of diversity and new challenges. A leader with adaptability will be able to take a risk in a different environment and grow in learning from these new experiences.

Not only do leaders hold these qualities but also radiate them, influencing others in a positive way. Inspiring friends, family, and community members to become leaders in their own lives.

College is the key to unlocking new opportunities. Completing college is the potential to a successful and fulfilling career. Companies are looking for leaders, not followers. Everyone has the potential to be a leader. It’s just up to every individual to take on these leadership skills to seize their own story.