Leadership by Jenifer

Jeniferof Fairfax's entry into Varsity Tutor's March 2015 scholarship contest

  • Rank:
  • 0 Votes
Jenifer of Fairfax
Vote for my essay with a tweet!
Embed

Leadership by Jenifer - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

Leadership has played a key role in my life, as well as in my education. I have always been the type of person to take charge and accomplish whatever task lies before me. I work well with others and know how to lead. In high school, I was the Commanding Officer of my Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. My whole life, I have heard about the importance of being a leader, and I agree- having leadership skills can greatly benefit any individual in any situation. As someone who strongly advocates for leadership education, it pains me to admit that I do not think leadership skills are completely necessary for college success.

There are many different personality types in the real world. In college, the same diversity in personalities exist. Some students are strong leaders with a strong presence on campus, such as in student government. Some students prefer not to make a scene, to keep to themselves. Nothing is wrong with either of these approaches; they are just different. I take the more outgoing approach. I tend to have other group members look to me for guidance in projects because I have a strong leadership presence. Most students I have worked with have faith in my abilities, which probably stems from my own confidence. Having this personality makes it easier, in my opinion, to go through college. I meet new friends quite frequently, and I often get the opportunity to help others. However, that is not to say that it is completely necessary to succeed.

To say that it is necessary to have leadership skills to succeed in college implies that those without this particular skill-set cannot succeed I do not believe this is true. Real leadership takes a lot of practice and time. I do believe that a part of my own abilities comes from a natural talent to lead others. However, it took four years of observing, learning, tweaking, correcting, and implementing skills to get where I am today. It is a lot of hard work to become a strong leader, and I still have a lot of work left to do. I was fortunate enough to participate in a program that allowed my skills to grow. Not all high school or even college students have such an opportunity. I do not wish to discourage these students by implying that it is impossible-or even implausible- for them to succeed in college.

The truth is, many people thrive in college. It is not necessary to have a strong set of leadership skills to succeed. I do advise those without this skill set to acquire them because life is full of opportunities for those that wish to take them. Not everyone is a leader, though, and that is perfectly okay. Everyone has something they can improve on, and if leadership is that area for a particular student, I believe they can still succeed. I think one reason that I, and most others, are tempted to answer the proposed question alternatively is that we realize the opposite of “leader” is “follower.” Not everyone has mastered leadership skills, but that does not always mean they are followers. Some people are neither. I do not think “followers” will have an easy time in college, but it is still not impossible. Regardless, those who do not possess strong leadership skills are not necessarily followers. I believe anyone can succeed in college, regardless of personality type, with the right motivation. To say otherwise would discourage a large set of students who have not mastered these skills from even applying.

Votes