Leadership--A Key to Success by Justin

Leadership--A Key to Success by Justin - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

By the age of nine, I had lived in four states and two continents. Though I could admire and appreciate the greatness of mankind’s imagination and industry, I did not fully open my heart until our military family retired and returned to the stability of rural Virginia life. This paradox has greatly enhanced my outlook on life and my goal for becoming the best leader I can be.

During high school, I excelled academically, athletically, and socially. I demanded excellence from myself in my dual enrollment studies, earning my high school diploma as well as my Associate of Arts and Science degree from Southside Virginia Community College with Highest Honors. I also devoted many hours to extracurricular activities which have greatly enhanced my educational experience. Golf, baseball, and marching band have taught me leadership lessons that I will use to bring motivation, to spark encouragement, and to lead by example in all situations I encounter. My time as a musician for both the school and with a local band has developed within me a deep love of music—and its ability to bring people together. My time volunteering for charities has taught me the importance of human connection and cooperation for a common goal.

Throughout my teenage years, I have dug the foundation for my future with dedication and focus; however, I now need to fill that foundation with the experiences that come with a higher education. My college education will be the fortified cement on which I build my career and the rest of my life; it is the foundation of my future. My experiences, dedication, and vision earned me early admission into the James Madison University Honors Program and a position with the JMU Marching Royal Dukes. A fitness fanatic, I have taken the first steps toward achieving my dream of one day becoming a Physical Therapist. Beginning with Dean’s List my first college semester, I intend to secure my future by mastering the elements of my chosen field--human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, which will allow me to succeed in a world based on competitive standing. I am just beginning to learn how the body can change—and heal—with exercise. I feel not only motivated, but also inspired to major in kinesiology, earn my master’s degree, and make a positive contribution to society by sharing the expertise that I gain with those who need aid.

Today I do what I can, in all activities, to bring individuals together to accomplish common goals. Determined to discover the best methods to complete tasks, I have learned that to fulfill a shared purpose multiple people must work together. Discord and disharmony mar the final product. I have witnessed the results of failed communication. Sensitive to the particular flaws in personal interactions that lead to arguments, I strive to mediate resolutions while guiding those involved.

To my college experience I will bring the lessons I have learned as a collaborative leader who intends to better the world by strengthening the bond among people. First, I understand the importance of what has been provided by others. Second, I believe in the use of incentives—concrete rewards or personal satisfaction—that can be shared among the majority of workers, allowing them to unify for the same cause. Third, I plan to improve my communication skills to minimize verbal conflict and maximize work efficiency towards a final product. I am confident I can take the first steps toward achieving my idea of a more unified and forthcoming world.

I have made mistakes and endured failures along my journey toward adulthood, but I have learned to persevere always. I better understand the characteristics of a great leader and plan to succeed in my college career by utilizing my military, educational, and extracurricular experiences to better all outcomes. I have learned that a musician/athlete striving for excellence and pushing others to do the same improves a marching band/athletic team; thus, a person striving for excellence and pushing others to do the same can improve the entire world.

I possess the ability to become successful; more importantly, I possess the will and the drive to succeed in becoming a better leader. I understand the significance of committing to a goal and putting forth the additional effort in order to reach that goal. The leadership skills I am continuing to develop will enhance my college experience and ultimately be a key in my life's journey toward success.