Leadership by Example by Justin

Leadership by Example by Justin - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

I believe the most effective form of leadership is leadership by example. In order to improve our society, it is necessary that we provide examples that others may follow. Therefore, if success in college is the goal as well as something we wish others to obtain, then that success is inextricably tied to leadership by example. This leadership must manifest itself socially, as well as academically.

At my school, the New Student Orientation program is a major part of the lives of both new students and experienced students, who participate as part of the orientation team. Having served on the front lines as well as in the background, helping to organize the week of orientation and the events involved, I have discovered how important it is that this time period is utilized to help shape the school into that which we aspire for it to be. In particular, it is important that the leaders who are members of the orientation team provide positive social examples for new students, showing them what is and isn't acceptable. Constant positivity in the face of hard work, as well as approachability and friendliness are all crucial aspects of the members of the team. However, these social examples also extend to topics that are more important on an institutional level, such as the necessity of consent and the importance of diversity and acceptance in the community.

Success in college is not merely measured by academic achievements, but also social achievements. The connections that one makes in college, as well as the choices that one makes, can be just as advantageous to future career directions as getting good grades. Therefore, in leading by example with their positivity and friendliness, as well as their awareness of important current issues, the other members of the orientation team and I are constantly practicing skills that can help make us socially successful during our college careers.

However, academic success is also clearly an important aspect of college success. After all, the goal of college is ostensibly to learn, and our society dictates that knowledge is demonstrated through academic performance. In this instance, those who lead by example do so by putting in the hours in the lab, by turning in their assignments on time, or by displaying the healthy study habits that others could benefit from. Having been on the Dean's List for each of my semesters at college, I know what it takes to succeed, and I strive to display those characteristics for others to emulate.

There is no question as to whether leadership skills are necessary for success in college. Rather, good leadership by example is in reality college success. There is no cause or effect. Success is leadership, and leadership is success. All college students must strive to display the characteristics they wish to see in others, in order to improve our institutions as well as our society as a whole.