Learning to Lead and Succeed by Kaitlynn

Learning to Lead and Succeed by Kaitlynn - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

I have not always been passionate about leading others. When I was young, I was controlled by my shy personality. I never wanted to be the line leader and I would intentionally lose in Simon Says so I would not be called on to lead the game. Growing up, my parents constantly reminded me that I was designed by God to be a leader, but it never really registered in my timid mind. Until finally, one day, it all clicked. Throughout my childhood, my parents had given me multiple opportunities to exercise my leadership abilities, but because I was shy, I often did not perform the leadership task with excellence as I should have. It was not until the sixth grade that I truly understood the importance of leadership.

In the sixth grade I began to be pushed further and further outside of my comfort zone and into different leadership roles, both at church and at home. My pastors and my parents challenged my leadership abilities in new, and frankly intimidating, environments. At the time, I was not thankful for these experiences, but looking back I do not know where I would be without them because they have made me the leader I am today.

I believe that leadership skills are absolutely necessary for college success. In fact, I would argue that without leadership, you cannot experience true success in anything that you do. Genuine success through leadership is found when you put others before yourself. When you choose to focus solely on your own personal academic career without leading those around you, you will not experience the true satisfaction that comes from conversing with and helping others. Leadership is a selfless activity. You have to get outside of yourself and consciously choose to be others-oriented in order to experience the incredible life you are meant to experience. Throughout my college career I have had the opportunity to lead with excellence both in group situations as well as one-on-one. I have found these opportunities to be challenging, but ultimately rewarding.

I have discovered true success in my college career because I have learned to be a leader. I am thankful for my childhood, for my sixth grade year, and for my college experience because as I look back, I see how far I have come and the success that I have attained because of my leadership. I am more outgoing and more willing to take on leadership positions today because of past successes I have experienced. I look forward to seeing my sphere of leadership grow even larger than it currently is throughout my college career.

Every human being has the innate capacity to be a leader, but it is your choice whether to use your leadership ability or not. I hope you choose to lead with excellence. After all, there is truly no feeling that is more satisfying than the feeling of success that is attained through helping others.