To Lead Is To Succeed by Kirsten

To Lead Is To Succeed by Kirsten - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

In any college setting, it is very easy for students to fall into the role of follower, remain in the shadow of their peers and stay there for all of their college years. These followers may get by and pass their classes. These followers may get by socially and meet friends they’ll keep for years to come. These followers may even get by and secure a mediocre job intended for after graduation day. To be a truly successful college student who strives for success and prosperity and who doesn’t want to just get by, it would be absolutely crucial that the student be a leader. Of course it is necessary for all college students to be able to function in a group and learn teamwork, however, it is also important to demonstrate the ability to lead a group when necessary. College is full of many opportunities to showcase a student’s abilities and gain new skills necessary in life, such as leadership. A student can lead by joining student government, lead by example in dorm life by being respectful and kind, being a captain on an intramural or club sports team, and even starting a community service group. There are countless ways to showcase initiative and leadership on college campuses.

Being able to balance academics and social life is proven to be a challenge for some, but if a student is determined to succeed then they will find a way. One thing that will help them through the process is leadership. Leadership will help a college student succeed and prosper, but it will also help others even more. For example, if a student were to start a community service group and they could get 10 peers to join as well, it will get more people involved and spread the activity. Doing this is a fun way to give back to the community and make new friends.

Leadership skills are necessary for not only college success but success in the workplace as well. Employers look for the ability to be respected in the workplace, responsibility for the management of the job, and good people skills. All of these characteristics of a successful employee can be learned in high school and college. There are countless opportunities to get experience as a leader, it just takes the initiative to take them.

Professors will see that a student who has the drive to get extra help if they are struggling or even hold their own study groups has the leadership skills to succeed. They will respect students who show initiative greater than those who don’t. Leadership is one of the most powerful skills a person can have. Showing it in college will help you get a foot in the door for the future that is a few steps ahead. Helping to make friends, getting respect from faculty, and doing well academically can all stem from good leadership skills that you just have to take the initiative to show.