Are Leadership Skills Necessary for College Success? by Lindsay

Are Leadership Skills Necessary for College Success? by Lindsay - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

Many students look to college with hopes of becoming someone special, someone who can make a difference. You many wonder if leadership skills are necessary for college success. In short, they certainly are. In order to influence others one must be a leader. While in college you will work along with other students, and this will afford you the opportunity to take the lead for the betterment of others. One simple example is; the teacher is asking questions but not many students are answering. You can take the lead by raising your hand and answering. This way you can encourage lively discussion, which in turn makes the classroom learning environment more interesting and exciting. Others will in turn feel more motivated to participate. Having leadership skills will also help you function better in groups. You might need to do assignments as a group. Some may hesitant has to how to start or what to say. If you take the lead in the conversation this can be all that is needed to get the ball rolling. While in class or in a group you can take the lead by being kind and considerate of others. Kindness can be contagious. It’s hard to talk about others or gossip when you are the one taking the lead in being positive and kind. Leadership skills will also benefit you outside of the class.

You will also need to take the lead with your own personal life. While in college you will need leadership over your money, time, and energy. Having a good budget calls for leadership. You wouldn’t want to have needless debt and blow money on things you don’t really need. What about your time? You can’t spend it all on recreation. There’s studying that needs to be done and homework assignments that need to be written. Taking the lead in managing your time would also include making time for eating, sleeping and exercising. Some students also hold down jobs and have family responsibilities while attending college. So, this will also include having leadership over your energy. You need to be balanced while trying to get everything done.

Having leadership skills also gives you the power to influence others. Just think of where children would be without the leadership of their parents? What about Christians? Where would they be without the leadership of Jesus? The world and colleges need good leaders. A fellow student could be experiencing some of the same challenges that you may be facing; but they are struggling and want to give up. They see your good example and leadership which encourages them and gives them the rejuvenation they need to continue. Also, not to be overlooked are your teachers, watching your leadership skills make them feel like their jobs are worth it and they feel important.

Leadership skills in college have the power to affect not just yourself, but your fellow students and your teachers for the better. They will carry you through college, but not just college through a lifetime. Leadership skills are truly necessary for college success.