The Definition of a Leader by Madison

The Definition of a Leader by Madison - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

Are Leadership Skills Necessary for College Success?

The definition of a leader is different for every person, thus the skills necessary to be a leader are infinite. I believe that to be successful in college doesn’t mean you must have good leadership skills because that statement is too broad. There is a vast amount of skills people can use to define a leader. My definition of a leader is someone who can persevere through the tough moments that everyone is hit with at least one time in their life and still come out determined to succeed afterwards. I also believe a good leader is able to communicate with people from all walks of life and guides others towards shared success.

Perseverance is one leadership trait that would be extremely beneficial in a college educational environment. Without the drive to overcome obstacles, students would never get past their first official college essay or test. College is a completely new experience that nothing can fully prepare you for. It doesn’t matter how many advanced classes you take, how popular you are, or how high your GPA is if you don’t have the valuable skills that would help you adapt to a new environment. Adaptation is do or die; if you can’t adapt, you flunk out. It’s evident through every aspect of life. You must be able to change and power through to accomplish what you set out to accomplish. My idea of a leader is a person who can and will adapt at all costs to remain on the path of success.

Leadership requires you to open your eyes, open your ears, and open your heart to people every day. Leaders have the skills to understand people and understand their different personalities. This skill is detrimental in a college environment because in order to succeed, you must create a new life with new people. A good leader is also able to assimilate to the ideas that come with a diverse collection of people and motivate the individuals to rise as a united group. All throughout nature, in order for an organism to survive all parts have to work together to create a whole.

Perseverance, communication, and teamwork are all valuable skills that leaders have. As I start college, these are the skills that I will bring with me to provide myself with the best opportunity to be successful in college.