How to Create the Next Generation of Leaders by Mitchell

How to Create the Next Generation of Leaders by Mitchell - February 2015 Scholarship Essay

A reading requirement for high school students should be "To Kill A Mocking Bird". What makes this required vs. suggested is that there are so many life lessons involved. This book challenges you to look at your morals and beliefs, and the presence of right and wrong in our world.

To start off, you have Mr. Finch, who took the case that is presented in the book even though he knew he would not win in the end. He gave the defendant hope, and tried to bring out the truth of what occurred to influence others. Mr. Finch knew that there would be trials and tribulations to his family and his own life, yet remained true despite the impending outcome of the trial.

Another reason why I believe this book should be read is how the children viewed Boo Radley. The children always looked at Mr. Radley as a monster; never really got to know or understand him. In the end, Mr. Radley was the only reason the children were not murdered. This shows a lesson of showing a book by its cover. This is a valuable life lesson to high school students.

This book views racism from a child's perspective, showing the worthlessness and stupidity of its existence. The view is not tainted by a wordly perspective, but from a naive and accepting one.

As a high school student, we are flooded by social media. These issues are very relevant today. We need to be trained and equipped as future leaders trying to make our community a better place to live.