Lead the Way in Life by Monica

Lead the Way in Life by Monica - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

“Leader: One who guides others in action or opinion; one who takes the lead in any business, enterprise, or movement; one who is ‘followed’ by disciples or adherents.” – Oxford Dictionary

The world has seen many “leaders”, both good and bad. In the earliest times, leadership was not chosen, but rather assumed by mere children only nine or ten years old in the event that their predecessor passed away. These small boys became great kings, pharaohs and emperors still highly admired to this day. Charlemagne, King Louis XIV, and King Tutankhamen are just a few of the most notable characters of history. In contrast, there have been many destructive, violent, terroristic leaders to trample through the world as well. Hitler, Stalin, and Osama Bin Laden have stained our Earth with the blood and sacrifices of many. All of these examples, whether remembered in honor or in infamy, were “successful” – after all, they are still remembered long after their time passed! Are just anyone and everyone capable of standing out against the banal background of humanity?

Recall – as a child, were you the kid at the beginning of the line, eager to be the first to jump in and participate? Or, were you the kid dreading to be picked out for red rover, anxious that you would let down your team and embarrass yourself? To be quite honest, I was the latter for a very long time. But I would bet you could pick out which child carries more of the qualities of a leader. Leaders carry themselves with confidence and dignity – unafraid to show the world how much they are capable of.

When submitting a college application, it is now rare that an applicant may get the opportunity to interact one-on-one with an admissions person – therefore, high school students who love to be involved and integrated into their communities must find some way of exhibiting this on paper, which is often very difficult to transcribe. A coveted acceptance letter to a college requires an individual to stand out amongst possibly thousands of other applicants – and that takes leadership. Leadership does not begin as soon as you move on campus – it must already be a priority to an applicant. Upon being accepted, they are entrusted to bring these qualities to their campus.

Success in college is far more than just good grades and making the “Dean’s List”, college is the breeding grounds of the next generation’s forerunners. It is undoubtedly one of the most critical turning points in our lives in which one questions themselves, their beliefs, and analyzes the world through a whole new view, unclouded by the rooftop and careful watch of their parents. While being a leader may not be a “necessity” to your academic success throughout college, it is of the utmost importance because it is the crux of subsequent success proceeding college.

When submitting resumes, corporation managers want to see a well-rounded list of activities. If you are not in classes 24/7, how do you best spend your time? Long gaps in applications (such as over summers) are not attractive. They would much rather see “camp counselor” or “studied abroad and learned French” within a resume. Getting your name out in the world requires excellent communication and people skills. Potential job employers seek individuals who can further their companies through hard work and dedication with a charismatic charm that is pleasant to be around. Our last chance to safely develop these skills is in the protected environment of college, before we are shoved into the harsh realities and clashing personalities of the working world.

Yes, leadership qualities are absolutely essential to success not just in college and in creating a resume, but in life in general. The “greats” are named as such because of their willingness to be the first in line, to take the hands of those who are fearful, or unsure of what the future may hold. They take risks and live to better the world of those around them whilst doing it in their own unique way.