A Leader's Approach To College Success by Nicholaus

A Leader's Approach To College Success by Nicholaus - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

The characteristics of effective leaders – communication skills, persistence, calmness under pressure – are all qualities that would translate well to a successful college student.

The ability to communicate is essential in any situation. When applying for college or for a job, you need to be able to explain why you are the best candidate. If you are having trouble in a class and need the professor’s help, you need to communicate with that professor by asking questions and listening to the instructions. Open and effective communication is important socially, as well, as students will meet new people in college and develop and strengthen relationships.

One quality all successful students and leaders have in common is the ability to embrace and overcome challenges. This could be a class or assignment that the student finds to be difficult or unengaging. It is essential not only to the students’ grades, but also to the students’ character that they persevere and still complete the task in a quality manner. This will reflect the student’s ability to perform in situations that don’t necessarily appeal to them, and that aren’t easy for them. Being able to overcome these challenges is a sign of great discipline, a must for an aspiring college student.

College can be a chaotic time for young adults; there are so many new opportunities pulling students in different directions, academically, socially, and financially. The ability to prioritize and manage one’s time are vital skills in balancing the workload of a college student, much like they are important traits in successful leaders.

While I believe that followers are just as important as leaders, it is key to each individual’s success that they possess some leadership skills. College freshmen entering with strong leadership skills – the ability to communicate, to persevere through challenging times, and to manage their time efficiently – will be prepared to face many of the demands that college will throw their way.