Are Leadership Skills Necessary for college success? by Nick

Are Leadership Skills Necessary for college success? by Nick - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

I was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa and my senior year of high school I decided to join my brother in Azusa, California at Azusa Pacific University. This jump to the other side of the nation was a huge difference in my life. I was pretty much on my own. I knew no one, I didn't know the area, I didn't even know the zip code when I first showed up, and it was okay to me. See I was told by so many people that college is where you find yourself, and it's where you become you. I knew i was going to have to step up and be my own leader, and if I didn't I'd probably end up dropping out with a ton of debt to pay.

College is way different than high school. Your mom and dad aren't here to help you when you're in trouble, and your friends aren't here to have your back, you're 100% on your own. I was my own leader. In high school I always seemed to be a leader in sports. I never tried to be that guy, but it always seemed to find me. It's a skill I already have and I think everyone seems to somewhat get by the end of their freshmen year in college. Leadership skills are completely necessary for success. You can't rely on other people anymore to make your decisions, you're going to have to step up and do it yourself. If you don't and you decide to lay around and let people push you around into the spots they want you, you're going to find yourself in a bad place. College is where you find out what kind of person you are. It's the strongest time of your life. You're going to have temptations everywhere you turn. It's so easy to say no to homework and instead turn on the Xbox because you don't have mom or dad yelling at you to do your homework. No one is here to guide you, you have to guide you. You have to be your own leader and if you aren't you're going to sink. You have to step up, be a leader, and direct your life where you want it. Not only for yourself, but for those around you. You rub onto your friends just as much as they rub off onto you. Which is another good reason why you need to be a leader for yourself, and for those around you. Be that guy that is strict with your friends and keeping them in line, because if you aren't than no one will, and if you do that for them they'll return the favor.

If i didn't take the lead for my life, and help out the lives around me I don't know where I'd be today. I wouldn't have stood up for my morals and for what I think is right or wrong. I wouldn't be attending classes, and I wouldn't be in college still. But I'm currently in one of the best colleges in the nation, the community is amazing, and I thank God everyday for what he's given me. Leadership is absolutely a necessity for college.