To Lead, You Must Follow by Rainy

To Lead, You Must Follow by Rainy - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

Leadership is a critical life skill necessary for success in college. To be the best leader, be a good follower. Experiences with poor leadership help us understand through counterexample how to be good leaders. Success in college, like success in most things in life, cannot happen in a vacuum. Leadership skills and experience with group dynamics is helpful to work with one's peers to maximize the value of the college experience. The best way to get leadership skills is to be a good follower, learn from the mistakes of others, and watch the best leaders closely.

My experience with Olympics of the Mind in high school helped me develop my leadership skills. As a sophomore, I had the opportunity to work with a group of seniors who knew a lot about the OM competition. This year, I am the senior with experience in the competition, and I have taken the opportunity to teach the other team members who are new to the competition what is necessary to compete and win. I would never have gotten the experience to lead if I hadn't been an attentive and compliant follower. My following skills helped me learn about the process and work as part of a successful team.

I anticipate many opportunities in college life where I can use both leading and following skills. Study groups, dorm life, and working with peers on science labs are a few examples.

Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship.