The Importance of Leadership by Reynard

The Importance of Leadership by Reynard - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

Leadership is definitely a prominent aspect in college success. As a young African-American male in this country, I feel as though leadership is a vital characteristic to thoroughly display. Watching reports on the news and reading articles in the paper about the black youth suffering grave consequences as a result of misguidance has taught me a lot about what it means to be a leader. Many young people around my community do not understand the importance of being a leader in regards to education and this is where some individuals may fall short.

I have realized that colleges and employers do not want to invest their time and money on followers: followers meaning individuals who cannot progress, think or create on their own and are unable to produce innovative ideas by themselves. Instead, they want to invest in a leader: someone who can exhibit their great qualities onto everything they do. I have also realized that the exact same qualities that make-up a leader also make-up a successful person: motivation, perseverance, independence, resourcefulness, etc. Leadership means putting your foot forward toward academics, performing well in your path of study, completing your assignments punctually, not following the trends of other college students that may be slacking off, and involving yourself in programs and organizations that others may not care for, necessarily. Without these factors, it is impossible to become a true successful person in a collegiate institution, and this lack of leadership character will inevitable be limiting in the future.

I have personally witnessed many students who seem like they have given up hope with no desire of academic success. In my junior and senior year of high school, there were two personal examples of friends of mine who lost hope for education. I felt obligated, not only as their friend, but also as a leader, to constantly encourage and advise them toward a path of enlightenment. As a member of the International Baccalaureate program, I have been taught the appropriate factors to be successful and have been molded into a true leader. I feel as though it is my duty to assist the misguided souls of society who need the proper tools for achieving great things and I am sure that I will be able to perform this responsibility for myself, and for others, as I further my academic journey into college.