Academic Leadership by Rowan

Academic Leadership by Rowan - August 2022 Scholarship Essay

For the upcoming 2022-2023 school year, I have one main academic goal. It is not, however, based around grades or passing certain classes. It is based around the liaison role I have been chosen for in my school’s chapter of the National Honors Society (NHS). My goal is to fulfill my duties to the utmost quality I can. I want to be a strong but kind leader, someone who can give direction and listen. I want to be someone who can provide wisdom and guidance to those around me. I believe that if I succeed in my role we will be able to all work together to be better than the sum of our parts and make a positive difference in our community.

Some traits of a good leader that I will do my best to personify are integrity, patience, kindness, diligence, and active-listening. Additionally, I will be self-disciplined and maintain my composure even in stressful situations. I believe it is important for a leader to first work on their own traits because in the words of Mrs. Isabella Beeton “As with the commander of an army, or the leader of any enterprise…[their] spirit will be seen through the whole establishment”. If a leader conducts themself in a positive manner, then those around them will more than likely follow suit.

Another major part of being a leader is being respected. The mark of a good leader is that all those around them truly respect them for their efforts and character. However, in order to earn respect, first a leader must give respect. That is why I will focus on listening to everything others have to contribute, addressing everyone as they would like to be addressed, valuing everyone equally, ensuring that everyone has the ability to contribute, and never talking behind peoples’ backs. By ensuring that I set a good example and respect everyone around me I believe that I can successfully fulfill my role as the liaison in my NHS chapter.