Leadership by Skyla

Leadership by Skyla - May 2024 Scholarship Essay

What does leadership mean to me? To me, being a leader is being a great role model for others to emulate, inspiring them to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. A true leader leads by example, demonstrating integrity, empathy, and resilience in the face of challenges. I have demonstrated several leadership skills. For example, in May of last year, I was selected to be a theatre rep at my school. This honor allows me to actively improve my school's organization and communication, also allowing my classmates' opinions to be recognized. In this leadership role, I offer advice and guidance to other students. I also have the honor of being involved with an organization called 'Step It Up'. Within this organization, dancers from all over the country are taken to LA for two weeks where they undergo singing, dance, and acting workshops, professional photography sessions, and a Q&A with artists or producers who are currently working in the industry. Step It Up asked me to teach their 2-hour singing workshop, assist in teaching their acting workshop, and serve as a guest on their Q&A panel. I learned how to positively influence kids from ages 10 - 18 in areas that they are not confident in.
But personally, my mother is someone who has shown amazing leadership skills in my life. My mom is a single parent and growing up, she was the youngest of five girls. They didn't have much, but she and her sisters never felt like they were deprived of any necessities. My mom graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with her Bachelor's degree in Biology and has been in the Biotechnology industry for twenty years. When I was 13, my mom and I moved from North Carolina to California for my acting career. My mom left her job, and sold our home to move; relying on savings, no job, and without local family support, we braved the uncertain journey. My mother is nothing short of a real-life superhero. Seeing how she has hustled to be who and where she is now, continues to inspire me every day.