Learning to be a Leader by Sofia

Learning to be a Leader by Sofia - May 2024 Scholarship Essay

My first and most prominent leader is my father. Before I was born, my parents opened a restaurant, where I started working when I was 15. I could see my dad's leadership skills shine through every day I worked. He helped people around the kitchen, guided me through all the restaurant procedures, and always made sure to help everyone. He helped me with life skills, such as being independent and never giving up. I had the most incredible role model to give me an example of being a leader.

This has been shown through my school involvement and volunteering hours outside school. I volunteer at my local animal shelter and am involved in 2 clubs, Key Club and Asian Student Union, where I hold officer positions. These gave me the experience of leading a group, voicing my opinions, and hearing out for my peers. I was afraid to want to be a leader at first. I was scared and didn’t know what to do. But, looking back at my dad’s accomplishments and leadership, I learned what the actual definition of leadership is. Leadership doesn't mean telling people what to do; it means helping your peers and guiding them in the right direction. A leader helps lead their peers to success.