Dinner with JFK by Timothy

Dinner with JFK by Timothy - October 2017 Scholarship Essay

If I could have dinner with any US President I would have to say without a doubt it would be John F. Kennedy. I think President Kennedy was a great President who was in the process of changing things for the better when his life was cut short way too soon. I think he was brave because he was controversial as a President but despite this he still did what he felt was right for the nation. I think he also had a good idea he would be assassinated but still did what he had to do. I think for these reasons I would love to have dinner because I think I could learn a lot from him.
As a Roman Catholic, it was very risky for him to run for President. Despite it was over 100 years since there was a large influx of Catholic Immigrants arriving in the US as a result of the Irish and Italians coming in large numbers, there was still a hatred towards Catholics in our country. There was this fear that if we had a Catholic President he would take directions from the Pope and eventually the Church would control the United States. He kept his faith separate from his role as President but still made morale decisions that saved our nation, especially in regards to the Cuban Missile Crisis. I would like to ask him about his faith and if that had any role in the things he stood for especially when it comes to his support of the Civil Rights Movement.
This leads me to my next point which is the fact that President Kennedy was a Civil Rights icon. His willingness to support the movement at that time, was not very popular at all but it was necessary. Our nation is a much better place than it was before President Kennedy. I would like to ask him at dinner what he thinks of our nation now, and the way we have made so much progress with regards to race relations but there are people who want to set us back.
Another item I would like to discuss with President Kennedy is team work. Most of our industries now, and even in education revolve around teamwork. President Kennedy put together an outstanding cabinet many of whom I would love to have dinner with as well especially his Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. I would love to get President Kennedy's input on what makes a great team, what individual qualities does he seek in certain individuals that when put together with others creates a great team.
President Kennedy was a leader who was dedicated to service to our country. It was never really about him, he did what he thought was best for our nation even though it probably cost him his life. This sacrifice and dedication are something we could all learn from especially those in positions of leadership now, and for this reason I would love to have dinner with him because when I lead I want to make sure I do what's best for everyone.