A True Leader by Victoria

A True Leader by Victoria - December 2021 Scholarship Essay

There are many different types of leaders including bosses, coaches, team captains, siblings, parental figures, and many more. All of these people have one thing in common; they lived. Everyone looks up to someone or strives to reach individual goals that other people have proved themselves. Humans strive to live out the life that has been given to them. Historical leaders have paved the way for revolutions and economic breakthroughs, scientists and scholars have cracked the human mind and come up with an understanding for most knowledge, and inventors have influenced the functions of our everyday lives. All of these people who we read about or talk about have led generations by simply being human. I feel that the best trait to describe a leader is practically being human.

There are many great qualities that anyone could list to describe a leader or even define certain traits that make up a realistic character demonstrating leadership. However, not every leader is perfect and that is why I consider them human. We look up to leaders and model our own actions after their achievements and successes. The people that have gone through experiences and are humble enough to share their stories or take action in enriching the world around them are true leaders. Many should look at it from this perspective, that anyone who inspires another person around them without even knowing it is a leader or role model.

Nowadays we believe everything we hear on the news or everything we reach on social media. A modernized word for leader referred to as 'influencer,' is simply how people of the current generation look to for their inspiration. While these people with blue checkmarks may be famous for certain political roles, best selling records, or even viral videos, it's important to ask yourself if these "big-time celebrities" have morals that align with your morals, goals that you see yourself reaching in a few years or even characteristics that you want to be known for. True leaders who have won Nobel Peace Prizes, built churches, funded non-for-profit organizations, lead mission trips, and much more humble actions have been replaced with poster-perfect influencers that care more about their image and gaining followers than the reason for your interest in them in the first place. This doesn't go for every single person online, but next time you like a post, retweet a story, or even click follow, make sure you are doing so for the betterment of your personal growth.

Leadership used to be about inspiring others to evaluate their current lifestyle and challenge them to make decisions for the betterment of themselves. Technology has altered this and crossed the lines stretching to influence as far as trends in what people wear and even how they spend their time. Leaders destined for greatness were cut short because they weren't living their own life and making decisions for themselves; instead, letting others control their lifestyle instead of motivating it.

There are different types of leaders. A leader is defined as a human who experiences life and inspires others around them. It's up to you in deciding which leaders you take interest in and those you avoid. It's as simple as finding the difference between those who encourage growth and others who hide behind the fear of growth. Anyone and everyone can be a leader. It is not about leading a country, inventing the cure for cancer, or even ending world hunger. It is about experiencing what life has to offer and proving to others that life is worth living. It all starts from being human.