Growing up with a Leader by Vivian

Growing up with a Leader by Vivian - May 2024 Scholarship Essay

Although I would never tell him this, my older brother encompasses the quintessence of leadership. As the eldest first generation college student, he bears the burden of translating government documents, navigating unfamiliar institutions for my parents and tutoring his two younger sisters while simultaneously discovering his own passions and education. Despite taking over his responsibilities when he went off to college, he ensured that I never experienced his burdens by preparing and teaching me to take over his tasks.
A leader is someone who inspires and instills confidence in their community, despite having fears of their own, and my brother did exactly that for me as a child and now as a college student. He held my hand as I entered every stage of my academic journey and acted as a pillar for me as I gained the courage to explore diverse avenues in my career and education. Every doubt I encountered was resolved by his words of affirmations and relaxed mindset.
Despite his calm and timid nature, his presence alone gave me the confidence to speak up for myself in social settings and feel safe in unfamiliar public environments. While I will always follow in his lead, he has also taught me everything I need to know to become a resilient, kind and genuine leader, just like him.