Excellence by Will

Excellence by Will - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

I began writing this essay by trying to tap into my cleverness and adopt the argument that leadership skills were not necessary for college success. After many failed attempts to support my selected stance, I came to the conclusion that leadership skills are absolutely imperative for success in college. Questioning the relationship between leadership skills and success in college has forced me to analyze exactly what “leadership skills” are, and what is “success.”

I do not believe that everyone who attends college has success. I believe success requires excellence. Excellence does not happen by accident or without leadership skills. I would argue that in order for students to be successful in college they have to lead themselves. This is a new arena; long departed from a high school environment where teachers nurture their students along with assignment reminders, study guides, and extra credit. Collegiate success requires work ethic and drive, which are the pillars of being a leader. It is hard to develop work ethic and drive in college if there is not a foundation already in place. Most high school students can get accepted into college. Most college students can pass their classes. The challenge is achieving success. This is born from a desire to excel. Leaders do not look to meet the status quo. The passion to be the best drives leaders to stand out and achieve a higher standard.

Another key part to success in college is attending class, studying, and discovering your passion. Attending class and studying requires a student to be self-motivated and disciplined. Sacrifice will pave the way to a hopeful future. Students with leadership skills also count the cost that will get them to their goal and see it through. The accomplishments that mean the most will be the ones that required the hardest work.

Work ethic, self-motivation, and discipline can only be executed with a vision. If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time. After taking an eight-year break following my junior year in college, I have been motivated to complete my education and see my vision through. I am a husband and father. These two roles give me the opportunity to practice leadership skills everyday. And just as I do not want to settle for giving my family less than my best, I apply that same principle to my college schoolwork. Leadership skills are not necessary to obtain a college degree. They are, however, necessary for excellence, which leads to success in college.