Senior Essay 43

Throughout my high school experience I have had many opportunities to grow as a leader and develop important leadership skills. Although I did not begin high school feeling confident in my leadership abilities, joining JROTC during my freshman year helped shape and strengthen them. This program was my first “real” experience with leadership, responsibility, and accountability. Through JROTC I learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. By my sophomore year, I earned the rank of cadet sergeant which ultimately pushed me to take initiative, guide others, and set a positive example. This experience helped me develop integrity, decisiveness, and enthusiasm, qualities that have stayed with me throughout high school.
During my junior year, I was able to further demonstrate my leadership skills through my involvement in extracurricular activities, particularly College Ambassadors and HOSA. I served as president of both organizations, allowing me to take on greater responsibility while working closely with my peers. In HOSA, I helped organize awareness events focused on fentanyl prevention, led multiple fundraisers, and supported students as they prepared for competitions. Most importantly, I worked with other officers to rebuild and strengthen our chapter after a time period when we didn’t see much participation. Seeing our club grow again and become active was one of my proudest accomplishments.
Being president taught me that leadership is not about having authority over others, but about working together and creating a supportive environment. I never felt that my voice mattered more than anyone else’s. Instead, I made it a priority to listen to every member’s ideas and encourage open discussion. Therefore, we were able to build a sense of community where everyone felt comfortable sharing their opinions. This approach made our events more engaging and meaningful being everyone had a role in shaping them.
Similarly, in the College Ambassadors program I worked in a group filled with creative thinkers and motivated students. My role often involved combining multiple ideas into one organized plan. Strong communication and teamwork allowed us to create effective projects that reflected everyone’s input. These experiences taught me that collaboration is essential to successful leadership and that the best outcomes come from valuing diverse perspectives.
Through these roles, I have learned that leadership does not always mean standing in front of a group or being the loudest voice in the room. Sometimes, leadership means guiding from behind, offering support, and making sure everyone feels confident and included. I have also learned that being a good leader requires being teachable. Listening, learning, and growing from feedback are just as important as leading others.
In the future, I hope to continue developing my leadership skills by becoming involved in college organizations, healthcare-related programs, and community service initiatives. I plan to pursue a nursing major, where strong leadership, communication, and teamwork are essential. I hope to advocate for others, support those in need, and help create positive change within my community. By remaining open-minded, motivated, and compassionate, I aim to continue growing as a leader who empowers others and leads with integrity.