ESSAY PROMPT: Please compose a 500-800 word essay that addresses each of the following questions: Describe how you have demonstrated leadership ability in your school or community? How do you hope to demonstrate leadership in the future?

Senior 34

     I came to my school as a freshman in 2020. I was a stranger at school during our virtual year. I joined Student Council as a way to make closer connections with some of my peers and teachers. This choice changed the trajectory of my high school career. I loved the outlet of creativity and leadership that Student Council gave me. The friendships I made with my fellow students were unprecedented and led me to be the person I am today. When sophomore year rolled around I met my classmates in person for the first time. My role as a leader in the school community caused people to already know who I was before I even introduced myself. I joined DECA, a marketing organization, as a founding member in my sophomore year. I quickly became the Director of Public Relations and then the CEO for two years in a row. I am now also the President of Student Council, as well as the Secretary of National Honor Society. I have taken a leadership role in Academic Decathlon and 20/20 Leadership. I find myself to be someone that people look up to. I try to be a role model for students who are younger than me and I hope to inspire them to be involved in their school and community. 

     All of these leadership positions can be very overwhelming but I would not trade it for anything. I am able to be an inspiration and make a lasting positive impact on my school. This year I got to design our sweatshirts for Student Council and that is a permanent difference I have made in our school. In DECA I put all of my effort into growing our chapter and we went from seven members qualifying for the state competition to over twenty in 2024. 

     Being a leader in my school is very important to me because I want everyone to succeed. It is my passion in life to help others achieve their goals and potential. I love being able to help underclassmen and even people my own age to become who they were meant to be. I want to be a safe space for people to come when they need help. With the example of DECA I am able to truly see the growth in all of my members. I am always available to lend a helping hand when they need it, and when people take advantage of that, it makes me proud because they are not afraid to ask for help. Many Student Council members have told me that I inspired them to join and now it is something they are very passionate about. The pride I have for everyone I have encouraged or helped is immense. It truly is the light of my life to help people and I hope to do this for the rest of my life, including in college. When I go to college I aim to be just as involved as I was in high school. My heart is filled with joy every time someone I know earns an achievement. When they win, I win, and that is what being a leader is all about.

 

WORD COUNT:527