Senior Essay 52

I’ve always been told that I’m very strong and independent, from the time I started school. My mom growing up always told me I would grow to be powerful, but kind. She said I’d be a leader. That I’d be the type of person that could rally a whole crowd of people for something I believe in. The more I’ve grown the more I believe it, as I exercise leadership in many different ways throughout my life. I show true leadership in school, in my community, and in the workplace by staying true to myself, allotting kindness and patience to those around me, and most importantly, exercising my ability to lead a group of people to greatness.
My definition of leadership is as follows: to show initiative and inspire others to lead by example, displaying kindness and understanding, and giving a voice to the voiceless. My first leadership experience started in fifth grade. We were doing a “winter break bingo”, and one of the things on there was community service. While many kids scoffed at the idea, that day after school I rode my bike to the community library in the small town I had lived in. Ms. Peggy, the librarian, greeted me kindly, and I asked if she’s looking for any help around the library. The original plan was for this volunteer work to only take place over winter break. However, I truly enjoyed being able to give back to those around me, so I decided to keep volunteering through 6th grade until COVID hit. Yet this was only the beginning.
When I first moved here, I didn’t know how I could get involved. I wasn’t used to being in the city, and I had no connections. I remember starting eighth grade with no clue what to do with myself. I had no idea how to join any clubs or start community service. My eighth grade year flew by, and before I knew it, I found myself beginning high school hoping for an opportunity to finally get involved again. I started out by joining theatre and choir, where I would show initiative through my involvement in those programs. I would help my peers with things involving these activities, like lines, notes, or blocking. Through these programs, I established a good name for myself within the building.
As the years went on, I found myself becoming more and more involved in my community. I got a job outside of school, joined Youth Lead KC, Student Voice Ambassador, College Ambassador, National Honors Society, etc. There, I showed leadership through service. I’ve helped students find programs catered to their needs, helped with promoting college to seniors, volunteered for fundraisers, and more. This does not only show initiative, but dedication and kindness through servicing others.
As I’m graduating high school and dipping my toes into the adult world, I hope to keep showing these leadership skills through college and my future career. I hope to work well alongside my colleagues and have a good relationship with everybody I meet. I hope to be able to show initiative and take control in situations where it may be necessary. I hope to make a difference in the lives around me. I hope to change the world with my writing and bring people together, because that is true leadership in my definition.