Senior Leadership Scholarship Essay 31

To me, leadership isn’t about being the one in charge or having any special titles, it’s about wanting to make a difference and inspiring others to do the same. In my life, I’ve embraced leadership by identifying language barriers in my community and actively stepping up to assist those in need of a translator. Through volunteering and language translation, my work as a leader in each of these roles has taught me to empower others and work towards creating a sense of unity in my community.

One of the most impactful ways I’ve demonstrated leadership is through my role as a translator for my community. Growing up in an immigrant family, I saw firsthand the struggles caused by the language barrier—my parents faced difficulties in finding stable employment, seeking assistance at doctor’s offices, and even reading grocery prices. I often had to step in as their secondary voice, and from a young age, I understood the importance of bridging this gap. The role also taught me I had a special talent for handling bilingual situations effectively. It made me want to take my abilities past the doctor’s offices and out into my community. Growing up in a culturally diverse neighborhood, I noticed similar struggles in other families and vowed to make a difference when I was older.

In high school, I pursued this goal by working toward fluency in Spanish and using my skills to help others. I translated for Spanish-speaking students, including guiding them around school and helping them feel welcome in new environments. One notable experience occurred when I assisted a Spanish-speaking student in my math class. At the time, a translator could not be appointed to her and she was struggling with understanding the content of her assignment. Despite not being familiar with the mathematical vocabulary in Spanish, I decided to step in and help out regardless. I took the initiative to ask her questions and use context clues to construct a thorough response. In the end, she was able to complete the assignment with a proper understanding of the concepts. The experience became a personal victory for me and it continues to fuel my passion for translating.

Beyond translation work, I have also taken leadership in addressing food insecurity in my community. My school organizes a monthly food drive through Harvesters. During the food drive, I work with my team to sort the food out into equal portions and attend to the numerous families. I also delegate specific tasks to my team members to ensure proper traffic control and safety. I also make sure to keep lines of communication open to prevent any confusion, keeping everyone on the same page. My leadership is pivotal in guaranteeing the food drive runs smoothly and successfully. The experience also taught me that leadership is not about personal recognition but about making meaningful contributions that uplift others.
Looking ahead, I aspire to expand my leadership globally as a professional translator. My goal is to bridge linguistic and cultural barriers, ensuring people worldwide receive the services they deserve. With a college education, I hope to be equipped to work in international relations, healthcare, or humanitarian aid, facilitating communication and empowering individuals struggling with language barriers.

Leadership is a continuous journey, and I know that I still have a long way to go. My experiences as a translator and leader have inspired me to continue bridging language and cultural gaps. Through my future education and career, I hope to make a meaningful impact by helping individuals overcome communication barriers, creating inclusive environments, and empowering others in diverse communities worldwide.