Senior Leadership Scholarship Essay 33

I have demonstrated leadership in my school and community in many different aspects. Taking initiative while being a kind leader is important to me as well as being inclusive. As one of the starting members of the Diversity Ambassadors currently serving as a chair, holding the position of Student Council Executive President, a National Honor Society Representative, an Orange Crush Chieftain part of our school pep club, and Yearbook editor-in-chief, I am confident to say that I have strong leadership skills.
From a young age, I was taught the importance of education, leadership, and strength. I owe my leadership strength to people like my grandma, an elementary school teacher who valued education. She was vital to me from a young age, instilling that education and being above average, was the average. My mother also deserves a lot of credit. She started me in Montessori school which taught me the importance of independence, creativity, and confidence. Growing up in an environment that fostered education and prioritized a commitment to learning and self-development, was enriching, planting a seed of leadership in me.
But, as I grew, my skills needed to grow as well. Once I started high school I involved myself in clubs and activities and one club I participated in changed my life. Student Council allowed me to embark on the single most significant learning experience of my life. Being a part of the student council has been an incredibly transformative experience, offering opportunities for personal growth and meaningful conversations. As Executive President of the Student Council, I was given the opportunity to attend STUCO camp. STUCO camp is a five-day leadership workshop in Emporia, Kansas. Being surrounded by like-minded, motivated individuals who shared my passion for leadership and service was inspiring. These connections weren’t just friendships, they were bonds formed through shared experiences, challenges, and growth. It felt like we were all striving toward the same goal: to become better leaders for our schools and communities. While at this workshop we heard from multiple speakers, did council vs council challenges, hosted a talent show, did a candlelight ceremony, and threw a party at the end of the week.
The workshops I attended provided invaluable lessons. From learning how to effectively communicate and collaborate with others to understanding the importance of empathy and active listening, these sessions gave me the tools I needed to grow not just as a leader but as a person. Each workshop offered fresh perspectives and practical skills that I’ll carry with me throughout my life. Working with delegates from various schools across Kansas was an experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone. By the end of the week, I realized how much I had grown emotionally and mentally. STUCO camp wasn’t just about leadership; it was about personal growth, connection, and becoming the best version of myself. Although my time there was just one short week, by the end I felt like I knew these people for years.
My experiences here inspired me to continue to be an active leader extending into community-based activities like Cotillion, and Delta Gems, and simply volunteering in my community. Doing so, I learned the importance of social responsibility and personal growth. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a strong voice, the ability to advocate for others, and the confidence to lead by example.
In the future, I hope to continue demonstrating leadership by majoring in business and using my skills to create an organization focused on women’s wellness. I want to empower young women, particularly those who look like me, by providing resources, mentorship, and support in areas like education, mental health, and entrepreneurship. Leadership to me isn’t just about holding a title, it’s about taking action, creating opportunities, and uplifting those around me.