Discovering My Voice Through Leadership by Amarian

Discovering My Voice Through Leadership by Amarian - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

I discovered a new strength in myself the summer before my junior year, while working as a Kamp Counselor at the City of Mesquite Dunford Recreation Center. I had always considered myself outgoing, funny, and social, but I had never fully realized the depth of my patience, empathy, and ability to lead until I was responsible for guiding a group of energetic children through daily activities. At first, the challenge felt overwhelming. The campers came from diverse backgrounds, each with unique needs, personalities, and levels of comfort in social settings, and I quickly realized that simply being enthusiastic wasn’t enough. I had to step up in ways I had never experienced before.

One moment in particular stands out. Two campers, frustrated over a game, began arguing loudly and refusing to participate. I was the only counselor nearby, and instinctively I wanted to separate them and let them calm down on their own. But I remembered the leadership strategies I had learned during training: to actively listen, remain calm, and guide others toward finding solutions themselves. I knelt down to their level, gave each child a chance to explain their feelings, and helped them brainstorm a compromise. By the end of the conversation, they shook hands and returned to the activity, smiling. In that moment, I discovered that I had a real capacity for empathy, conflict resolution, and calm decision-making under pressure—skills I had never consciously recognized in myself before.

This experience taught me that leadership isn’t simply about giving instructions or being the most outspoken person in the room. It is about understanding others, adapting to their needs, and fostering an environment where people feel heard and supported. I realized that true leadership involves patience, reflection, and the willingness to listen before acting. This insight has shaped the way I approach not only group activities but also school projects, theatre productions, and volunteer efforts.

For example, in my role as president of Emerging Leaders at Mesquite High School, I have applied these skills to organizing events and mentoring younger students. I am able to communicate more effectively, anticipate potential challenges, and create solutions collaboratively. Even in theatre, a space I had always seen as a place for creativity and performance, I found myself stepping into leadership roles backstage—coordinating props, helping new cast members feel comfortable, and ensuring that productions ran smoothly. Each situation reminded me of that summer camp moment and reinforced my confidence in my ability to guide others.

Beyond practical skills, discovering this strength has influenced my personal growth. I am more resilient in the face of challenges, more patient with both peers and myself, and more aware of the importance of perspective. I have learned that confidence is not just about speaking loudly or taking control—it comes from recognizing your abilities, trusting your judgment, and using them to support others. The patience and empathy I cultivated as a counselor have become part of who I am: a person who seeks to uplift those around me while navigating challenges thoughtfully and calmly.

Discovering this strength has been transformative. It has shown me that leadership is both an opportunity and a responsibility, requiring dedication, awareness, and care. I have grown into someone who can balance humor and energy with seriousness and insight, and I continue to carry these lessons into every aspect of my life. That summer, I found not just a new skill but a new understanding of myself—a realization that I am capable of more than I ever imagined, and that growth often comes from moments that challenge you to step up in unexpected ways.