Developing Beyond the Role by Demitra

Developing Beyond the Role by Demitra - August 2026 Scholarship Essay

When I first became Editor-in-Chief of my high school’s yearbook, I thought leadership meant having answers to all the complex problems that had gone unaddressed. After being actively involved with the club for four years, I knew the program inside and out. Over time, I watched previous editors spend countless hours of their free time finalizing captions, organizing documents, and ensuring that every detail was completed. By the time I earned the title, I felt a wave of pride and pressure begin to overlap. I needed to prove not only my character and responsibility, but also my ability to teach newer members how to take charge.
At the beginning of the year, I approached leadership in a similar format to how I approached personal and academic assignments: if I wanted something done accurately, I would complete it on my own terms. I consistently checked every detail and often stepped in before other staff members had the opportunity to solve problems independently. As a result, the mindset I carried seemed as though I was helping. I strongly believed that having full control ensured the majority of our concerns would be swept away and deadlines would be met on time. With time, I soon realized that my approach was creating a different problem for everyone.
In order to counteract the attitude I was exhibiting, we organized an in-school field trip designed to help staff members get to know one another on a deeper level. Our yearbook program had recently shifted from a class to a club while also losing a significant number of members, so we wanted to strengthen our relationships and build a greater sense of teamwork.
However, the trip had an additional purpose. We used the occasion as a way to reflect back on barriers we struggled to overcome. I expected to hear suggestions related to deadlines or potential communication gaps between newer and more experienced staff, but I wasn’t prepared for the remarks to be directed so firmly towards me. Several staff members were vocal about how my commitment influenced them to strive for the best but there were times when I unintentionally took on too much I couldn’t handle. They felt that I stepped in too quickly to resolve unspoken or outspoken tasks before others had a chance to contribute.
Initially, the comments frustrated me but ultimately pushed me to examine my habits, recognize my weaknesses, even utilizing the skillsets far beyond the club. Whether I am collaborating with a team or taking on a new position, I understand that improvement requires openness to perspectives beyond familiar territory.
Although earning the role of Editor-in-Chief was a separate accomplishment, I gained a mentality worth keeping. It wasn’t always about managing a publication. Instead I learned that genuine growth begins when we stop viewing feedback as disapproval of one’s actions. By letting others slip into my closed mind, leadership became something that necessitates humility and willingness to learn from those around you.