The Leader in Me by Emily

The Leader in Me by Emily - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

Some people are born natural leaders, and others like me have to be ignited. Being the child of two immigrant parents, my social circle was very small. I loved school, my teachers and friends, but lacked the support of a village so I grew up very reserved. I however loved seeing things run smoothly. This often frustrated my parents who would have to take me early to events and have to wait for me long after events were over because I wanted to make sure everything was okay. I realized that my teachers were always asking me to do things for them. It was during my junior year when a request from one of my teachers sparked something in me. This was the year that I was taking four AP courses, was a member of the school’s varsity tennis team, a member of the school’s marching band, participated in and won the state's Trio literary competition, and was a member of the school’s BETA club and Honor Society.

My AP physics teacher asked me to speak to the sophomore chemistry class on what to expect the following year in the AP Physics class. As I spoke to the students, I saw them listening to me. I was telling them of the activities that I was involved in and still had the time to enjoy and excel in my class. I realized that I was being a role model and this gave me a sense of worth. It was there and then that I realized that I had the ability to lead. This moment that made me believe that I was strong enough to be a leader and it shaped my last years of high school.

This new found desire to lead led me to apply to be on the marching band's leadership team. I was accepted and given the role of uniform official. This role was no simple task. I was responsible for measuring and ordering uniforms for the freshmen, ensuring all uniforms were issued before and taken up after each game. Being a leader of the marching band tested my level of commitment as a leader. There were times when we got back to the school after 1:00 am, but I could not leave immediately because it was my duty to ensure everything was in order.

During my senior year I also became a member of the choral council. I love music and believe in its power to heal the mind, body and soul. This is an elected position, so I campaigned and won my seat. This was my most fulfilling leadership position at school. I was able to work along with my chorus teacher to plan and execute our concerts. The best part of this leadership experience was when I was asked to assist in preparing the beginning chorus class for their winter concert.

Being the ambassador for Grayson Technical High school is another leadership position that I am enjoying. I believe that this is where I am developing my essential leadership skills. Through workshops and exposure, my communication and management skills are being developed. Grayson Technical High School is a feeder school where students from other schools in the district can attend. I function as an ambassador for Grayson Technical High where I speak to prospective students on what the music technology department has to offer, and influence them to enroll next year.

Even though I have just emerged as a leader in my school, I have been quietly leading a group of middle school girls at my church for the past three years. This has been my most fulfilling leadership experience so far. Not only am I a leader for my middle school girls group, but I have been a worship leader in my church. This means that at least twice a month, I dedicate six hours on a Sunday to lifting the spirits of the members in my church.

I began my leadership journey by being a great team player, by showing up and taking care of whatever needs to be done, by being willing to say yes to a teacher or anyone in need. I have been honored to attend a public high school that is smoothly run, where students are valued and listened to. I have made no dramatic changes to my school. Sometimes being a leader means showing up and getting the job done and that is what I did. I believe that I have now gained the knowledge and skills necessary to be a leader and change agent. I can now actively seek and address issues that need changing. I am grateful for those who saw the leader in me before I did and inspired in me a desire to lead.
Thank you for considering me for this award.