“Walking Beside Them: Lessons in Empathy and Leadership” by Henry

“Walking Beside Them: Lessons in Empathy and Leadership” by Henry - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

My sophomore year in high school I fell into a self-made volunteer and leadership position for my high school baseball team. We had new freshmen come to our baseball workouts which started in September, they were frightened and nervous for tryouts. They had no idea where they’d fit in. I remembered being in that place the year earlier. Throughout the school year, I have mentored these freshmen in many different aspects. I started by showing them the ropes of high school baseball. I got them familiar with the field, locker room, equipment and daily routines. I explained the different facets of how high school baseball varies from a travel team and what the expectations of high school coaches are. I also would help by answering any of the questions they would have. One of the major things was leading by example, such as showing them what to do and how to do it. For example, I would demonstrate a very helpful stretching and warm up routine which would prevent injury and get them ready for practice. This mentorship would even extend outside of school as some would call or text to ask questions. Also, I would make extra time to meet for additional practice to help them improve.

Mentoring these freshmen substantiated my leadership qualities by communicating adequately, motivating and uniting the players. Rather than being passive and allowing them to struggle on their own, I chose to step in with care and empathy. I would lead by example, maintain a positive attitude and was open to answering questions or offering encouragement. Those efforts were not about authority. They were about listening, being present when someone needed support and creating an environment where growth was possible. In doing so, I not only helped them to find their confidence, but also to cultivate and further grow myself. I learned the value of consistency, clear communication, and patience. My empathy fostered togetherness across the team and helped teammates have a sense of belonging. To watch them develop, feel more at home on the team, and begin to mentor others was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me that empathy could silently turn a team into a family. I hope to find more opportunities to care for and help others throughout college and into working life.