The Impact I've already made by Joshua

The Impact I've already made by Joshua - December 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I were running for student body president, I would talk about the number one way I hope to impact my school. Although, after serving as president all four years of high school, I can already point to the impact I’ve made and the standard I’ve set. My leadership has always been rooted in one goal: creating a school environment where every student feels included, understood, and connected. And one of the biggest tools that has shaped my approach is the 20-60-20 rule.
The 20-60-20 rule teaches that in any community, 20% of people will always be excited and engaged, 60% are neutral but could be brought in, and the final 20% are much harder to reach. I’ve never seen those groups as obstacles, I’ve seen them as a blueprint. Every pep assembly I’ve planned has been intentionally designed with those groups in mind. I don’t create assemblies just for the loudest, most spirited students. I make sure there’s something for everyone: hype moments for the students who live for school spirit, interactive pieces that pull in the 60% who just need a reason to join in, and thoughtful, low-pressure elements for the students who usually feel like assemblies aren’t “their thing.” My goal is always the same, every student should walk out feeling like they belonged in that moment.
But my leadership isn’t just about events. It’s about the way I show up every day. I believe in transparent leadership. This includes being open about decisions, listening when people disagree, and communicating the “why” behind what I do. Students can’t trust a leader they don’t understand, so I’ve made it a priority to lead with honesty, consistency, and openness. If someone brings me a concern, I don’t just hear it, I act on it. That’s how you build real trust.
A huge part of what strengthens my leadership is how involved I am both inside and outside of school. I’ve been part of multiple organizations, councils, committees, and service groups, each one giving me a different lens on how to lead and support others. I’ve attended leadership conferences, workshops, and training beyond the walls of my school. I don't do this because I had to, but because I wanted to keep growing. Every conference taught me something new about communication, collaboration, and how to build community. I brought those lessons back with me, applying them to everything from student government decisions to how I run meetings to how I advocate for my peers.
Looking back, the impact I’ve made isn’t just in the events I’ve led or the roles I’ve held, it’s in the culture I’ve helped shape. A culture where students feel seen, where voices matter, and where leadership is something that serves people rather than separates from them. After four years of leading with intention, confidence, and transparency, I know the difference I’ve made, and I know that wherever I go next, that is the kind of leader I will continue to be.