Finding Strength in Discomfort by Mckenzie

Finding Strength in Discomfort by Mckenzie - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

A moment when I discovered a new strength in myself was during the process of becoming the president of my school's National Honor Society. Prior to this experience, I viewed leadership as something that came naturally to confident people but I learned that leadership comes from preparation and critique. Preparing for the NHS president interview challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and find qualities I didn't believe I had.
The interview process required thoughtful, on the spot answers to questions regarding how I wanted to improve the organization and how I'd go about it. I spent time reflecting on the different kinds of projects and volunteer activities I wished to do but also the needs of my community and how we could address them specifically. ALthought I felt nervous during the interview because I had never done any kind of public speaking, I looked past my anxiety and focused on articulating my goals for the NHS. Speaking in front of fellow members forced me to trust my preparation and communicate with purpose rather than my fear.
Through this experience, I discovered my strength in communication and organization leadership. I realized that laying out my goals and reflecting on how I wanted to accomplish them in preparation enabled me to lead with intention. As president, this strength has grown as I organize initiatives like “Socktober” the donation of socks and garments to deliver to a local shelter and “Christmas Car-rider lines” organized to assist primary students out of their vehicles in the morning. Both of these service projects came from community needs and I was thankful for my position and ability to help in these situations. Leading meetings and working with our NHS officers taught me to listen to different perspectives and hold myself accountable as a leader to aid others.
Becoming the NHS president at my school influenced my growth by showing me that leadership is developed, not a character trait and not assigned. It taught me that confidence is used in leadership and is acquired through preparation, and that effective communication can bring ideas and goals to life. This experience helped shape my belief in myself and strengthened my desire to take on leadership roles that allowed me to spread more service initiatives. Most importantly, it showed me that uncomfortable situations, like my interview, reveal strengths we didn't know we had.