Leadership Application Essay Sample 2022
After an entire school year and a half of enduring a never-ending cycle of Zoom meetings and 11:59 pm deadlines, the transition back into the physical aspect of a school environment assuredly proved itself as a monumental component in terms of personal growth and self-expression. Dealing with personal issues at home, ranging from the emotional distress linked with distance learning, to a grandmother with Dementia, to sharing WiFi connection and a bathroom with 5 other people, I was forced into a position where I had to self-determinate and persevere through the hindrances that could’ve broken me down. Yet, I instead remained ambitious and established an essence of self-love, and developed enough confidence to assist me along my path to success and teach me the importance of cultivating the seeds to improve the conditions of those around me.
The summer transitioning into my junior year, I actively participated in VIPS Scholars Program at UCLA, a social justice initiative program that encompassed a rigorous UCLA undergraduate writing course while simultaneously providing students with leadership, mentorship, and social advocacy training. Not only did my inclusion and participation in this program transform my writing abilities to a level never met before, but it also made me understand the significance of self and how applying yourself along with your background, story, identity, or any other part of what makes you, you, an integral part in discussion, or even in carrying on an administrative task. VIPS instilled the value of critical thinking beyond pen and paper, and into my everyday life. Throughout the course of the program, I received multiple compliments regarding my speaking and writing abilities, both executed in a way that expresses my intelligence and personality at the same time, which is essential to display in any leadership position.
Coming back on campus my junior year, I decided it was time to step my game up and apply myself in a way I hadn’t done in front of the general public, in an entire year. Every morning, I would wake up at 5 am for school to arrive for my 0 period, Academic Decathlon, on time. During the season, I actively made an effort to read packets, study, and collaborate with my fellow decathletes; which paid off in the end after winning 2 public speaking medals. Through team networking, I was permitted the opportunity to gain insight into something that was foreign to me and develop experience with the help of my peers over time. Deviating from the academic elements, I, already being a junior class cabinet member entering school, joined the youth advisory council directed under district board member, Nick Melvoin, where I integrated my ideas and perspective as a Westchester student behind the scenes of policy-making processes and distinctive school-revolved blueprints. Amplifying my voice along with other students in LAUSD allowed me to employ my experiences and standpoint as a Black student attending an underfunded institution, as a foundation that would go a long way later in the future when it comes to debunking preconceived conceptions regarding Westchester, and even the school’s sustenance and improvement itself.
To be a successful president means to understand the significance of not constantly wanting to be in the limelight and not doing things solely for the title. Judgment is inevitable, people will always find something to critique, but true leaders do not need public attention to provide validation for every little change enacted or task fulfilled. A true leader works under any condition, reaction received or not, it doesn’t matter because they’re investing their time and efforts for the greater good of their community. Fulfilling a leadership role means to be like me— to actively seek opportunities that not only vitalize myself but also my entire community, through establishing connections and operating as a liaison. I perceive the presidential role as an obligation that requires confidence in order to function on the basis of partnership and interconnection. As president, you can “talk the talk” all you want to, but if you can’t “walk the walk,” then what is the point? If there is anything I can confidently promise as a rising senior running for this presidential office, it’s that I will never back down. In fact, I almost backed down from applying for this role until I came to the realization that I deserve a shot at running for this position, and that I need to believe in me, which is why I, Dion Lymuel, am running for ASB president 2022 to 2023.
