I do a variety of activities, but the ones that always stick out to me are the ones I get to lead.

I love being a leader. I truly believe there is no better feeling than helping others, teachingand making a difference in someone’s life. High school was my perfect outlet to do this with a plethora of new clubs, sports, and academic teams to get involved with. For me, this meant doing things like becoming a Peer Group Leader, joining Orchesis dance group, and of course writing for The Oracle.

Leadership is scattered all throughout my life and nothing fulfills me quite as much. But whenever I mention my leadership positions, I often hear the same response.

“I bet that looked great on your Common App.”

With this perspective, my passions are reduced to just a line on my college application, a strategic choice. While it is easy to get swept up in college when choosing activities, especially leadership positions, leadership can mean so much more if you decenter the college focus of activities.

My leadership at South has taught me skills that will benefit my future far further than my college application. Leadership can help develop both professional and personal skills such as negotiation, self-confidence, uniqueness, and communication, according to a Wilmington College news article.

Each group teaches me something new, all while exploring something I love even further.

I am only in high school, but I already see my leadership skills helping with my relationships and daily-life, as well as in preparing for my future.

I encourage everyone to be a leader, but not just for your college resume. Leadership positions can also each teach you a important life skills, so seek those opportunities out and take advantage of all that they can teach you.