Before I began high school, I felt that I was more of a follower than a leader. It was only in my freshman year of high school that I decided to pursue leadership positions in the activities I was passionate about, after learning that obtaining leadership roles was vital for college applications. As I pursued more leadership opportunities, I quickly learned that the benefits of gaining leadership experience were not limited to college applications; leadership roles allow students to develop their overall character and explore their passions more deeply.

When students take on leadership roles, they enter situations where they must be adaptable, empathetic and open-minded. In order to lead a group efficiently, a leader has to understand the minds of the individuals that they are leading. This way, the leader is well-liked by the group and the group is on the same page as the leader when accomplishing group goals. Leadership positions also encourage students to make a change instead of passively observing the world around them, which can instill responsibility, confidence and courage in students. These traits are crucial for high schoolers to learn as they move towards their future career paths.

Along with boosting soft skills, leadership opportunities allow students to become more involved in activities that they are passionate about. Students with leadership positions in clubs organize events and present their ideas to other club members. Through these experiences, they are able to gain a stronger understanding of their club’s purpose and future. They are also motivated to contribute actively to their club.

It’s easy to reject leadership opportunities because you think you’re meant to be a follower instead of a leader. However, whether you’re a natural-born leader or follower, you should aim to gain leadership experience for personal growth.