Inspiration to be a leader: Camp Counselor Colby by Sunjae

Inspiration to be a leader: Camp Counselor Colby by Sunjae - January 2025 Scholarship Essay

One person who has inspired me to be a leader was my old 4-H camp counselor, Colby. He was my very first counselor when I was at the ripe old age of 9, but I could instantly tell there was something special about him. Although I only knew him for a few weeks, he was my very first inspiration of a true leader. What truly stood out about Colby was that he had an incredible ability to make everyone feel included, whether it be a team activity or a campfire. Before I had met Colby, I never really had the passion to become a leader and devote my life to serving others, but when I met Colby, my entire mindset flipped. From him, I learned that leaders inspire by building trust, leading with kindness, and putting the needs of their team above their own. Ever since I was a kid, my parents would always tell me, “The purpose of life is to give it away”. To this day, I live by this simple yet profound quote, as it has shaped my perspective on leadership, community service, and personal growth. To me, leadership is not just about guiding others – it’s about creating opportunities for growth, building connections, and addressing challenges that hinder progress. Colby has also had a great academic impact on my life, as he inspired me to further my education in order to be helpful to others. Even now, as I take on leadership roles in life, I try to embody Colby’s approach; I strive to make others feel valued, stay adaptable, and create a positive environment – just like he did for me. Being a Student Leader is not just a title to me, it’s a responsibility to lead with integrity, empathy, and above all, a true purpose to help others.