How My Boy Scout Experience Shaped Me as a Leader

Everyone has something that sets them apart and shapes their character. I have put forth constant dedication and countless hours of service to others within my community through my abilities as a leader. I began honing in on my leadership skills through the multiple tests of will and mental ability involved with being a leader in Boy Scouts.

The tests of leadership that I experienced through Boy Scouts has allowed me to shape the way I present myself to my peers and mentors in and outside of school. I am currently the President of Health Occupation Students of America, the Vice-President of the National Honor Society, and the Vice-President of the Science National Honor Society at Gulf Breeze High School. These roles that I have been elected to are allowing me to do what I love: be able to help others by showing them the morally straight way. These opportunities as a leader have given me significant experiences that have allowed for my character to grow and has instilled valuable morals.

My intense dedication toward Boy Scouts has opened countless and unforgettable opportunities to be able to experience the world through my own perceptions rather than through a phone screen. Through volunteer projects I have been able to create artificial reefs for marine life, travel to the Appalachian Trail for trail maintenance, and the travel to the Florida Keys for reef conservation. I have been fortunate to be able to participate in such experiences, for these volunteer projects have created lasting memories on my character making it truly worthwhile to live by the Scout Oath and Law.

Volunteering has been a big part of how I was brought up, always trying to make the world a little bit better for those around me. I began volunteering at Gulf Breeze Hospital working within the operating room (O.R.). I have volunteered over three-hundred hours within the O.R. The opportunity that I was given to help serve Gulf Breeze Hospital has shown me the value that every contribution holds, big or small. Not only has working in the hospital increased my compassion and empathy for others, this experience has allowed me to keep my inner fire ablaze, knowing that with hard-work and dedication I will continuously be able to see the value of providing care to those in need.

Leadership is not something that you are born with, but rather it is something that you seek to learn. The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers. My experiences throughout school, clubs, and Boy Scouts have provide me with the foundation I need to begin educating and shaping the next generation of leaders. I plan to help create a generation of leaders built upon improving their community through meaningful service. As a leader, I am tough on myself and I raise standards for everybody; I want people to excel at what they are doing so they can aspire to be a leader in the future.