外教谈Leadership

When someone thinks of a leader, many images come to mind: a politician, a CEO, an army general(陆军上将), and many more. A leadership role is never easy. In fact, it is a challenge — a good challenge — that requires hard work, dedication(奉献), recognition(认知) and self-image awareness(自我意识). Because peers(同龄人) look up to leaders to set good examples, leaders often build good self-esteem(自尊心) throughout the experience and this self-esteem will carry over(持续).---Charles CowartFor high school, areas of leadership opportunities can be found within athletics(体育), theatre(戏剧), band, employment, community service(社区服务), political organizations, tutoring(辅导) and so on.

Student leaders are characterized as(被认为) resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters(发起人) of school activities, idea-contributors(创意发起人), dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life-in other words, model candidates for higher learning. In addition - hard work, accomplishment(成就), and recognition are vital factors in positive self-image.

By taking on positions of responsibility at school and in their communities, students will feel genuinely(真正的) good about themselves-which is just as important as looking impressive to admissions officers; not only do leadership roles boost college applications tremendously(非常的), they also help students succeed in college and beyond. A significant leadership role or two can make the difference between a decent application and a stellar(优秀的) one.

For college there are also some benefits. Student leadership in college often involves(包含) working with college faculty and staff. Each student organization has a college adviser. As a student leader, you will have the opportunity to develop strong relationships with professionals(专业人士) who can serve as a reference(参考) or open doors to other leadership possibilities. You may also meet alumni(校友) and potential hiring(录用) officials who interact with your organization. Becoming a student leader will help you build a strong resume that showcases(展示) how you can make things happen and how you work well with others. A resume that is packed with a variety of leadership experiences demonstrates(演示) the special gifts and talents that set you apart from other candidates.

As mentioned before(正如之前提到的), leadership can benefit a student not only in high school and college, but in their professional life. A 2004 study at the University of California Santa Barbara found that people with leadership roles in high school are more likely to hold managerial(管理的) positions as adults, earning higher incomes than those in non-leadership roles.

The personal rewards for developing one’s leadership potential are many, but the societal(社会的) benefits of effective leaders may be even more significant. The call for more effective leaders must not be ignored. Perhaps at no other time in history has there been a greater challenge for positive human interaction and ethical(伦理的) leadership. These goals are critical to the progress of humankind.

---Charles Cowart ​