Many people fight to be on the top. some want to be class presidents, others want to be mayors, governors or even presidents of state. I want none of that. Luckily, I learnt my lesson at an early age.I had just started grade four, I had the best grades in class, and this automatically made me class captain. Though I did not want that position, I could not refuse it. I had an obligation to carry out. On a sunny midday, the teacher was not around, and this was an opportunity for everyone to make noise and have fun. The situation was chaotic, and I was unable to bring order to class. when the teacher came, she asked me for the names of those that were making noise, and I did not have them. In her fury she decided to whip me as an example, and I had to kneel down for the rest of the day. Since then, I swore to never be a class captain.
When I went to secondary school, there was no democracy or even freedom in choosing student leaders. The administration would choose candidates, and we would vote for them. but even before the voting, eaders had already been chosen. the worst part was that once you were chosen, you could not go back. you would turn into a pawn of the administration. Sometimes, the action you were forced to do separated you from your friends and it did not even guarantee any privilege from the administration. At times you were a lowly being, being forced to do things you do not want with no one to turn to.
Looking at these systems, I was frightened. I could not understand why grades mandated who will be a leader and who will not. after all leadership does not depend on academic excellence. I was repelled by how leaders were used by the administration to accomplish their deeds. And i never wanted to be anyone's pawn.
So who is a leader?
When I went to secondary school, there was no democracy or even freedom in choosing student leaders. The administration would choose candidates, and we would vote for them. but even before the voting, eaders had already been chosen. the worst part was that once you were chosen, you could not go back. you would turn into a pawn of the administration. Sometimes, the action you were forced to do separated you from your friends and it did not even guarantee any privilege from the administration. At times you were a lowly being, being forced to do things you do not want with no one to turn to.
Looking at these systems, I was frightened. I could not understand why grades mandated who will be a leader and who will not. after all leadership does not depend on academic excellence. I was repelled by how leaders were used by the administration to accomplish their deeds. And i never wanted to be anyone's pawn.
So who is a leader?
I did not understand the difference between being a leader, and having a leadership position until I joined the Leadership club. At first I was afraid to join the club, because I thought I was signing up to be someone's pawn. As the leadership sessions continued, I got to understand the true meaning of leadership- doing the right thing. This meant to know the right words to say, the right decision to take, and the right lifestyles to adopt. It implied living life to your own terms, but aiming for the greater good. And in the end, people will be inspired by your actions. they will try to walk in your footsteps, and they might even elect you for a leadership position.
Since then my thinking changed drastically, and I now aim to live according to my principle, and maybe inspire someone.
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