Prompt #1- Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time. (349 words)
Ever since I was 5 years old, my favorite part of summer was going to camp. I could not wait to exit the car, chubby arms flailing, and fling myself into the arms of a familiar counselor. Summer camp, what heaven!!
By the time I was 12 years old, my friends and I thought that playing the same games, creating art projects and repeating the same exercises in tennis and swimming was monotonous and no longer exciting. I tried asking the counselors to vary the activities to make them more entertaining and fun. They told me they were following the rules and that I would have to become a counselor if I wanted to convince the director to make changes. I promised myself that I would become a counselor as soon as I could and make camp fun again.
Two years later, I was finally old enough and was asked to become a counselor. By then, I had developed a good relationship with the camp director. Overcoming my initial anxiety, I presented my ideas to her, which included new activities like skateboarding, cooking, and drama classes. I proposed the idea of a barbecue every Friday to which the parents would be invited and have the opportunity to see their kids participate in activities. I also came up with the idea of Starry Nights on the weekends so the kids could eat pizza and ice cream, watch movies and play on the obstacle course in the pool. Somewhat to my surprise, she agreed and told me she would consider my ideas on redesigning the kids’ program. This experience taught me to step up and not be afraid to advocate for others.
Over the next year, all my ideas were put into place and more children than ever signed up because of the fun new activities. The camp director praised my leadership ability and initiative in coming up with ways to improve camp life. As a result, the 12-year-olds love coming to camp and say they can’t wait to become counselors themselves. Summer camp, what heaven again!!