Leadership, service and character are extremely important to me. I cannot make a difference in the world without these three attributes. They are the pillars of people like President Obama and Bill Gates. I would not be the person I am today if I had not realized the importance of these three traits. They will help me succeed in anything. Most importantly, they will help me recognize my full potential and create a path to a successful, meaningful and happy life. Leadership is defined as “guiding a group.” To me, leadership is when someone pushes a group in the direction that's best for everyone. Leadership is about being selfless and caring about what is best for group members. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot for doing what was best for the people who followed him. When I was captain of a Knowledge Bowl team, I missed a round even though I was the best competitor on the team. I did it because, for our team, competition was more important than winning. We had seven players, but only six could participate in a round. I decided that since there were seven competitions, one player would be absent for one round. As president of TRAC. (Adolescent Reading Advisory Board). Each year I organize and manage fundraisers so our group can purchase books for the school library. I also make sure our members have fun and that we have enough money to go out to lunch at the end of the year. This year, I am also junior class treasurer. It's a tough job and I ran unopposed because no one was willing to work hard for the good of our entire class. I collect class dues and organize all the money that comes in and out of our junior class account. I make sure our class has enough money for a trip and look for a good d...... middle of paper ...... character is extremely important because without it people would fall into chaos . Imagine a world where no one protects themselves and lies all the time. Character is necessary to become a good person, because without honor there is shame, without courage there is cowardice, and without integrity there is deception. Character, service and leadership are all very important virtues. It takes character to be a good person. I believe that the qualities of integrity, honor and courage are essential to success in life. I am strongly involved in service because I consider service to be the basis of human kindness. I strive to be an example of leadership in everything I do. I hope that by leading people I can make a difference and change the world for the better. I believe these three pillars will help me realize all my ambitions and, ideally, all my dreams..