A character without confidence remains a candle without a wick for then there exists no light and no benefit, neither to itself nor to others, for without confidence the best qualities will remain unearthed, lost in the dark. Therefore does it follow that my major strength is my confidence and ability to compete at higher levels in the different facets of my life, be it in the sphere of culture, academics or sports. Confidence and self-belief are areas that are showcased the best in a competitive environment and I firmly believe that competition and the ability to face challenges bring out the best in me.
The post of ‘Games Captain’ was a recognition awarded precisely for my abilities on the field be it in the successful execution of the game in itself or the spirit of sportsmanship, a lesson every competitor must face at some point or the other. The post has given me an opportunity to better exploit my skills and capabilities while developing a sense of understanding and leadership. It has taught me the important lesson of patience while managing people of different tendencies and it was the task of molding the myriad perspectives into a single and unified force that remained my true challenge. The other challenge however was to understand the requirements and ambitions of the student body and how in the capacity of their representative would I be able to fulfill them. A captain has many a hat to don and many a role to essay thus, did I in my role as leader have to maintain discipline while living up to the expectations of my teachers.
Inter-school and inter-college events required a different approach; innovative ideas were the need of the day be it in conducting events or the process of putting our best foot forward. Good opportunities to represent the collective talents of the school had to be identified in which we could best demonstrate our strengths and even hone our weaknesses to potential skills. The abilities of the students had to be kept in mind lest we set the stage for disappointment in overestimating our talents and in the atmosphere of enthusiasm this was also a major challenge.
Organizing the smaller events in the beginning of the season proved to be a training ground to perfect my skills in marketing and people management, which proved useful especially in the execution of the ‘Annual School Sports Meet’, where sponsors were sought after and best appropriation of the funds the number one priority. Thought processes and creative talent were greatly enhanced during the duration of the met while giving me an opportunity to better understand people and relationships in my capacity as a leader.
Success alone does not make a person whole; I believe that it is that which we give back to society that ultimately completes our lives. I do not believe in ‘chequebook’ charity alone but the physical presence that proves to be comforting to many of the underprivileged and destitute of our world. It was the truth of the above that I learnt while being a part of the school outreach programme, when we visited a home for the aged and where people yearned not for our bank deposits but for a word or look that said we cared. The experience I believe has made me a better person as it has made me appreciate the finer things in life such as love and family, it has also added to my knowledge on how to deal with different people and I believe that I am a better communicator because of the same. Another outreach programme acquainted me with people from another spectrum—prisoners in a penitentiary. The interaction with the hardened inmates has had a critical influence on the way I view the multitude of personalities that exist in our society today.
I believe that I can better understand problems that I have fortunately never personally experienced because of the above while again developing a keener sense of understanding as to the different kind of personalities, leading to the cultivation of better relationships with the same. Both experiences have helped me perfect my skills in people management, which I believe, will help me play an important role in the University, particularly in activities that involve teamwork.
Through my experiences as a leader I have realized that life is what we make it. Character and efficiency lend to a person a continuance in whatever that person might undertake while believing in the above I also believe that both contribute to the making of a person and contribute towards all that person may undertake.
In conclusion I would like to dwell on what motivates me in life; I draw inspiration from “Ignited Minds”, a recent book authored by the President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and I quote, “why given all our skills, resources and talents we, so obviously capable of being the best, settle for the worst”. The premise that the potential for the best is often squandered is one that I would never want to see manifest in my life; thus, do I expect nothing short of the best from life and all it has to offer while making sure that every opportunity life has to offer is undertaken zealously to ensure a personal best every time.
--kshama
