The biggest buzzword on campus is undeniably leadership. It gets tossed in every other sentence at Jesuit: Freshman Retreat LEADER, Peer Assistance and LEADERSHIP, Ignatian Service LEADERS, etc. Why is it that Jesuit places such a premium on leadership, and what does it mean to be an effective leader as a Man For Others?
Despite the arguments that “colleges look for leadership responsibilities” and “leadership is great for your resume,” leadership is often exactly the opposite of “resume” building opportunities. Leadership is doing the right thing when nobody’s watching; it’s often about the things that colleges and employers cannot see. How do you pursue leadership at Jesuit, then? First above all, you don’t need a fancy title like President or Captain, though those are nice to have. To be a leader is simple: to be a leader, all you have to do is to “be the change you wish to see in the world” (Gandhi). Seriously, it’s that easy. You have to find your “why,” what you believe is right, and seek to further it in the lives of others. If you become a President or a Captain in the process, great. Leadership, however, is the process of building a community, not obtaining a title.
Being a leader is standing up for what you believe, helping those you serve, and protecting others. It is helping your friend with a broken leg who needs help carrying his books to class, cleaning up in the cafeteria, or helping a friend study. It is for these reasons that Jesuit puts such an emphasis on leadership; leadership is the most accessible means to be a Man for Others.
Senior Blake Woodard embodies the ideal of selfless leadership as the Editor In Chief of the Roundup. In a recent interview, Woodard stated that “people view leadership in their minds as one person commanding and leading a large group of people to success. However, it’s more about listening and taking in ideas for the best possible outcome.”
Senior Patrick Bennett, the Student Body VP for the 2021-2022 school year, stated that “after all, leadership is about service and advancing the interests of those you serve,” evidencing the importance of making a genuine impact rather than seeking recognition from top-tier colleges.
Find your “why,” surround yourself with others dedicated to the same ideals, and seek to make a lasting impact on the community. That is how you become a leader, and, more importantly, a Man for Others.
