Essay on Chevening Scholarships – Part 1: Future Leaders of Home Countries

Indonesia Mengglobal Essay Clinic is our effort to provide tangible help for Indonesian applicants who want to study abroad. This essay clinic is not meant to showcase ‘the perfect essay’, but by analyzing other people’s essays (what works, what does not work, what’s good, what’s bad), we hope you can learn how to write an effective application essay and how to continuously improve your own essay. We also accept essay submissions. Click here to learn on how to participate!!

Note on the Essay

The Essay

To achieve success at a young age is what most people would aspire to. However, making an impact within the organization is an equally important aspiration to me. As per today, the most substantial and satisfying leadership achievement of my life is one that isn’t a workplace accomplishment. It involved volunteering for a cause that I believe in and being able to accomplish a goal that has helped achieve organization’s goals.

My remarkable leadership development process unexpectedly started in 2011 when I had lunch with my college friends. A friend of mine shared her unforgettable exchange experience that has inspired me to join [NAME OF ORG]. After enrolling in [NAME OF ORG], [NAME OF PROJECT] Project was my first exchange experience where I was an English Language and Culture Assistant. Instead of lecturer, government staff or partner representative, my key target had transformed into international students who barely knew English. This was a defining moment for me, as I felt unprepared as a leader. “How can I develop a child whose opening greeting to me is an ignorance?” I thought. Since I always embark on a new venture with great enthusiasm, my high energy level enables me to motivate people, get along with everyone and create a fun and supportive environment. This can be projected in my method to approach students by creating a friendly get-together with ice cream served as an icebreaker. I carried out further sessions in the congenial setting of the school park and the students slowly opened up after I shared my life experiences. I was able to earn their trust by being honest yet fun.

I had to constantly remind myself reasons of this journey, which are to test my boundaries to develop as a person and make a positive impact in other people’s lives, no matter how small. Although the project was anything but easy, it was worth it when the individuals who took part in my classes came and told me that they had enjoyed and learned something new that they may use in their lives.

Personally, I progressed as a leader by tackling dynamic challenges. I was forced to step out of my comfort zone to grow and later I discovered that I had changed from a talker to a doer. Instead of complaining about how awful and unfair the world is, I learned how to act. Despite my miniscule efforts, I always remind myself that my actions have a ripple effect that can grow larger beyond my expectations.
Upon my return home, I gained confidence to run for higher position in [NAME OF ORG], which was to become [NAME OF POSITION]. In my tenure, I had not only increased the number of exchange participants but also matured as a leader by learning that leading is as much about accomplishing your objective as it is about holding your team together and developing others. These profound experiences have helped me to progress in my professional career.

Review from Anggun Armia, recipient of Chevening Scholarship 2014, M.Sc. Royal Holloway University of London,