This is my essay which I wrote during the STI College's Regional Tagisan ng Talino Tournament (sadly I didn't won lol).
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Alexander the Great. Napoleon Bonaparte. George Washington. What do these names have in common? Apparently, these are very notable names. These names have been immortalized since their own eras, and their faces and busts are scattered everywhere in the world. Writers and historians, although remarkable themselves, have these names imprinted on their great books. Towns and cities and even abstract things like months are named after them. But one may ask, "Who are they? What kind of deeds did these men do for them to be glorified way beyond their lifetimes?" Yes, these great men were leaders. During those times when the world was being formed as it is today, Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte, George Washington, and many others led their people to triumph and glory. As they shed blood for the sake of many, their names are forever etched on history. Yet, an age-old question arises, "Are leaders born or made?" To answer that question, one must understand the true value of leadership.
Certainly, leadership is essential for a leader to rule his or her people. A leader who lacks leadership is similar to a ship without a wheel. Hence, to make a good leader, one must manifest the basic traces of leadership and apply it first to himself or herself. Of course, being a leader isn't all about power and influence. Benevolent leaders often start unparalled reigns; their eras are naturally revered as the best examples of good governance by the people. However, leadership comes with a very high price. Whether it is a trait bestowed by the Creator or an attribute that can be attained through education, there remains a fact that some of the individuals who possessed it is driven by their desire to rule and to be feared. This very fact adds more pressure to the long-sought answer for a question that has been a matter of debate since time immemorial.
On the one hand, leaders may be born with the trait of leadership in them. For instance, a father of a child whose leadership characteristics are way above the average can say leaders are predestined. Certain individuals who showcase outstanding leadership skills are naturally considered as leaders since birth. One can also throw student council presidents, organization heads, and class overseers on that lot and still be named Leaders' Bonanza. Perhaps, these kinds of people are born in the same womb - a womb that only screams leadership. A father of a child allegedly born with a trait sought by many but only few can possess must be very proud. But did the fathers of Alexander, Napoleon, and George thought that their sons will be the future rulers and revolutionizers of their time?
On the other hand, education may implant the value of leadership in very rare individuals who are willing to learn. Despite the lack of innate abilities and skills, aspiring leaders can be taught how to train themselves to become a ruler. As one of the best examples one can think of, Her Royal Highness Princess Diana, who were once an ordinary woman who lived an ordinary life, managed to bring herself the realization of people's dreams. She was oblivious to the principles of good governance or the ways on how to rule the United Kingdom, but the Princess herself was willing to use the name Diana to be a vessel of benevolence and manifest it through charity works and knowing what her kingdom needs the most. She wasn't born a royal, but somehow, through God's help, proper education, and self-determination, the late Princess Diana's deeds is remembered long after her most shocking death.
Ultimately, leaders, whether they are born or made, must have three five things that are more valuable than a gold and more precious than a jewel. First, a leader must possess eyes that can see the hard work of his or her people. Second, a leader must have ears that are open to any kind of criticism and suggestion. Third, a leader must have a tongue that speaks not about his or her own greatness just to satisfy the need for egotism, but is more than happy to praise his or her subjects for they are the heart of the nation. Fourth, a leader is required to have the proper mind to think about the best ways of governing his or her people. Lastly, a leader must posses the heart of a humble follower, willing to do anything for the sake of the good, and for the sake of his or her holdings. Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte, and George Washington, whether they were born rulers or not, made the same choice. By the way, I am sorry, for I don't believe in fate. But God has given me something more powerful than fate or destiny: the choice of becoming a leader.