Are smaller scale leadership roles valued by USAFA?

[phillips77]

Hello,
I am in high school, with hopes of attending the Air Force Academy one day. I understand that they value leadership in their candidates. I am in marching band at my high school where I play the tuba, and one of the members of the tuba section asked me if I wanted help him direct a youth band for his church. He and I gathered members (it was him mostly), and then he put the rest into my hands. Currently, I am the band director of my church's youth band that has about 9 members total. My roles include: arranging music for performances, scheduling rehearsals and performances, teaching music skills to the students in the program, conducting, and answering questions that any members / parents have. From my perspective, this leadership experience is extremely valuable, as the band is an entity whos life depends on my decisions and efforts. However, this experience is on a very small scale. How would USAFA view this experience? Would they view it highly because of the challenges that I had to face as a leader and the efforts I had to make, or would they view it lower because of its small scale?

Thank you for reading.

 

[99Gold]

I'm not in USAFA admissions so I have no idea how they would view it, but it seems like a great leadership activity from my perspective! I've always encouraged my boys to follow their passions and it seems like you are doing just that. With all of your responsibilities, it doesn't look small scale to me.

 

[justdoit19]

If I was talking to you, I would be impressed! Starting something from scratch is a big deal. And does take lots of leadership (and also demonstrates organization, time management -especially since it’s outside of the structured school day-, etc) and offers opportunities for learning what works, what doesn’t work, etc.

Don’t discount it bc of its physical size. Pull out ALL the positives. You post offers an almost ‘dismissive’ tone. Don’t do that when the time comes.

There is leadership everywhere. And a leader, leads. And starting something, imo, is impressive. There are challenges and opportunities unique to a start up club, than stepping into a well established and structured program.

Let your moments shine Whatever, and wherever, they are.

 

[TIME2GO]

I agree with the first replies. I am impressed by what you have taken on and your way of articulating your responsibilities of the role. It does not appear to be "small scale" leadership at all for a high school student. You could be class president of 800 kids but if you have few responsibilities and little involvement it doesn't mean much. Don't diminish yourself. Continue on and continue to improve.

 

[MDRDV]

In my opinion you should make this a key point in your future application. As described, this checks the leadership box as well as band. Admissions will be building a class to fill various aspects of a student body. One of those areas I'm sure is the USAFA band.

 

[Academician]

I would encourage you to continue to seek other opportunities, too. Plus, look for ways to expand the role or a similar role. I tell my students that it is typically 'easier' to expand a role (or find new roles) inside the groups in which you participate now. However, you may find new ones by keeping your 'radar up' just as you did with this opportunity. The old saying from Ben Franklin is "if you want something done, ask a busy person." As 'a busy person,' you will learn to do more with your time and become a great resource for others to rely upon. Best of luck with this new role and others in the future!

 

[phillips77]

I would encourage you to continue to seek other opportunities, too. Plus, look for ways to expand the role or a similar role. I tell my students that it is typically 'easier' to expand a role (or find new roles) inside the groups in which you participate now. However, you may find new ones by keeping your 'radar up' just as you did with this opportunity. The old saying from Ben Franklin is "if you want something done, ask a busy person." As 'a busy person,' you will learn to do more with your time and become a great resource for others to rely upon. Best of luck with this new role and others in the future!

This is great advice. I will do my best to expand upon this role, thank you!

 

[HCopter]

You set a wonderful example of taking the opportunity to start something.

If you haven't already done so, i'd make a manual and cite that as well. Succession planning and how not only did you start something, you made sure it will go forward for the next leader into perpetuity.