What I Have Learned About Leadership

In my ninth grade English class, the unit we are studying is the novel The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.  In this novel, the author is trying to show us as the readers the struggles and hardships of African Americans during and after the Civil War.  There were many things I learned from reading this novel, such as; the importance of man's freedom, self respect, education, and leadership.  The one I learned most about would have to be leadership.  I learned that being a leader isn't just something you are born into, you should work for it and strive for excellence.  In the book there are many characters that are leadership material.  There were African Americans who were trying to be politicians shortly after the war, trying to own land and start there own business, give inspirational speeches and stop segregation, and even joining the army during the Cuban War just to serve their country, no matter how much animosity was between the white people and the black people during that time.  This has taught me very much about leadership, and how no matter who you are, if you try hard enough and don't give up, you can achieve great things.