College...
Colleges ask for A LOT now-a-days. Despite the fact that you've got to be in the top 10th percentile of your high school, you've got to be involved with community service, hold leadership positions, take AP courses, do some type sport or music, volunteer for this and that, make a specific score on the SAT or ACT PLUS writing, have work experience... What do they really want?
I, myself, am not the biggest assertive, "leadery" type of person you can find. If anything I stay away from the leadership roles. Does that mean I have no hope within getting into the college I desire. I do have magnificent grades (if I do say so myself), but will these admission officers just look at my application, surpass my GPA and deny me because I have no work experience? Or because I didn't do so well on the SAT. Generally there are much more to people than just a piece of paper.
Now I'm not making excuses for the things I don't like doing or just don't have the ability to do. But not every Tom, Dick, and Harry out there is meant to be a leader. We need those "silent but deadly" souls to make things really happen. A leader can't really be a leader if he/she doesn't have anybody to lead...right?
*Sigh* I guess the point I'm trying to get across is I'm a little scared. I'm doing the best that I can to better myself and prepare myself for the future. My heart and soul is dying to be accepted to the college of my choice. Then, there's always that little voice saying... maybe it's just not enough.
When applying to college, maybe you should include an essay describing why you do not have a lot of work experience and why you would make an excellent addition to their school. This should help them to overlook some of the other little things. They won't know unless you tell them.
today's socity just tries to make you work your butt off to be able to get into college or university and to get everything paid that's kind of like a dream for most of us. I totaly understand how you feel.
than merely leadership positions.
don't forget about leaing by positive examples. when it comes time to write your essay, highlight your experiences being a good example for your peers to follow. just because you're not bellicose and outgoing doesn't mean you're not a leader in your own way!