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Initial Letter |
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About a month of school has passed, and I’m hoping for the best, especially with how the year started off. It’s been a roller coaster, most days packed with homework and zooms, and very few suspiciously barren of any work at all. I’ve gone through some lovely, productive days, and others where I find myself resting, still worried about finishing my work. But every day has a commonality, and it’s my mindset: to realistically romanticize life. I don’t fool myself into thinking that I’ll have the time of my life doing zooms all day, but I find the small things to love. I’m in the comfort of my own home, my bed quite literally a few feet away. The kitchen’s nearby if I want a snack. There’s even half an hour between classes, so I could take a quick nap if need be!
When Corona forced schools to close back in March, I finally realized that time is so precious, I shouldn’t waste it wanting to be better, I should spend it striving to be better. Our training with Scott really helped with this. He opened my eyes (also managing to make me feel like both a wonderful and horrible person at the same time), and I truly admire how he was so great at connecting with us, his audience. It’s a shame he had to pull the whole “I’m actually from Escalon” prank on us.
My expectations for the year are that if it continues virtually, it’ll basically be the same as it has been this first month. Just a series of zooms and work on repeat. But if we manage to go hybrid, or even completely back to school, I would expect things to pick up, with activities and events, and while it seems like a lot of work, I would love to just experience it all. However, we don’t know what the future holds, so we just have to stay flexible. What I ultimately hope to get out of this program, this whole year, is to feel more at ease with myself and my capabilities while still connecting with others. More specifically, I hope to feel more confident in speaking with other leaders and our audience, to balance the give and take in my life, and to develop strong, lasting connections with people, not just those quick, stuffy, formal greetings that have no personality to them.
My main goal is always to thrive, which is why I got the word etched onto my bracelet. It’s a reminder that there’s a point to romanticizing life. Some do it for aesthetics, or to blindly hope and not follow through, and I couldn’t imagine living like that. I do it to see the positive side of things, to find that joy and cherish it, because there’s always something to appreciate.
When Corona forced schools to close back in March, I finally realized that time is so precious, I shouldn’t waste it wanting to be better, I should spend it striving to be better. Our training with Scott really helped with this. He opened my eyes (also managing to make me feel like both a wonderful and horrible person at the same time), and I truly admire how he was so great at connecting with us, his audience. It’s a shame he had to pull the whole “I’m actually from Escalon” prank on us.
My expectations for the year are that if it continues virtually, it’ll basically be the same as it has been this first month. Just a series of zooms and work on repeat. But if we manage to go hybrid, or even completely back to school, I would expect things to pick up, with activities and events, and while it seems like a lot of work, I would love to just experience it all. However, we don’t know what the future holds, so we just have to stay flexible. What I ultimately hope to get out of this program, this whole year, is to feel more at ease with myself and my capabilities while still connecting with others. More specifically, I hope to feel more confident in speaking with other leaders and our audience, to balance the give and take in my life, and to develop strong, lasting connections with people, not just those quick, stuffy, formal greetings that have no personality to them.
My main goal is always to thrive, which is why I got the word etched onto my bracelet. It’s a reminder that there’s a point to romanticizing life. Some do it for aesthetics, or to blindly hope and not follow through, and I couldn’t imagine living like that. I do it to see the positive side of things, to find that joy and cherish it, because there’s always something to appreciate.
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Quotes: Part I |
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“Good decisions come from experience, experience comes from bad decisions.” - Mark Twain
I feel like this is important not only in my own life but for other people to hear as well. As a perfectionist, I’ve found myself in a pattern of not wanting to make mistakes. However, there’s no room for growth if you don't make those mistakes, because you'll never develop the skills to bounce back from something going wrong. When I was younger, I found myself being afraid of failure because I didn’t like making mistakes. I would avoid situations that had a chance of me losing, like board games. But I’m proud to say I’ve grown in my willingness to take risks, and occasionally make bad decisions, because that’s how you learn and figure out how to be a problem solver. |
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” - C.S. Lewis
I find this relevant because it’s a reminder that it’s never too late to start over. You can’t change the past, so don’t fret over it too much, just make the decision now to change. It reminds me a lot of character development, and that’s not just something from books. Real life character development is a very real and important thing. It’s never too late to make an effort. This really impacted my life, especially with Corona. Back in March, I treated the break like an extended vacation, but then I decided to shape up. I started eating much healthier, working out, and I was much more content with myself, and the life I was laying out for my future. |
“Gratitude helps you fall in love with the life you already have.” - Unknown
I definitely relate to this with my personal statement of realistically romanticizing life. To me, that phrase signifies that I will make an effort to find and appreciate the small things in life that we might take for granted. And this quote really supports that. In this day and age especially, we might find ourselves being materialistic and valuing tangible items over memories and experiences. But when we slow down and take a second to just be grateful for what we already have, then we'll find ourselves more at peace and ‘falling in love’ with life.
I definitely relate to this with my personal statement of realistically romanticizing life. To me, that phrase signifies that I will make an effort to find and appreciate the small things in life that we might take for granted. And this quote really supports that. In this day and age especially, we might find ourselves being materialistic and valuing tangible items over memories and experiences. But when we slow down and take a second to just be grateful for what we already have, then we'll find ourselves more at peace and ‘falling in love’ with life.
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Quotes: Part II |
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“Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.” - Kid President
A big aspect of being part of this program is setting an example and trying to make people feel included. We’re here to give back to the student body and make their voices heard. Especially with the pandemic putting a damper on everything, it’s imperative as ever to reach out to people and welcome them. Future students should keep in mind that it’s horrible to disregard others, and it takes nothing out of your day to be kind. This quote reminds us that we should be actively inclusive, and I think it’s important to reflect on that. Being there for others does more good for the heart than only thinking about yourself. It creates good habits, and cultivates an environment people will actually love rather than avoid. I've tried my best to be someone who reaches out and makes people feel welcome, because I know what it feels like to be left out, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. The biggest effort I've made in regards to Leadership wasn't through designing a truck or making a poster, but acknowledging others and including them.
A big aspect of being part of this program is setting an example and trying to make people feel included. We’re here to give back to the student body and make their voices heard. Especially with the pandemic putting a damper on everything, it’s imperative as ever to reach out to people and welcome them. Future students should keep in mind that it’s horrible to disregard others, and it takes nothing out of your day to be kind. This quote reminds us that we should be actively inclusive, and I think it’s important to reflect on that. Being there for others does more good for the heart than only thinking about yourself. It creates good habits, and cultivates an environment people will actually love rather than avoid. I've tried my best to be someone who reaches out and makes people feel welcome, because I know what it feels like to be left out, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. The biggest effort I've made in regards to Leadership wasn't through designing a truck or making a poster, but acknowledging others and including them.
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Goals |
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Connected to Leadership:
Short-Term Life:
Long-Term Future:
- Continue to be part of the program: I already feel like I’ve grown as a person, and it’s a lovely feeling to be part of boosting student morale. With book study, I’ve self reflected a lot more than I would’ve had I not been part of this program. But also, seeing that we can still plan events like Fall Fest while distance learning is inspirational, and I feel like we’re doing good in motivating students.
- Come back as an interviewer: This is something I haven’t even gone through yet, but I think it would be so wonderful to still be connected to Leadership even out of high school. Plus, if someone wants to pursue a career similar to whatever career I end up pursuing, I can help guide them so they don’t go in blind. I think it’d be great to be able to offer guidance to someone part of a program I was once in. I’d imagine it’s like leaving behind a little part of me to grow again with the program.
Short-Term Life:
- Spend high school well: I don’t want to look back on my teen years and have regrets, because I already have things I look back on, considering what could’ve been had I just made different choices. I want to enjoy these years as much as I can, because there’s a beauty to a small town. I’ve known many of my peers for a long time, and even the ones I might’ve met only a year ago, we have bonds as well. I just want to make the most of these years, where I’m not yet an adult dealing with bills and a legit job.
- Graduate from a good college: My definition of a ‘good’ college is one where I can pursue my education surrounded by a fun atmosphere, with a campus I fall in love with. It doesn’t take much for me to be in awe of my surroundings, because I find the oddest things beautiful. But I especially hope to be learning on a campus I love because I already know my classes aren’t always going to be fun, so I need to have an aspect that I can rely on to put me at ease.
Long-Term Future:
- Travel the world: Like so many people, I want to experience the wonders of the world, and immerse myself in other cultures. I want to be the tourist, the foreigner in another country. I think it would be so much fun to actually visit the sites we put so much emphasis on, like the Eiffel Tower, the Great Barrier Reef, Pyramids of Giza, and Machu Picchu. Plus, I have yet to travel via plane, so I think that would be a fun experience.
- Write a book: I love writing, and even if I don’t pursue a complete career in being an author, I do want to write a book at some point. It would most likely be romance, considering how much of a sap I am for the cliches. There’s just something so sweet about those plot lines.
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Goals: Part II |
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Connected to Leadership:
Short-Term Life:
Long-Term Future:
- This goal was to continue to be part of this program, which I’m on the way to doing. I applied for and earned the Junior VP position for next year, which is exciting. With in-person learning I’ve gotten more comfortable with the people in the program as well, which is nice, because it’ll put me more at ease next year.
- I can’t accomplish this goal for quite a while, because it was to come back as an interviewer. However, I think having my mock interview definitely helped me see what I would potentially be getting into, and I’m all for it. I had a fun time with my interviewer, and it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be, so I think being on the student side of things would help me be a better interviewer, if the time ever comes.
Short-Term Life:
- I think I’ve been spending my sophomore year fairly well, especially considering the adjustment from distance to in person and back again. Still haven’t done any sports, but I’ve come to terms with that, and the probability that I most likely won’t. So I’m focusing on establishing relationships more than ever, and being a welcoming person, even to strangers. I’ve made some closer friendships that I didn’t have prior to this year, and have been more extroverted than I tend to be, which I hope has made people feel welcome. It’s also helping me grow out of my shell, which will help me down the road.
- I’ve definitely put myself on the path to go to a good college, but I have a lot of more work to do, and execution of my goals. I signed up to take 4 APs next year, so as long as I do well in those, I should be on my way to a higher GPA and building my academic resume. I haven’t been able to visit any campuses in person, but I’ve done some looking online to get a feel for the atmosphere and architecture. I plan to visit some this summer, when I don’t have to worry about working around school, and I’ve talked to many people about their application process and college interviews.
Long-Term Future:
- I really couldn’t have done much toward this goal, with COVID restrictions and whatnot, but I’m still passionate about travelling. I would definitely like to travel the summer before I go off to college especially, but if I’m going out of the country I think I’ll need to renew my passport by then.
- I was writing a book at the beginning of the year, but haven’t had enough time consistently to get more progress on it. However, I have made some progress, and I’m excited to see where it’ll go once I get over my writer’s block. I’ve outlined a general plot I want to follow, but I like to write the details as I go. It’s a romance for sure, but of course, that’s just classic me.
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Magazine Cover and Article |
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Young engineer April Yan sat down for a one-on-one interview, telling us a little about herself. Starting off simple, we asked what drove her to this career. Yan explained that she was driven by her want to succeed in a field she knew she could handle and like. While she didn’t necessarily love her job, she enjoyed it, and didn’t feel like she settled.
And yet, she had a different passion. We all know the young woman as a reputable engineer, so what could this unknown passion of hers be? A significant other, perhaps? But of course, the ‘forever bachelorette’ as she deemed herself, had no hidden lover, just a fun way she spent her time. Yan revealed her guilty pleasure as writing, which was her ‘lovely way to relax’. When asked whether or not she would pursue a career in writing, she didn't say no, just, "We'll have to see." If anything, Yan said she would start off with romance, one of her own favorite genres to read. She commented that she was oddly ironic, since she had no desire to live the romances she loved to read and write. And to make matters even more confusing, one of Yan’s life mantras was to realistically romanticize life, a contradiction in |
itself! She confidently stood by her words, however, even as she explained that romanticizing sometimes got a reputation of being associated with people who couldn’t get their heads out of the clouds. Yan expressed that romanticizing, to her, was looking at something ‘normal,’ and giving it extra appreciation, because we tend to take normal for granted.
Yan tied this way of thinking into her career, telling us that it was part of the reason she enjoyed her job so much. Staying on the topic of her successful career, we discussed how she had quickly made a reputation for herself, even going over some of her best advice. She easily said that a genuine connection is everything, and could make or break whether or not you get put on a project.
A big believer in honest relationships, Yan explained that forming true connections was necessary all the time, in both personal and professional life. You had to make the effort to bond with someone to have a true relationship.
As the interview was closing up, we asked Yan one last question: whether or not she regretted any of the decisions she had made thus far. “Well you can’t live without making mistakes,” she laughed, “so of course I have regrets. My advice is to not dwell on them. It’s in the past, and if it can’t affect you now, then pay it no mind.”
Yan tied this way of thinking into her career, telling us that it was part of the reason she enjoyed her job so much. Staying on the topic of her successful career, we discussed how she had quickly made a reputation for herself, even going over some of her best advice. She easily said that a genuine connection is everything, and could make or break whether or not you get put on a project.
A big believer in honest relationships, Yan explained that forming true connections was necessary all the time, in both personal and professional life. You had to make the effort to bond with someone to have a true relationship.
As the interview was closing up, we asked Yan one last question: whether or not she regretted any of the decisions she had made thus far. “Well you can’t live without making mistakes,” she laughed, “so of course I have regrets. My advice is to not dwell on them. It’s in the past, and if it can’t affect you now, then pay it no mind.”
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Fall Fest |
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Role Model |
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Someone I admire greatly is my aunt. She’s a force to be reckoned with, and never fails to stand up for what she believes in. She’s driven, successful, and down to earth, and I think she’s a great example of how you don’t have to compromise your integrity or character to succeed in life. My aunt has such a huge heart and influence on my life, even though I rarely see her. This summer was the first time in at least a couple of years I was actually able to see her in person. She inspires me to live my best life, especially when it comes to eating healthy, staying active, and continuing to be kind. This incredible woman is a lawyer based in L.A., but lives all the way up in Portland! She makes flights back and forth a lot, and still manages to keep her sanity, go on hikes, and cherish her husband and dogs. It’s because of her I’m inspired to go on runs, and remember that as long as I work hard, I can accomplish my goals. I’m very grateful for her influence.
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Inner Animal |
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I think an owl would be my inner animal. They’re observant creatures that prefer to wait rather than jump the gun, which is something I can relate to. I’d prefer to weigh pros and cons than to rush in, hoping to wing whatever it is by sheer force. In addition, owls are in their element at night, which doesn’t agree with my own personality, but it also doesn’t disagree. I don’t intend to stay up late for the fun of it, but when I’m doing homework late, I find I can get through a lot of the work efficiently, given I’m secluded. This brings me to my next point. Owls are relatively solitary creatures, sometimes in small groups called parliaments (isn’t that just fun to know?). I also prefer to be alone or in small groups rather than settings with a lot of people, but I won’t turn it away if I think it’ll be fun or productive. Owls are also known for being intelligent, which is something I’d like to say I am. I lack common sense occasionally, but for the most part, I’m good with my brain. While I have all these in common with an owl, a couple things I don’t are the eyesight and unsettling ability to turn my head around. I actually have horrible vision and cannot turn my head to look directly behind me, so I can confidently say I do not share either of those traits with an owl.
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The Season of Giving |
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1. What did you choose to do for your final and why?
For the final, I chose the gift option, because I figured that way, I could directly help and give to someone during the holidays. I know I’m lucky to receive the gifts I do, and since I’m able to give as well, I wanted to go with that. I wasn’t able to get a tag off an FFA tree though, and ended up buying a gift card that would go to a homeless shelter. I’m equally as happy, if not more, at being able to do this, because I’ve always thought that a little money can go a long way, especially for those without a home. 2. Describe the process that you went about in getting your final completed. At first, I was going to get a tag from one of the FFA Christmas trees, but I had such a hard time getting one that I started to worry when the due date got closer. So I decided to reach out to Jaydin, whose grandma was doing similar work with a homeless shelter. Instead of buying a gift on a tag, going this route meant buying a Target gift card, which I did, and I gave it to Jaydin, who could give it to her grandmother. |
3. What was the emotional impact on you in completing your final?
I was worried about not getting the final done in time, but I felt really good about completing it and giving back in the process. It makes me hope that when I have a stable income in the future, I also have the funds to do something like this every holiday season. Maybe something like stopping by children's cancer hospitals and giving as much as I can, because I think having fond memories of holidays as a child can mean the world, especially as you get older and need something positive to look back on.
4. Was this assignment valuable? Why or why not?
Well of course, the assignment was valuable literally, but I also think it was valuable to all parties involved. I’m now starting the habit of giving to strangers during the holiday season, which makes me happy and spirited. And hopefully, the person receiving the gift is also feeling similar joy. Maybe when they get the chance, they can also give back, and start a whole chain. That would be great, and definitely beneficial. There would be a spread of holiday spirit and character building, which is very valuable.
I was worried about not getting the final done in time, but I felt really good about completing it and giving back in the process. It makes me hope that when I have a stable income in the future, I also have the funds to do something like this every holiday season. Maybe something like stopping by children's cancer hospitals and giving as much as I can, because I think having fond memories of holidays as a child can mean the world, especially as you get older and need something positive to look back on.
4. Was this assignment valuable? Why or why not?
Well of course, the assignment was valuable literally, but I also think it was valuable to all parties involved. I’m now starting the habit of giving to strangers during the holiday season, which makes me happy and spirited. And hopefully, the person receiving the gift is also feeling similar joy. Maybe when they get the chance, they can also give back, and start a whole chain. That would be great, and definitely beneficial. There would be a spread of holiday spirit and character building, which is very valuable.
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The Best Things About Me |
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This was taken on a road trip to Portland, and shows my adventurous side, in addition to how I’m a hugger. I don’t enjoy the smell of the woods, or trees in general, but hiking is something I’ve always found fun, just like new places. I had never been this far up California, right around the Oregon border, let alone on a road trip at all. But I’m always up for an adventure, which this trip was full of. My readiness made the whole vacation exhilarating for me. We went on many hikes, stopped by waterfalls, had a photo shoot, and it was one of the best trips of my, albeit short, life.
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Like it says on the hoodie, I’m a hopeless romantic through and through. I live for the cute rom-coms and the cliche romance novels. I love it all, and I’m very open about it. I got this hoodie a little while back, and once I saw it, it was an instantaneous knowing. I just had to buy it. I’m very glad I did, because not only does this picture showcase this part of me, but the hoodie itself does as well. When I wear it, it’s like letting everyone know a piece of me I’m quite proud of, and I love that. My love for this hoodie, and love for love, is what this photo shows.
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Hanging out with my friends is one of the best things in my life, and that essence was captured in this photo, a time we were just having fun. My capability to live in and love the moment is something I’ll always be grateful for. Romanticizing life. If you know me, that phrase is something you’d associate with me, and that’s why it’s so important to include here. I’m not me without romanticizing life. Living in the moment, cherishing it, and admiring its beauty. It’s one of the biggest parts of me.
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I’ve always been an avid reader, and it’s shaped me into the person I am today. I’ve read countless romances, adventures, fantasies, and they’ve all impacted my life. Reading was a great way for young, incredibly shy April to have fun without having to talk to people, and the habit persisted as I realized reading was something I could never live without. I used to read so many books in a night, I could go to school the next day and take multiple AR tests! I found a good amount of my fun in reading, and using my imagination to picture the events of a story. Losing myself in a book was, and still is, an insane experience. It’s living the lives of so many people, seeing so many different points of view, personalities, thought processes. I’m definitely a bookworm, and books are just something I can never give up in my life.
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What I Like Best About Being a Member of Leadership |
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While I was looking forward to in person events and planning, Leadership has still been such a wonderful experience even from a distance. In addition to professional development, self-reflection has made a huge impact on my life. With the pandemic, I’ve been staying at home a lot more. I’ve had more time to myself and my thoughts, and our book study has helped me reflect on them. Book study has given me so many chances to recognize patterns in my life, whether it be my inability to be bored, or a lesson on being the bigger person. Like most people, I knew there were aspects of my life that would be better altered, or at least given proper attention, and Leadership helped me pinpoint that through book study. The reflection I am constantly receiving from our book is oddly enlightening and slightly terrifying. The pandemic has forced us to stay in our homes and focus on the small things around us, and learning how to deal with said small things has altered my life. I’ve felt so at peace this year that it’s ironic it happened while the world was falling apart. Book study has helped me let go of grudges, and grow to be a person I would’ve admired five years ago. To others, that might seem like something minor, but it’s invaluable to me. Setting an example by reflecting on myself is a chance that only Leadership could’ve given me, and for that I will always be grateful.
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One of my favorite parts of this adapted Homecoming was the coronation. I don't recall how it normally goes, but I think doing it at the amphitheater was a great way to follow guidelines while still putting on a cute event. I couldn't watch nor set up, due to being behind the curtains with the band, but I saw pictures afterward and I think it turned out great. I especially liked the boxes with trinkets to announce the king and queen. Most of all, I like how the amphitheater gives a homey feel to the event. It's still big enough for an audience, but it's also got a stage to show off the candidates.
Reading is, and probably will forever be, my favorite pastime. Other than maybe napping, but that’s probably because I’m sleep deprived. Yay. But anyway, there’s just something so wonderful about sitting down with a good book and losing yourself in someone’s world. Someone’s whole life, their adventures and relationships, and the mistakes they make. It’s exhilarating. I’m a fan of enemies to lovers tropes, and the whole cliche of love-hate relationships. I just find it very satisfying to see the passion go from one extreme to the other. As for the other pictures, I like those too, I suppose. Hiking is something I enjoy, even though I don't always like the smell of nature. I like the feel of accomplishment after a good hike, and the nice tan I get. Sitting down and binging shows and movies is always fun, and of course especially when it's a romance. Painting isn't something I'm good at, but it's therapeutic when I don’t obsessed over perfection. Karaoke can be added to that too, because while I don't sound good, I have fun singing with my sister around the house like a pair of lunatics. When writer’s block isn’t towering over me, writing is also a solid hobby. It's like the other side to reading, but this time I get to create the story I want to read. And my nerdy side always has to be appreciated too, with my love for sudoku, puzzles, and minesweeper. I enjoy the challenge and feeling of accomplishment when I finish one of the puzzles. It also makes me feel better about stimulating my brain instead of completely wasting my days away.
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Letter to Parents |
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Mom and Dad,
I know we don’t always get along. We butt heads quite a lot. That’s what happens when you raise my type of personality I guess. :) But I know that even after the disagreements and tension throughout the house, at the end of the day, we love each other. I know I can always call you to pick me up from school or cart me around town to run errands. I know that you’ll always be supportive of me and my goals as long as I’m not throwing my life away. You give me more leeway than you had growing up, and I’m very grateful. I’ll be honest, you spoil me. You always say that it never hurts to ask, and so that’s something I’ve gotten into the habit of doing, and while there’s a lot of teasing at me draining the bank account, you fund literally everything. I couldn’t ask for more leniency. Well, I could, but then I’d get in trouble. :) You don’t take my sass to heart, which I’m also grateful for, because it means less time in trouble for me! Mom, I fondly remember when we do puzzles from sunrise to sunset, and Dad, the days we worked on the yard, even as my knees cramped. And even through the hours of redoing the curtains around the house because I’m so picky. I’m grateful for the opportunities you give me, and the trust you have in me to lead my own life, and stay on top of both my schoolwork and actual job. I thank you for being so supportive, even if I don’t show it all the time.
I know we don’t always get along. We butt heads quite a lot. That’s what happens when you raise my type of personality I guess. :) But I know that even after the disagreements and tension throughout the house, at the end of the day, we love each other. I know I can always call you to pick me up from school or cart me around town to run errands. I know that you’ll always be supportive of me and my goals as long as I’m not throwing my life away. You give me more leeway than you had growing up, and I’m very grateful. I’ll be honest, you spoil me. You always say that it never hurts to ask, and so that’s something I’ve gotten into the habit of doing, and while there’s a lot of teasing at me draining the bank account, you fund literally everything. I couldn’t ask for more leniency. Well, I could, but then I’d get in trouble. :) You don’t take my sass to heart, which I’m also grateful for, because it means less time in trouble for me! Mom, I fondly remember when we do puzzles from sunrise to sunset, and Dad, the days we worked on the yard, even as my knees cramped. And even through the hours of redoing the curtains around the house because I’m so picky. I’m grateful for the opportunities you give me, and the trust you have in me to lead my own life, and stay on top of both my schoolwork and actual job. I thank you for being so supportive, even if I don’t show it all the time.
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The Letter |
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Communication is big, and especially so between a president and vice president. Now, instead of being a freshman rep (where you’re all considered on equal level in terms of say), you’re one of the officers that make most of your class's decisions, and also the president’s right hand man. And that has more responsibility than you might think. You have to be supportive in everything, and that doesn’t mean always agreeing with the president. It means always being there to lighten the workload or give advice. You need to constantly be checking in with the president, because you might have to step in at a moment’s notice, but also because they need to know you’re reliable and they can count on you. I lucked out having a close friend be the president I worked with, because our connection was already established, and there was no awkwardness or oversharing when we had to talk about Leadership things. It was always easy to communicate. And as long as you can keep it that way, you’ll be fine, and everything else works out. Just don’t forget: communication, support, and you’re solid. :)
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Do's and Don'ts |
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Do
- Communicate. This, like everything else on this list, will probably be self explanatory, but sometimes the obvious things are the ones we overlook. You need to communicate with literally everyone. The president, fellow class officers, the rest of your grade within Leadership. While you probably won’t need as much communication with others, still always be on top of it. If you don’t communicate, people can’t rely on you, and that’s not something you want in this world.
- Plan in advance. When it comes to needing a venue for dance practices for things like Homecoming, there’s always a lot of scheduling to do, and different availabilities to balance. In addition to that, finding someone willing to host many high schoolers being rowdy isn’t always the easiest task. So think ahead.
- Connect with people. It’s so much easier to plan events with this class if you’re comfortable with them. I speak from experience when I say that I didn’t do too well on this part, which is why I hope to remind you to do so. Reach out. No one’s going to bite your head off. Creating those bonds will also make the whole experience more fun and less stressful.
- Procrastinate. It seems so obvious, but don’t do it. Of course, it’ll happen anyway, but I advise against it. It’s so stressful in the long run. Plus, you never have as much time as you think you have. You will never have enough time. If you think you do, you really don’t, because nothing is perfect. Ever. You can always spend time making something even better.
- Be afraid to ask for help. Seriously, it’s not a bad thing to ask for help. Anyone in this class would do their best to help you, but might not always be readily available, which relates to the first one. Don’t wait till the last minute to ask for help, because people will be too worried about their own stresses to also shoulder yours. We have a lot of self saboteurs in this class, which I think is a hilarious trend, because we’ll knowingly take on a whole boatload of exhausting work, but still. Ask for help, but don’t wait till the last minute.
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The Professional |
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Resume making and interviewing were a couple topics we talked about that I think are really beneficial, even as a high schooler. For resumes, it was what to put on them, what not to, how to organize it, etc. And even though it seems pointless to know how to make one as a minor, it’s actually helpful to strengthen your professional reputation if you bring a resume to an employer, even if it’s just for a typical student’s job in food service. Definitely pay attention to everything discussed concerning the resume, because it makes structuring your own a lot easier. When it came to interviewing, it was an interesting experience. Interviewing on its own always has an aura of stress, because a lot generally rides on an interview. Whether or not you get a position in Leadership. Someone’s first impression of you. Whether or not you get the job. And when you add in that these were adults actually working in the careers we hoped to one day achieve, it added another level. What I learned from this was that you should definitely prepare. Know the basics of the job, like how long schooling would be, what degrees you might need, etc. But also relax because they’ll probably take it easy on you. Mine wasn’t bad at all, it was pretty chill and she was a nice interviewer. Just don’t get into your head about it, and you’ll do fine.
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Change |
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It might just be this year, with the restrictions of COVID and the ups and downs we faced as a whole, but bonding is something to work on for next year, for me personally and the class together. While I feel like I’ve definitely made some connections, I think I could’ve made more had I had the courage to reach out. Sometimes it really just was not superb timing, but that excuse is flimsy, and it’s probably my biggest regret of the year. It’s definitely something to work on, especially since establishing connections with people is what I try to do best. I’d like to see a bonding day at some point when we have a little downtime, maybe in place of a work day. As long as the work day is for a writing assignment or something, and not Homecoming. Because we need all the time we can get for that event. But I think a bonding day or activity would be a lot of fun, for both morale and connections between the class. For me personally, it would make me more comfortable with everyone in the class, and make things easier, like asking people for help, or offering it without feeling like I’m overstepping a boundary.
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The Ideal Leader |
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An ideal leader should be considerate, kind, and selfless. They should lead with intent and compassion rather than bossing around. And while being on task is good and all, I think it might be better to be more laid back than uptight, because the event planning will already create so much stress that they shouldn’t stress about the stress. An ideal leader wouldn’t be haughty, they’d be down to earth and a team player. There’s a lot of teamwork needed to succeed in the course, and especially with planning events, and if they’re too focused on themselves, they don’t work well with others. But also, an ideal leader shouldn’t disregard their own health for the sake of perfecting one event. Most, if not all, people in this program have a tendency to throw themselves into something with all they've got, and cast aside their own needs, like eating and sleeping. The dedication is astounding, and should also be a trait an ideal leader possesses, but there’s a balance between taking care of yourself and prioritizing school that an ideal leader should be able to find. When you don’t take care of yourself, you stress out the people around you, and you make life worse in the future, when you deal with the repercussions. An ideal leader should know how to balance self care and selflessness.
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You |
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