Ride The Waves of Life
Makenzie Loechler, Freshman Representative 2019-2020
The Initial Letter
In the beginning, before the school year even started, I was nervous yet excited. I was excited to meet new people, create new memories, and learn how to be a better leader and person overall. On the other hand, I was incredibly nervous for the various projects and assignments that had to be completed. I was expecting leadership to be a lot of work but was surprised by just how much effort and time had to go into the program. Still, I put forth my best effort and dedicated much time before the year has even started! Core Camp was our first actual Leadership event and it was a great way to kickoff the year. I learned many valuable skills, connected with so many new people, and ultimately formed new, strong relationships. As the summer started to dwindle down, several different projects were thrown at us and had to be completed before the first day of school. I met these challenges head on with a positive attitude and mindset and got to work. I’m expecting this year to be the same, if not more crazy. My expectations for this year are to meet everyday ready to work and put forth one hundred percent effort. I strive to better myself and help those around me grow. Coming out of this program, I am hoping to have many new, useful skills I can use on my journey throughout high school, and the rest of my life. This program will teach me not only how to lead others, but also to be an effective part of a team. It will also show me the necessary skills in order to be successful in life, while also doing what I love. Leadership will help demonstrate the highs and lows of life and how to deal with them in a healthy manner. Overall, I’m expecting to put a lot into this program, but in return I’ll receive so much more.
Part I Favorite Quotes
“Your mind is a powerful thing. When you filter it with positive thoughts, your life will start to change.” -Budha
This is one of my favorite quotes because it shows that we have control over our own minds and that if we fill it with positivity, then we will start to see more positivity in our life. I feel as if everyone deserves to be happy and your thoughts are the first step to being happy. If you flood your life with positivity and positive thinking then your life will start to change. You’ll see the world in a different way, you’ll start to see the beauty in everything. I believe that through your mind you can lead a better, happier life.
“Each new chapter of our lives requests an old part of us to fall and a new part of us to rise.” -Jenna Galbut
Life changes. Life is constantly changing and throwing new challenges our way. We learn and grow from mistakes in the past. We are forced to change with life and with this comes throwing away a part of ourselves so a new, better, wiser part of us can grow. Change and discomfort are tough but neccaserrary so we can better ourselves and blossom into amazing people we are destined to be.
“We drink the poison our minds pour for us and wonder why we feel so sick.” -Atticus
Our mind is powerful. It has the power to create, destroy, invent, and break everything depending on how we use it. It all starts in our minds. Think positively and you will inevitably lead a happier life. Think negatively and you’ll be sick with hatred and disgust. These quotes remind me that my happiness is up to me, not anyone else. If I keep my mind and my actions positive, my life will follow.
This is one of my favorite quotes because it shows that we have control over our own minds and that if we fill it with positivity, then we will start to see more positivity in our life. I feel as if everyone deserves to be happy and your thoughts are the first step to being happy. If you flood your life with positivity and positive thinking then your life will start to change. You’ll see the world in a different way, you’ll start to see the beauty in everything. I believe that through your mind you can lead a better, happier life.
“Each new chapter of our lives requests an old part of us to fall and a new part of us to rise.” -Jenna Galbut
Life changes. Life is constantly changing and throwing new challenges our way. We learn and grow from mistakes in the past. We are forced to change with life and with this comes throwing away a part of ourselves so a new, better, wiser part of us can grow. Change and discomfort are tough but neccaserrary so we can better ourselves and blossom into amazing people we are destined to be.
“We drink the poison our minds pour for us and wonder why we feel so sick.” -Atticus
Our mind is powerful. It has the power to create, destroy, invent, and break everything depending on how we use it. It all starts in our minds. Think positively and you will inevitably lead a happier life. Think negatively and you’ll be sick with hatred and disgust. These quotes remind me that my happiness is up to me, not anyone else. If I keep my mind and my actions positive, my life will follow.
Part II Quote
“What you put into life is what you get out of it.” Clint Eastwood. This quote represents not only my leadership experience and mindset, but also our class as a whole. It shows that you only get the results you want with the amount of work put in. If you want a project to go well you have to put a lot of time and effort into planning and preparing for this event. Future students can use this as a simple rule because this quote is relevant to the entire year in leadership. The quote is important to put it in perspective that you will only get out as much effort as you put in. It also shows that good things take a lot of time and work. I use this quote as a reflection as I’m working on a project. I often ask myself if I’m putting enough effort to be successful and what areas need improvement. This quote can prepare students for the future in leadership. It shows that we put a lot of time and effort into all of the events we put on and partake in. In order for them to be successful, we put everything we have into them. I feel this quote emcompasses my entire leadership year and my perspective as a leader.
Part I Goals
2 Self Goals:
I hope to become a more positive person. I want to be able to approach any situation, no matter how bad, with a good, can-do attitude and a smile on my face. I want to make other peoples’ lives a little better and a little more positive.
My second personal goal is to learn how to trust my team. I tend to take on the brunt of the work when I’m in a team and I need to learn how to equally spread responsibilities so I’m not stressing over doing everything.
2 Short Term Goals:
My biggest goal is to finish freshman year out with straight A’s and having done a good job in that year's activities in leadership.
My second short term goal is to make as many new friends as possible and to learn most, if not all, of everyone’s names in my grade by the end of the year.
2 Long Term Goals:
I would like to graduate high school knowing that I took advantage of every opportunity presented to me. To leave Ripon High knowing I made the best of these four short years.
My final long term goal is to be happy and content in life. Not everything has to be perfect but I want to be able to say I’m happy and at peace with my life in the future.
I hope to become a more positive person. I want to be able to approach any situation, no matter how bad, with a good, can-do attitude and a smile on my face. I want to make other peoples’ lives a little better and a little more positive.
My second personal goal is to learn how to trust my team. I tend to take on the brunt of the work when I’m in a team and I need to learn how to equally spread responsibilities so I’m not stressing over doing everything.
2 Short Term Goals:
My biggest goal is to finish freshman year out with straight A’s and having done a good job in that year's activities in leadership.
My second short term goal is to make as many new friends as possible and to learn most, if not all, of everyone’s names in my grade by the end of the year.
2 Long Term Goals:
I would like to graduate high school knowing that I took advantage of every opportunity presented to me. To leave Ripon High knowing I made the best of these four short years.
My final long term goal is to be happy and content in life. Not everything has to be perfect but I want to be able to say I’m happy and at peace with my life in the future.
Part II Goals
My first goal at the beginning of the year was to be a more positive person and approach every situation with a positive mindset. I feel like I have definitely made strides towards this goal because I have learned how to identify when I am upset and fix it as soon as possible. I have also tried to lift others up throughout the year which has, in turn, made me a happier person overall. My second goal was to be more trusting in other people, I have for sure made progress in this goal. I learned to delegate out tasks and check in on my team frequently rather than just do it all myself. This helped our team become more and more successful. My first short term goal was to finish Freshman year with straight A’s and having done well in Leadership activities. This one was a little more difficult only because I had two B’s first semester and only one B in the second semester, although two of the B’s were in an AP class which counts as an A. As for the Leadership activities, I feel we could've done better but we were still successful. We accomplished many events and worked very hard but came up a little short here and there. My second short term goal was to learn most, if not everyones', names in my grade. This is tough a goal but I worked at it by talking to people and putting myself out there. I feel like I became friends with more people and learned a lot of things about people. My first long term goal is to graduate RHS happy and content. Freshman year is practically over and I’d say this year was pretty amazing. I am happy with what I accomplished this year and everything I have done. My second long term goal is to lead a happy and content life. It’s still early in this goal but taking things one year at a time I’d say I’m doing pretty good. Taking my life slow and easy, day by day, I think I’ll be able to accomplish my goal.
Part I People Magazine Cover
Part II Magazine Article
Makenzie Loechler is currently a Freshman at RHS but her plans for life are much bigger than Ripon. Makenzie is very interested in helping not only other people but also their pets! She loves animals and loves working with them even more. Makenzie plans on becoming a veterinarian of some sort, either in a zoo or a local one. She loves being able to interact with and help animals that have been injured. Makenzie has always had a connection with animals from a young age. In order to achieve this, she is hoping to graduate from either UCD or San Diego state with a doctorate. Then she plans to go to vet school where she will be able to get further knowledge about animals and eventually become a veterinarian. In order for Makenzie to pursue her dream career she must complete four years of veterinarian school on top of an undergraduate Bachelor's degree which is a total of 7-9 years of schooling! It will take a lot of work but she is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals. This career would allow her to do what she loves while also being involved in her community. Besides her academic future, Makenzie plans on being a huge part of her community and helping others! Between donating to charities to doing volunteer work, Makenzie wants to help others in anyway possible. Makenzie mainly wants to focus on charities that help contribute to saving or cleaning our oceans, saving innocent animals, or helping children who are hospitalized. She want to help those less fortunate by volunteering in soup kitchens and donating to the homeless. Makenzie hopes to cause a positive impact on as many people as possible. She hopes to accomplish so much in her future including being a good vet, possibly wife and mom, and most importantly a good person overall. Yes making money, having a stable job, and a healthy family is all important but being a good person is at the base of all of this. Everyday she tries to make someone smile and feel better about themselves. Love is what makes the world go around so Makenzie likes to share her love with everyone and throw kindness around like confetti Makenzie hopes to improve her leadership skills and communication skills over the years in order to push others to be the best they can be while also striving to better herself. Overall, Makenzie hopes to grow up to become a well-rounded, trustworthy, good person with an amazing job and family.
Role Model
My dad is one of my biggest role models. He is always there to support me and help me whenever I need it. He is such a positive person and always tries to see the bright side. He looks for the beauty in everyone and everything. He pushes me to always do my best and without him, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. My dad has encouraged me to practice and study and become a better person, student, and athlete overall. He has given me the gift of positivity, support, and his time and I couldn’t ask for a better father. My dad inspires me every day to become a more positive person and understand others’ problems and obstacles before judging them.
Inner Animal
I would have to say my inner animal is a shark. My outer appearance and face often may seem scary. As my mom tells me I need to “fix my face”. Yet, on the inside, I am more peaceful and calm. Sharks are often seen as terrifying monsters but, unless they are provoked, they are very peaceful creatures. They mind their own business and go about their life just swimming around enjoying the open ocean. This is how I try to go through life, just minding my own business enjoying life as it comes. Although, when a shark gets angry it gets bad, they start attacking and only see red. When I get injured or upset, it is best to leave me alone. Give me my space and let me take a minute to relax otherwise, I may say and do things I don’t mean. Also, sharks are observant and smart creatures when it comes to many things such as hunting. I try to pay attention as much as possible in life, this way I don’t miss any important details or information. Some sharks are more social and swim and hunt in groups whereas others prefer to stay alone. I can relate to this in the sense that most times I love being around people and socializing yet there are sometimes that I prefer to be alone and have time to myself. Overall, The animal that I feel I am closest to is a shark due to their many complex personality traits and emotions.
Part I The Best Things About Me
Part II The Best Things About Me
I’ll Be There - Walk Off The Earth
When the tears are rolling down, Like a river to the ocean, And there's no one else around, You won't question my devotion, Everybody needs somebody, And you got me, You know that I know that you know that, I'll be there for the highs and lows, Give you mine if your heart gets broke, By your side, when you're all alone, I will be there, When you're down, d-down on your luck, No ride home and you got too drunk, Two A.M. I'mma pick you up, I will be there, ay, I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you, I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you, When you're down, d-down on your luck, No ride home and you got too drunk, Whoa, I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you, yeah, When your heart could use a break, And it's too broken to be open, I'll be patient, I will wait, Until you're ready to be open, Everybody (everybody), Needs somebody (needs somebody), And you got me, You know that I know that you know that, I'll be there for the highs and lows, Give you mine if your heart gets broke, By your side when you're all alone, I will be there, When you're down, d-down on your luck, No ride home and you got too drunk, Two A.M., I'mma pick you up, I will be there, ay, I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you, I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you, When you're down, d-down on your luck, No ride home and you got too drunk, Whoa, I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you, I'll be there for the highs and lows, Give you mine when your heart gets broke, By your side when you're all alone, I will be there, When you're down, d-down on your luck, Gave your all but it's not enough, Take my hand and I'll pick you up, I will be there (I will be there), I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you, I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you, When you're down, d-down on your luck, No ride home and you got too drunk, Whoa, I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you,I'll be there for you
This song is all about someone being there for their friend, I feel it relates to me because no matter what I’m always going to be supporting them. I love my friends and I know whenever they're upset or angry I’ll be there to calm them down and help them through it. My friends mean the world to me and I’m willing to help them with whatever they need. I’m a shoulder to cry on and an open ear if they need it. Overall, this song represents me because no matter what, ill always be there to support and help my loved one whenever they need it.
When the tears are rolling down, Like a river to the ocean, And there's no one else around, You won't question my devotion, Everybody needs somebody, And you got me, You know that I know that you know that, I'll be there for the highs and lows, Give you mine if your heart gets broke, By your side, when you're all alone, I will be there, When you're down, d-down on your luck, No ride home and you got too drunk, Two A.M. I'mma pick you up, I will be there, ay, I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you, I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you, When you're down, d-down on your luck, No ride home and you got too drunk, Whoa, I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you, yeah, When your heart could use a break, And it's too broken to be open, I'll be patient, I will wait, Until you're ready to be open, Everybody (everybody), Needs somebody (needs somebody), And you got me, You know that I know that you know that, I'll be there for the highs and lows, Give you mine if your heart gets broke, By your side when you're all alone, I will be there, When you're down, d-down on your luck, No ride home and you got too drunk, Two A.M., I'mma pick you up, I will be there, ay, I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you, I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you, When you're down, d-down on your luck, No ride home and you got too drunk, Whoa, I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you, I'll be there for the highs and lows, Give you mine when your heart gets broke, By your side when you're all alone, I will be there, When you're down, d-down on your luck, Gave your all but it's not enough, Take my hand and I'll pick you up, I will be there (I will be there), I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you, I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you, When you're down, d-down on your luck, No ride home and you got too drunk, Whoa, I'll be there, I'll be there, I'll be there for you,I'll be there for you
This song is all about someone being there for their friend, I feel it relates to me because no matter what I’m always going to be supporting them. I love my friends and I know whenever they're upset or angry I’ll be there to calm them down and help them through it. My friends mean the world to me and I’m willing to help them with whatever they need. I’m a shoulder to cry on and an open ear if they need it. Overall, this song represents me because no matter what, ill always be there to support and help my loved one whenever they need it.
Part I Homecoming Activities
Part II Homecoming Activities
Part I What I Like Best About Being a Member of Leadership
One of my favorite memories in leadership is definitely core camp. It was such an amazing experience and I learned so much. Starting with the actually classes it felt like I was going to an organized school event which I found very interesting. They planned lots of fun events and always made sure we were engaged with whatever was going on. Next was the connection I made with my peers and my class. We spent a lot of time together, communicating, working together, and getting to know one another. I learned so much about my peers and the work ethic of the class in general. Finally, the overall experience was amazing and very eye opening. I learned not only how to be a leader but I also learned about my classmates and friends, how to work on my mental and physical health, and I met some amazing new friends.
My second favorite memory is the car ride back from core camp. This was not your ordinary ride though, this was a lot more interesting than that. We first started our journey and the future seems bright. It would only take a few hours and we’d be back home in our beds nice and comfy. Then our car started to slow down, it didn’t completely stop until we had to pull over. Then, our car wouldn’t even start we called a tow truck but had quite a few complications and ended being stuck on the side of the road with no end in sight. But we preserved, I called my mom and she made her way over but it was going to be a few hours and we couldn't stay standing on the side of the road. We ended up calling the police and took a cop car ride to the nearest Starbucks were we awaited for my mom to come pick us up. She finally arrived and we made a journey all the way home.
My next favorite moment in leadership had to have been homecoming. Yes, this event was incredibly stressful and a lot of work was put into it but it paid off. The freshmen class may not have won homecoming but we sure tried our hardest. We worked and worked and worked, and I couldn’t have been happier. This event helped me to learn more about my team and how they work. We all got close in this stressful time and persevered ahead. Also, this was a fun time with my class. The competitions were all very friendly and competitive. The spirit I found in my class was astonishing. Overall, homecoming was a success and I can’t wait to jump into it again next year!
My second favorite memory is the car ride back from core camp. This was not your ordinary ride though, this was a lot more interesting than that. We first started our journey and the future seems bright. It would only take a few hours and we’d be back home in our beds nice and comfy. Then our car started to slow down, it didn’t completely stop until we had to pull over. Then, our car wouldn’t even start we called a tow truck but had quite a few complications and ended being stuck on the side of the road with no end in sight. But we preserved, I called my mom and she made her way over but it was going to be a few hours and we couldn't stay standing on the side of the road. We ended up calling the police and took a cop car ride to the nearest Starbucks were we awaited for my mom to come pick us up. She finally arrived and we made a journey all the way home.
My next favorite moment in leadership had to have been homecoming. Yes, this event was incredibly stressful and a lot of work was put into it but it paid off. The freshmen class may not have won homecoming but we sure tried our hardest. We worked and worked and worked, and I couldn’t have been happier. This event helped me to learn more about my team and how they work. We all got close in this stressful time and persevered ahead. Also, this was a fun time with my class. The competitions were all very friendly and competitive. The spirit I found in my class was astonishing. Overall, homecoming was a success and I can’t wait to jump into it again next year!
Part II A Reflection of a Peer in Leadership
Kate Villegas. Kate is one the most genuine, kind hearted, sweetest person I have ever met. I know I can always count on her to talk to, ask questions, and just rely on for emotional support. She’s always smiling and always positive but is also ready to work and take charge when needed. I can’t even begin to explain everything Kate has done not only for me or this community but also for the planet. She is very into doing whatever she can to help save our planet and make the world a better place. From thrift shopping her clothes to even going to protests and trying to make a change, Kate is such an amazing role model to look up to. Now for our school, Kate has made such a positive impact on many peoples’ lives including mine. From always being able to give the best advice to smiling and saying hello whenever she sees me, she always brightens up my day. This amazing human even volunteers at a hospital helping sick and injured people. Kate is always looking out for not only the freshmen on campus but anyone she can help. She’s always willing to lend an open hand to those in need. Now some may think Kate is stretching herself too thin but she makes sure to take of herself before others which is incredible. I struggle with this so much, putting others before myself and not taking care of my mental and physical health. Yet she somehow finds time for herself, her friends, and the rest of her life. Kate is one of those pure souls with a kind heart that the world needs more of. I can’t wait to see where she goes in life.
Part I RHS Pride
Part I What I Love To Do
In my free time, I love playing sports. Especially volleyball and basketball. I have been playing those two sports since as long as I can remember and it has paid off in the long run. I am currently on the Girls Varsity basketball team and the season before I was on the JV volleyball team. I love both sports and always put 100% effort while I'm playing. Both of these activities are team sports and teach me more than just how to be athletic. By playing team sports, I have been taught how to be a team player, how to communicate, and how to stand up for what is right. My sports help me relax and calm down when I’m stressed or upset. They are an outlet for the craziness of my life. I don’t know who I would be without sports and I’m so thankful every day that I get the chance to play.
Part II Letter To My Parents
There is not enough room on this page to fully express how much I appreciate and need to thank my parents. They support me anything and everything I put my mind to. They encourage me to do my best not matter the circumstances. They help me make the toughest decisions. I can't describe that amount of support and love I receive from them. Yes, we have our ups and downs like any other family but in the end they always stand by my side. My parents have made more sacrifices than I can count. The countless hours they've dedicated to helping me through the craziness of life. Just this year alone they supported me like none other, they sacrificed not only their own time but also money to help me be successful. My parents give my sister and I all the love in the world. There's so much I could say about my parents, so much I could say about them. Yet, it is all summed up when I say I have the best parents.
Your True Legacy
Dear Freshmen Rep,
There is so much I wish I had known at the beginning of the year. First of all, make sure you know all the events you're planning and when they are scheduled for. This will help you be prepared for the event so you have enough time to execute it. Have all of the paperwork ready and turned in advance. Have purchase orders done early and turned at least 2 weeks before you need the items just to be sure everything is here on time. Make sure you plan completely for Homecoming. Every class goes all out so be prepared for some amazing ideas and decorations. If you're not sure how to even start on an event, READ A PROCEDURE FORM!! These are incredibly useful and would've helped us so much. Check with Morty to make sure you have ALL the paperwork you need for an event which could include cash box form, facility use forms, and dance admins. When planning a dance start early, it takes a lot of work and you'll need to plan everything in advance. Call a DJ ASAP!! Sounds in motion gets booked quickly o make sure you contact them soon and have a back up just in case. Be organized!! This is the most important advice I could tell you. Be as organized as you possibly can be. Also be prepared for the unexpected. Things can change in the blink of an eye so be prepared to change with it. Always have a backup plan, this goes along with be prepared for the unexpected. Sometimes decorations don't get here on time or paperwork doesn't get filled out, and that's why you need a back up plan. Stay on top of your school work and try to procrastinate as little as possible. It'll make you so much less stressed and worried. Stay positive and optimistic. Sometimes this class can get a little rough but as long a you persevere and stay positive everything will work out in the end. The final piece of advice I can give is work as a team. This year is gonna seem stressful and crazy so lean on your team for support and help. You will figure this out together!
There is so much I wish I had known at the beginning of the year. First of all, make sure you know all the events you're planning and when they are scheduled for. This will help you be prepared for the event so you have enough time to execute it. Have all of the paperwork ready and turned in advance. Have purchase orders done early and turned at least 2 weeks before you need the items just to be sure everything is here on time. Make sure you plan completely for Homecoming. Every class goes all out so be prepared for some amazing ideas and decorations. If you're not sure how to even start on an event, READ A PROCEDURE FORM!! These are incredibly useful and would've helped us so much. Check with Morty to make sure you have ALL the paperwork you need for an event which could include cash box form, facility use forms, and dance admins. When planning a dance start early, it takes a lot of work and you'll need to plan everything in advance. Call a DJ ASAP!! Sounds in motion gets booked quickly o make sure you contact them soon and have a back up just in case. Be organized!! This is the most important advice I could tell you. Be as organized as you possibly can be. Also be prepared for the unexpected. Things can change in the blink of an eye so be prepared to change with it. Always have a backup plan, this goes along with be prepared for the unexpected. Sometimes decorations don't get here on time or paperwork doesn't get filled out, and that's why you need a back up plan. Stay on top of your school work and try to procrastinate as little as possible. It'll make you so much less stressed and worried. Stay positive and optimistic. Sometimes this class can get a little rough but as long a you persevere and stay positive everything will work out in the end. The final piece of advice I can give is work as a team. This year is gonna seem stressful and crazy so lean on your team for support and help. You will figure this out together!
Do's and Don'ts List
-DO: Lean on your team for support.
-DO: Fill out paperwork ahead of time.
-DO: Ask for chaperones 2-3 weeks before the event.
-DO: Turn in PO at 2-3 weeks before event.
-DO: Work on the procedure form as you're planning the event-it helps.
-DO: Ask for help.
-DO: Stay positive.
-DO: Get involved.
-DON'T: Procrastinate!!.
-DON'T: Turn paperwork in late.
-DON'T: Wait for people to contact you.
-DON'T: Make up excuses for missing an event.
-DO: Fill out paperwork ahead of time.
-DO: Ask for chaperones 2-3 weeks before the event.
-DO: Turn in PO at 2-3 weeks before event.
-DO: Work on the procedure form as you're planning the event-it helps.
-DO: Ask for help.
-DO: Stay positive.
-DO: Get involved.
-DON'T: Procrastinate!!.
-DON'T: Turn paperwork in late.
-DON'T: Wait for people to contact you.
-DON'T: Make up excuses for missing an event.
The Contact List
-Chris Cavazos; DJ
(209)-480-2726
-Rudy and Brad, Fortress Software Inc.- Match-o-matics
1-800-665-0396
[email protected]
-Save Mart
(209)-599-3355
-Mrs. Mortensen
(209)-541-6907
(209)-480-2726
-Rudy and Brad, Fortress Software Inc.- Match-o-matics
1-800-665-0396
[email protected]
-Save Mart
(209)-599-3355
-Mrs. Mortensen
(209)-541-6907
The Professional
One aspect I've learned over the course of the year professionally is always expect changes. There will be unexpected challenges throughout the year and you have to be able to adapt and handle the situation professionally. Whether a DJ cancels or decorations won't be here on time, you have to have a backup plan that can be used just in case. Always expect the unexpected. Another professional aspect I've learned through the year is to handle every situation with respect and a level head. Sometimes things don't go right, a task didn't get done, paperwork didn't get filled out, or any other important aspect of an event. You have to approach the person with a positive attitude and still be able to fix the problem. You have to respect the other person and work towards fixing the problem not blame it on anyone else. Overall throughout this year I've learned many valuable skills including how to rumble with other to solve problems and how to think quickly to fix the problem. These are key skills needed for when something goes wrong.
Change
The biggest obstacle I faced this Leadership year was lack of preparation. It was a combination of poor time management and not enough time. We suffered because of this, we didn't have enough decorations, we had to improvise, and it was very stressful. It was incredibly frustrating but we got through it. As the year progressed we got more and more used to high school and balancing all of the different activities we each had. This made the year so much easier and better. We definitely improved on this problem and by our last event everything ran smoothly. We learned the amount of time we needed to fully prepare plan, and execute an event. We learned all the paperwork we need and how to fill it out and when we need to turn it in by. All of this be useful for next year in planning and putting on events. As a class, overall I feel we did pretty good except for a lack of effort here and there which is expected. There are a few improvements here and there that would benefit our class. I'm not sure how to accomplish this whether through positive reinforcement or negative but more motivation in the class couldn't hurt. As we get closer to the end of the year many people lose their drive so I feel we need a way to get that back. By motivating each other through positivtiy I'm sure our next year could be more productive and successful.
The Ideal Leader
There are many qualities that make up a successful leader. A leader has to be confident. Plain and simple, without confidence you will not be able to lead a group of people. How can you expect others to trust you and listen to you when you don’t even trust yourself? Confidence also plays a major part in other aspects such as public speaking and delegating tasks. Public speaking is all about how you’re able to portray yourself to others. By being shy, quiet, and closed off will cause your audience to tune you out and fall asleep. When you are energetic, loud, and confident your audience will not only trust you more, but also they’ll want to listen to you. In delegating tasks, a leader must be strong and decisive. Putting people in charge of important tasks can be scary but it’s the only way for events to get done, a leader must make sure people are on the track to success. Now, confidence is not the only quality a leader needs. A leader must be respectful. By listening to your team and taking their ideas into consideration, you are creating an open environment for creativity. Listening to problems and respecting others’ solutions will overall, cause a team to be more successful. Overall, there are many qualities and traits that make up an amazing leader, confidence and respect only being the tip of the iceberg.
You
Energetic