1.) Read the note I have written to you all
2.) Reflect on what you learned about yourself, others, and the EL program as a whole as a result of the activity we did in ACAD/LEAD today.
3.) Reflect on what you were thinking and how you felt when doing the activity in ACAD/LEAD today.
4.) Finally, on your blog page, write a summary about your experience of the activity today, using the conclusions you made after reading my passage and reflecting on everything asked above.
Your summary can be as detailed, emotional, reflective as you are willing to make it.
Extra Credit is due by: Monday, September 9, 2013 by 11:59 pm.
This gives you a weekend to complete this. Your summary needs to be at least a paragraph. You are welcome to write more if you wish.
My Reflection of "Like Clockwork" to the 2013 Emerging Leaders
Let me start by saying that, when the Student Coordinator for Leadership Initiatives position was presented to me, I immediately grabbed it! Not knowing what was in store for me, I knew that this position would allow me to truly test my leadership, communication, and professional skills. Deep down, I knew that it would be a difficult job as I would serve as a Student Coordinator and Peer Mentor. Honestly, I was pretty terrified! I was not sure whether or not I would do a good job or not.
Despite all of these factors however, I grabbed the bull by the horns and took the job without hesitation. I took the job because I knew that having this position would allow me to do things that I truly believe in: 1.) help others grow. 2.) help others realize their potential. 3.) Help others succeed.
As I sat down with the other coordinating staff for Emerging Leaders on application review day, I was not sure what to expect. However, I did know that the students we were going to choose would be the best students applicable for this program. We did not look at who had the best leadership skills, who was involved in the most clubs, or who was valedictorian, etc. We looked at who had the best potential and determination in leadership to dig deep within themselves as well as others to make this program grow stronger than it already is. We wanted someone who brings something special and unique to this program.
However, as the school year began and classes started, an unexpected rough patch hit me. I was lost. Everything that I assumed, was not necessarily the case. I assumed everyone would be friends, get along, and hang out. Yet, that was not exactly what happened. Instead some turmoil occurred. life happened. Eventually, some of you began to think that you were failing us.
Let me explain something, YOU HAVE NEVER FAILED US! After the activity today, I think we all realized that we all have made some mistakes. At the same time, I think we can also agree that by the end of the activity, we made an equal amount of discoveries. So here are some discoveries that I witnessed.
I discovered that we all have fears. We are afraid of acknowledging our own flaws, and pains. We are also afraid of letting others get close to us, because we do not want to appear vulnerable. We are afraid of making others upset or creating tension. However, talking out an issue is not creating tension, it's bridging the gap and understanding people better.
I also discovered that we are not noticing the little victories. Since move in day, this group has successfully completed seven team building activities. Yes, they may be frustrating and they may test your leadership. But if we do not embrace harder tasks, how will we ever grow as leaders or gain experience? Remember: "Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward." - Vernon Law
Finally, I discovered that this program is affecting you the same way it is affecting me. Several of you told me that this is the first time you were ever challenged to think outside of the box. Some of you told me that this is the first time you had a group of people on your side. So let me tell you why this matters:
My Emerging Leaders class was the first time that I had to listen to the opinion and understand the leadership style of every person. It was a challenge, and although the experiences I had confused me many times, it truly made my leadership skills grow. The same will happen to you if you allow it...I think today you all began to do that. All of you were a contribution to this program, to each other, and most importantly yourselves today. So in closing, let's remember these last five things as we continue on this semester:
1.) Never Give Up.
Not on yourself, the group, or in general. You will never fail myself, or any other staff member... UNLESS you decide to give up. That leads me to...
2.) Make Mistakes.
If you try, and you make a mistake, it's okay. We all make mistakes, it is a part of growing up, it is a part of becoming a better leader, and it is a part of gaining life experience. Remember: "We don't make mistakes, we make discoveries."
3.) Don't Judge.
Today we learned that the judgments made about one another were not as accurate as we thought. Remember this the next time you begin to pass judgment: For some of us, this is the first time we have ever had a group of people to truly be there for us.
4.) Stop Worrying About Failing.
Like I said, you never fail us. If you don't feel like you are doing an activity right, that's okay. The point of this class is to work together as a group to make your leadership skills flourish. If you are completing the task, you are succeeding. Remember the little victories.
If you fail, that means that we have failed you first. I can promise you...we will not fail you.
5.) Let's Go Skydiving!
Today we got into the plane and put on our parachutes. Throughout this semester, let's get closer to jumping out that plane, holding hands, and making formations in the sky that nobody else can break. I trust in you guys, I want you guys to trust in me, and you need to be able to trust in one another.
I'm so thankful to be working with you guys this semester, continue to make me proud, and continue to become the leaders of tomorrow!
Love you guys,
- Saani
