the initial letter.
AUGUST 22, 2019
Coming into this school year, I am so ready to be ready. I've known I was worth more than I allowed myself to think I was, and today I make the commitment to reclaim my self-governance. I've let sophomore year slip through my fingers. On paper, last year was nearly flawless, but to me, it was merely an odd tumble in the right direction. My way had been late nights lacking productivity quickly becoming late mornings of grogginess followed by afternoon headaches and a blur of dinner and work playing on repeat. I was living in a cycle with each phase becoming another in perpetual monotony. All the while, I knew what was happening; I knew I had fallen prey to myself. It took me a summer's time to recoup. Sometimes, I feel my past's cyclic motions resurfacing. I've learned to face these feelings (because that's all they are) it's best to retaliate with spontaneity. This year, I want to pursue leadership like this: when the sameness becomes too much to bear, throw a wrench in it! Conversely, each problem I encounter isn't to smother back into the dust, but is fuel for growth. I particularly like the Core Principle, "to be mindful of the 'self'". I think that in the stress of adolescence, I had lost sight of myself; and ironically, I was enrolled in a class called Leadership. This year I am ready to be ready for obstacles and the changes that they bring with them. I will recognize each event this year as one of my accomplishments, and allow myself the satisfaction of celebration, of course after it's earned. This year, I will lead myself into a better state of mind, and with myself out of the way, really begin to healthily focus on others. This year I will take my stand.
part one: favorite quotes
SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
"Yo me he hecho solo. Me costó mucho trabajo, pero lo logré."
"I made myself. It cost me a lot of work, but I achieved it."
- Rufino Tamayo
Right now, literally as I sat to write this, I saw someone's snapchat story: a jasmine candle with a purple sticky note attached reading in a dad's all capital letters, "good job on the 4.14 GPA, we are very proud of you". Morty, I can't make this stuff up. The universe beckoned me to this laptop at this very moment with that snap in mind for a reason! (side note: you may see this and think, 'social media: it causes unhealthy comparisons!'. While this is a very valid opinion, let's just put a pin in that for now because it's not relevant to this analysis, it's just a segway). Anyways, I was just thinking that my parents don't really motivate me to get good grades, nor do my counselors or teachers, really. I pride myself on getting me to where I've gotten on my own. While I cannot neglect the care of my parents and my teachers for fostering this growth, I've worked on my own self for improvement. I've subjected myself to failure to grow.
"I made myself. It cost me a lot of work, but I achieved it."
- Rufino Tamayo
Right now, literally as I sat to write this, I saw someone's snapchat story: a jasmine candle with a purple sticky note attached reading in a dad's all capital letters, "good job on the 4.14 GPA, we are very proud of you". Morty, I can't make this stuff up. The universe beckoned me to this laptop at this very moment with that snap in mind for a reason! (side note: you may see this and think, 'social media: it causes unhealthy comparisons!'. While this is a very valid opinion, let's just put a pin in that for now because it's not relevant to this analysis, it's just a segway). Anyways, I was just thinking that my parents don't really motivate me to get good grades, nor do my counselors or teachers, really. I pride myself on getting me to where I've gotten on my own. While I cannot neglect the care of my parents and my teachers for fostering this growth, I've worked on my own self for improvement. I've subjected myself to failure to grow.
"This could possibly be the best day ever!"
Phineas and Ferb, Bowling For Soup
This is what I say to myself each morning when I struggle to get out of bed. It's a Phineas and Ferb song, and a good one! As I stumble into my clothes, I remember that while I don't have control over what will happen or what has happened, I do have control over how I will react to what happens. I can choose what emotions I will display, and the little things I can do to truly make it the best day ever. For example, I might add some music to a dreary day, or take a quick nap. I also focus on how I can make this a great day for someone else. The smallest act can really have an impact on someone else's day. And this best thing about this concept is that the next day could also be better; resulting in an exponential growth of betterness.
"There is no use getting angry at something that has happened. All you can do is your best to check it doesn't happen again"
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
This one seems fairly obvious and a little basic- like we hear a version of it all the time: "you can't change the past". However, Sri Sri meaningfully expands upon it here. While this logic seems to be common sense, it's common for people to get caught up and stuck on what has already happened. And for what? I get so pressed about the little things of yesterday to the point where they follow me to today. I've come to the conclusion that adults say this to us quell a tantrum, but never to acknowledge a mistake as an opportunity for growth. I've learned to let go of it, it's done. This kind of thinking has led to some unexpected backlash. I tell my parents when they chide me for a fault that has happened that "it' already happened, why are we still dwelling on it?". Obviously, they don't like it when I do this. I've also considered the metric for when something so causatious (lol that's not really a word) happened- when can we move on? Is there like a time frame for this? Or an emotional seismograph to check the category of the event? Will I ever know the answers to these questions? Probably not. For now, I'm just gonna have to go with my heart. Realistically, all I can do is trust that I can do better next time.
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
This one seems fairly obvious and a little basic- like we hear a version of it all the time: "you can't change the past". However, Sri Sri meaningfully expands upon it here. While this logic seems to be common sense, it's common for people to get caught up and stuck on what has already happened. And for what? I get so pressed about the little things of yesterday to the point where they follow me to today. I've come to the conclusion that adults say this to us quell a tantrum, but never to acknowledge a mistake as an opportunity for growth. I've learned to let go of it, it's done. This kind of thinking has led to some unexpected backlash. I tell my parents when they chide me for a fault that has happened that "it' already happened, why are we still dwelling on it?". Obviously, they don't like it when I do this. I've also considered the metric for when something so causatious (lol that's not really a word) happened- when can we move on? Is there like a time frame for this? Or an emotional seismograph to check the category of the event? Will I ever know the answers to these questions? Probably not. For now, I'm just gonna have to go with my heart. Realistically, all I can do is trust that I can do better next time.
part one: goals
SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
LEADERSHIP:
- have an event where the procedure form is done throughout
- win homecoming!!
SHORT-TERM GOALS:
- get into county honor band
- pay for my own perm
LIFETIME GOALS:
- join a motorcycle gang!
- become a tea-leaf master: create and market my specialty blends
- have an event where the procedure form is done throughout
- win homecoming!!
SHORT-TERM GOALS:
- get into county honor band
- pay for my own perm
LIFETIME GOALS:
- join a motorcycle gang!
- become a tea-leaf master: create and market my specialty blends
part one: people magazine
OCTOBER 11, 2019
part two: people magazine
OCTOBER 11, 2019
“Come on in!” Gabriel Herrera, still remarkably stunning for his age, welcomes us into his San Francisco High Rise, just south of the Mission District. His flat is a shocking salad bowl of cultures: Mayan calendars hang on the wall next to the original Magrittes above a mantel of family photos. When we sit down for our interview, he offers me a cup of chai. “It’s always been a favorite of mine, since high school,” he chuckles as he trails off, eyes looking back to a time when I can’t see, a time before he was the Gabriel Herrera. He seems to whisper “Josie Krygsheld”, almost lustfully. He shakes his natural curly locks and his eyes regain focus. “That was the inspiration for SereniTea”. SereniTea, Gabriel’s breakthrough tea leaf brewery has climbed the stocks since its inception in 2021. As the legend goes, Gabriel was a freshman in college studying abroad in Taiwan when he met [REDACTED] (微波炉水) For years, Gabriel toiled under his master, slaving away among the cinnamon trees until he had The Vision. Upon receiving this gift “from the Great One (Quetzalcoatl),'' he says, he thanked [REDACTED] and Quetzalcoatl and returned to his native California, for the Mediterrenean climate of course, and began the Central Valley’s first organic, fair-trade, ethically sourced, vegan, farm-to-table, local, pesticide free, herbicide free, GMO free, sustainably grown, free range, cage free tea leaf farm. And thus began SereniTea. “Everyone thought it would never work, there’s too much competition,” he tells me between sips of tea, “But here I am, I did it. We did it.” He references “we”, and I ask who’s he talking to. He gets up to grab a photo frame and begins, “My daughters” with a smile. He tells me about his two daughters, Guadalupe and Citlali. “It was love at first sight, but not in a weird way”. Gabriel traveled to Mexico to an impoverished adoption agency to get his “amores”. ”I love them so much. I love everyone”
part one and two:
homecoming activities.
OCTOBER 31, 2019
role model.
NOVEMBER 14, 2019
TAYLOR SWIFT
Taylor Swift is an advocate, sensitive, and an overall boss lady. She feels and feels the need to share this in her art. She isn't afraid to be human. In particular, her 2014 performance of "All Too Well" at the 54th Annual Grammys exemplifies my character and I aspire to achieve. She melodramatically flips her hair back and forth at a piano, her billowing white Alberta Ferreti dress following her wisps of golden blonde hair. As an artist, I admire her mark on a cliche. She hearkens back to her country roots and harnesses her 20-something angst to create an unforgettable moment. Swift wasn't afraid to rely on a classic troupe which could of sparked lots of backlash. She trusted her intuition and bolstered her reputation.
inner animal.
NOVEMBER 14, 2019
LITTLE OWL
Unassuming, the little owl perches in a high branch, observing what lays below in the dying light. Similarly, I watch others from my place, one that I know well. While I can be extroverted when required, I usually express introverted qualities. I feel most comfortable with myself, nestled in an old tree or a hollowed out log. I imagine that little owls are often neglected and thought to be less than capable. They're too small. However, little owls are powerful omnivores, the top of their own food chains. Many forget that I am a former wrestler, and the legacy of Aztec warriors run through my veins. Little owls can be seen during the day, but are most active during dusk and dawn. I feel like I thrive at the same hours, when the sky is exchanging colors like painting. It is these times when I'm feeling the most creative and ambitious and sentimental; ready to hunt.
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part one:
the best things about me.
DECEMBER 5, 2019
part two:
the best things about me.
DECEMBER 5, 2019
SHAKY IN THE KNEES
GRIZFOLK
GRIZFOLK
she shakes me like a tambourine
rattling my knees, rattling my knees
she sinks me like a submarine
deep beneath the sea, deep beneath the sea
i'm no stranger to the dark side of my mind
if I fall off again would you catch me one more time?
would you love me right if I put it all on the line?
would you lift me up if I could leave my glitches behind?
please don't leave me lonely
if it's real love it's a misfit
my heart was a witness to a love I can't unsee
i swear I didn't recognize this man they said was me
to love is my weakness, shake me baby please
shake it right out of me, till I'm shaking in the knee
she shakes me like a tambourine
rattling my knees, rattling my knees
she sinks me like a submarine
deep beneath the sea, deep beneath the sea
please go easy on me
well, I'm shaking, shaking in my knees
please don't leave me lonely
if it's real love it's a misfit
my heart was a witness to a love I can't unsee
i swear I didn't recognize this man they said was me
to love is my weakness, shake me baby please
shake it right out of me, till I'm shaking in the knee
she shakes me like a tambourine
rattling my knees, rattling my knees
she sinks me like a submarine
deep beneath the sea, deep beneath the sea
in my life, "she" is life. Every so often and without warning, the old me is shaken out of my body, perfectly in time and beautifully. I look forward to this transition when it comes along and run into it with open arms. From the perspective of my ego, there's also an urge to never look the same way twice. I think that always being shaken through these transformations show that I'm growing. Stagnation is complacency. These journeys into the depths of the sea aren't always comfortable, they leave me shaking in the knees, but I nonetheless pursue these endeavors with love: for bettering myself to better love. I find comfort in the changing, tumultuous tides and the shaking of my knees.
what i love to do.
DECEMBER 5, 2019
JOURNALING
disclaimer: i had lots of cool other pictures but I can't figure out how to blur the sensitive content in here hee hee. i'll work on that but for now PLZ don't look TOOO closely at each picture. you'll regret it...
Journaling is my favorite way of capturing memories and meditating. When I have a lot to digest, it helps me to get it all down on paper. I cut pieces of paper and tape scraps into a book, calming me down and leaving me a physical memory of my life. I also have a dream journal in which I write down my daily dreams. While I'm hoping this will get me closer to lucid dreaming, it's also a fun way to dive into my subconscious. Noticing the nuances in my dreams gives me insight into what the universe is trying to tell me, and I let it guide me in my journey. That's a really hippie-ish way of saying it, but I don't know how else to write about dream journaling lol. These books contain my anger, my joys, my hopes and dreams: my journal is an extension of myself.
part one:
what i like best about being a member of leadership.
JANUARY 23, 2020
winning homecoming
SEPTEMBER 2019
I mean really looking on this, it was a cheap thrill. Like all the work we put into everything and this is where it got us? I was happy, sure, but how much did a high school spirit win mean? Either way the brief feeling of euphoria took away the pains of the week away, if not only momentarily. I was a hollow shell, but this moment reminded me of our unity. Beyond the stress of the class officers and the insides, we are one junior class, and we are one!
SEPTEMBER 2019
I mean really looking on this, it was a cheap thrill. Like all the work we put into everything and this is where it got us? I was happy, sure, but how much did a high school spirit win mean? Either way the brief feeling of euphoria took away the pains of the week away, if not only momentarily. I was a hollow shell, but this moment reminded me of our unity. Beyond the stress of the class officers and the insides, we are one junior class, and we are one!
poster assignments
SEPTEMBER 2019
Last year, a highlight of the program was making posters with Chloe. Now its just me, but I'm okay with that because now I get the chance to seek a protege and some more creative control hee hee. Painting posters is a low-key creative endeavor that I can control. They get publicity without credit, and I'm okay with that. That sunny day, I liked to see everyone's creativity and bickering over the good brushes and sharing paint. It took a team to shake the glitter off a poster. The tall people tore us paper and our hands were red and white.
SEPTEMBER 2019
Last year, a highlight of the program was making posters with Chloe. Now its just me, but I'm okay with that because now I get the chance to seek a protege and some more creative control hee hee. Painting posters is a low-key creative endeavor that I can control. They get publicity without credit, and I'm okay with that. That sunny day, I liked to see everyone's creativity and bickering over the good brushes and sharing paint. It took a team to shake the glitter off a poster. The tall people tore us paper and our hands were red and white.
dance clean up
2019
Unpopular opinion but I don't mind cleaning up after dances. I think its funny to see everybody in their formal attire or exhausted in their falling apart costumes frantically, but tiredly, mopping up sweat. Also, it reminds me of a Taylor Swift song in which she says "there's glitter on the floor after the party" and sings about melancholy. Those times cleaning up are spent laughing about what happened at the dance, asking to DJ to play one more song, and searching for water because we're thirsty.
2019
Unpopular opinion but I don't mind cleaning up after dances. I think its funny to see everybody in their formal attire or exhausted in their falling apart costumes frantically, but tiredly, mopping up sweat. Also, it reminds me of a Taylor Swift song in which she says "there's glitter on the floor after the party" and sings about melancholy. Those times cleaning up are spent laughing about what happened at the dance, asking to DJ to play one more song, and searching for water because we're thirsty.
part two:
a reflection of a peer in leadership.
FEBRUARY 20, 2020
I am in love with Ana Claudia Machado-Perez and here's why. First of all, can you think of a single person on this green earth who is as beautiful as the woman pictures above? No, you can't, I'll answer that one for you. I am so grateful that I waltzed into this fine lady's life. It started on Valentine's Day as all whirlwind romances do, with neck tattoos. When I was a freshman, Ana was a sophomore and she talked to me. Her and her sister drove me and Kate to Jeff Denham whenever we needed. Ana helped me long ago and hasn't stopped yet. She sends me steamy notes and takes me lunch. She gives me motherly advice and laughs at me when I'm being dumb. Ana feels like my cousin, or maybe my sister, or maybe a distant relative because of our Latina blood. I know that my relationship with Ana will never flicker or die, like a candle in a window.
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part one and two:
RHS pride.
FEBRUARY 20, 2020
the ideal leader.
MARCH 12, 2020
I've been surprised by what I've learned this year in Leadership. The lessons learned unsaid supplemented by, surprise, Brene Brown! She's given me an entirely new perspective of what Leadership is, leading with vulnerability, courage, and compassion. As a leader in charge, it's been a whole new experience. In English, we’re learning about something called a Rogerian argument, I can’t tell you the entire structure of it and everything but I do know its main purpose: to reach a conclusion that is satisfying to both sides of the argument. I’ve learned to be sound in my reasoning and to make concessions, compromises that build a stronger team and a stronger me. I think that it's important for a leader to understand this and apply it to their lives, even their own inner dialogue. You are not always right, and admitting that makes you stronger and gives you more conviction in your beliefs. Again, vulnerability! All that I've learned this year culminates in leaning into leading. In the day to day, it's important to lean into your values as a leader in even the mundane. To the ideal leader, no task is below them. Likewise, no person is below them. The ideal leader is a leveler of people while the outstanding among many. In more concrete terms, the ideal leader is diligent and dedicated. They understand the devil in the details and work to vanquish him everyday. Additionally, your work is never done in just the class. It spills over into your life and never ends, just as impactful things do. A leader recognizes this and seeks out this opportunities to lead.
you.
MARCH 12, 2020
part two:
quote.
LEADERSHIP:
- have an event where the procedure form is done throughout
Fortunately, this was a goal I have been able to complete, more than once in fact. Since I had been introduced to it, I knew that the procedure form would be a productive and effective tool for assessing and planning events. Why everyone is so reluctant to use it, I'm not sure. The events that I planned using a procedure form throughout have been organized and successful.
- win homecoming!!
Again, another dub. This one's kind of funny, because it seems as if it would be something that's left up to chance, not really something that you could plan for. To an extent, I think that's true. Setting a goal like this is more of a manifestation than a "structure-me-out" sort of deal. When you put something out there that requires such an intensive and complicated plan, it becomes a lighthouse beacon rather than a carefully-calculated path. When I set this goal, it became something that I created the drive to strive for. I think that my passion to complete this goal is what led to its completion.
SHORT-TERM GOALS:
- get into county honor band
Dang it this one hits a sore spot. I remember I tried to submit my application at the very last minute, and it was bad. My audition was incomplete and not the best I could've made it because I had put it off for so long. Needless to say, I didn't get in. Looking back on this specific example, I realize that I usually put off things like this because I want to be able to dedicate the perfect amount of time when I'm in the perfect mood and have the perfect environment and perfect resources. I need to realize that this perfection scenario will never stumble out of the blue. I have to create it or deal with what I have and get to work!
- pay for my own perm
Basically, this one was a round-about way of saying that I want a job. Unfortunately, this did not happen, mainly because I can't drive, but that's probably an excuse. Had I really wanted to, I could've walked to work. I could've made it work. For my past (and final, for now) perm, my parents gave me an even easier way of paying it off on my own: a list of some lengthy household chores attached to a dollar amount. I never finished.
maybe my failure to complete both short-term goals says something about my outlook. Am I so focused on the future that I don't have the patience to do something for tomorrow? With both of these goals, I can remember remembering them, and then making the choice to not complete them because I wasn't interested anymore. Mainly, this meant it had become too hard. How can I build up my grit? OH WAIT! I've seen like seven TED Talks about exactly this... I know what I have to do. It's time to apply it!
LIFETIME GOALS:
- join a motorcycle gang!
Haven't made too many strides towards this one, but it's easy to daydream and fantasize about. To an extent, the idea-creation phase is one of the most important parts about achieving a goal. Once you have a clear idea about what you want to do, it's easier to create a clearer path! After all, it is a dream. :-)
- become a tea-leaf master: create and market my specialty blends
Again, not really something I've made major strides towards, but that is understandable because I don't really want to be the mastermind/CEO of a beverage empire at seventeen. I can barely handle my own finances lol. With this goal in particular, I want to concentrate and focus on learning about the craft because as of now I have no knowledge of the tea-world. I've gone down a few rabbit holes on YouTube about the tea-world and its craft and how to steep and all that jazz. I started a small herb garden in my backyard with mint and chamomile and I dry them to try and make tea! (it's not that good, but its a start).
part two:
goals.
"IF YOU NEED TO BELIEVE IN SOMETHING, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF"
This is probably a really funny picture but to me it means a lot more. Even that sentence is so dramatic omg but its true. I just really like the colors and the dog is really cute and I like the crafty, kitschy collage style. Beyond the aesthetic value, I think that this picture and its quote (haha) have been a constant for me always. I went into this presidential position without a clear motivator besides my own will. I believe that if there's going to be anyone who pushes you to do anything, it should be you! I've tried to be an advocate of this idea this year, encouraging it and finding it in others, but I think I've fallen short in the real-world application, that is in the world beyond leadership. I struggle with following my own spirit without the validation of others. I know that what I feel is right for me because who else would know better than me? I know it, its time to apply it: my choice is enough!
part two:
letter to parents
APRIL 3, 2020
Hi parents! So the end of the year is approaching quickly, although in an unexpected way, and I think its due time to take the time to express some gratitude for all that you've done for me. I understand the burdens that this class has put on our family, but I've hope you come to see the rewards of our sacrifices and the positive transformation of your son(s). Personally, I've seen these! I want to thank you for spending your time to help me out when I ask, or even when I don't. The long hours I'm so fortunate to have parents that will notice when I'm in distress or feeling stressed and ask me what they can do. Even when something is beyond what you guys can do to help me, you still comfort in the ways in you know how. Thank you guys for putting in this sort of effort. Thank you for surviving the hours with me cooped up in my room on that grind. I don't know what you guys do without me, but I do know I wouldn't know what to do without y'all. Love you lots!
- your favorite child, Gabriel
- your favorite child, Gabriel
general advice: the letter.
APRIL 10, 2020
SO YOU'RE THE JUNIOR CLASS PRESIDENT. CONGRATS!
Let's start off with dismissing the stigmas. Everyone will tell you that junior year will be the hardest and most academically stressful year of your entire high school career. I can't completely dispel those rumors, but I can tell you they're highly exaggerated. Either way, you're gonna need to power through that. Going into this knowing that it will be hard and being ready for that is a great way to get started. I hope that doesn't scare you too much because I've always hated it when people tried to scare me off, it's just made me want to push harder. If you think like that too, good! You're perfect for this job. Anyways, a great way to combat junior school stress and the demands of a class president is prioritizing: what has to be done now and what can wait. Maybe its your academics, your athletics, your leadership duties, your friends(!). None of these important aspects of your life are things you want to short, but its important to know what is important. Wow this is really depressing but hey! You'll feel a lot better when you feel evenly spread rather doing a hundred in everything, its just not sustainable! Just also make sure to take care of you. You want to go into this job already being very secure and confident in yourself. One of the biggest hurdles in this job was a completely unexpected one: my interpersonal and leader skills. Make sure to know who your working with and know yourself. I wish you the greatest luck in your presidential future and come to me to rant, get advice, and celebrate your successes. I know you'll have many :-)
Your friend, Gabriel Herrera
Junior Class President 2019-2020
Let's start off with dismissing the stigmas. Everyone will tell you that junior year will be the hardest and most academically stressful year of your entire high school career. I can't completely dispel those rumors, but I can tell you they're highly exaggerated. Either way, you're gonna need to power through that. Going into this knowing that it will be hard and being ready for that is a great way to get started. I hope that doesn't scare you too much because I've always hated it when people tried to scare me off, it's just made me want to push harder. If you think like that too, good! You're perfect for this job. Anyways, a great way to combat junior school stress and the demands of a class president is prioritizing: what has to be done now and what can wait. Maybe its your academics, your athletics, your leadership duties, your friends(!). None of these important aspects of your life are things you want to short, but its important to know what is important. Wow this is really depressing but hey! You'll feel a lot better when you feel evenly spread rather doing a hundred in everything, its just not sustainable! Just also make sure to take care of you. You want to go into this job already being very secure and confident in yourself. One of the biggest hurdles in this job was a completely unexpected one: my interpersonal and leader skills. Make sure to know who your working with and know yourself. I wish you the greatest luck in your presidential future and come to me to rant, get advice, and celebrate your successes. I know you'll have many :-)
Your friend, Gabriel Herrera
Junior Class President 2019-2020
do's and don'ts.
APRIL 10, 2020
do!
- plan non-leadership bonding time with the team - dream big and work bigger - get to know your class, talk to someone new everyday! - prioritize your tasks, what needs to be done, what can wait? - involve everyone in the creative process - have class debriefs, keep everyone up-to-date on the goings-ons |
don't!
- ignore the details: plan everything! - be afraid of your class! - wait until the last minute, get started with everything early - forget about thank you notes! begin a list during the event - walk into an event cold! know the details and what will happen before your plan -worry! -stress! |
the contact list
APRIL 10, 2020
Ms. Caroline Hutto / Resume Reviewer
[email protected]
Mr. Vince Hobbs/ School Board Clerk
[email protected]
(209)603-7661
Mr. Robert Mayfield/ Junior Class Advisor
[email protected]
(209)204-1943
[email protected]
Mr. Vince Hobbs/ School Board Clerk
[email protected]
(209)603-7661
Mr. Robert Mayfield/ Junior Class Advisor
[email protected]
(209)204-1943
the professional.
APRIL 3, 2020
FORMAL PRESENTATIONS
This year in Leadership, we have done more slide presentations than ever before. And of course, with this comes instruction: learning the correct ways to do something. Most of this comes from Mr. Chairman Hobbs, who I am grateful for in this situation. Its interesting and enlightening to see his perspective as a man in the professional world and how these kind of people will view our presentations in the future. While I don't always agree with the content or delivery of his feedback, I still try to apply his input to my future presentations, to see if it really produces a better product. One of the biggest takeaways I've had in regards to slide decks is that they are a refined representation of your ideas, not some quick hodgepodge of concepts! I hope that the experience I've gained in this class sets me above the rest in the big-boy side of the world.
This year in Leadership, we have done more slide presentations than ever before. And of course, with this comes instruction: learning the correct ways to do something. Most of this comes from Mr. Chairman Hobbs, who I am grateful for in this situation. Its interesting and enlightening to see his perspective as a man in the professional world and how these kind of people will view our presentations in the future. While I don't always agree with the content or delivery of his feedback, I still try to apply his input to my future presentations, to see if it really produces a better product. One of the biggest takeaways I've had in regards to slide decks is that they are a refined representation of your ideas, not some quick hodgepodge of concepts! I hope that the experience I've gained in this class sets me above the rest in the big-boy side of the world.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
In Leadership, we are always being put on the spot in an uncomfortable situation, especially this year with our Core Principle, "be comfortable with the uncomfortable". One of the ways that this is achieved through is impromptu public speaking. When one speaks in front of the audience, it is normal to be nervous. One of the first steps of becoming a good public speaker is acknowledging this fact and ignoring it. Although Morty has told us everyone in the room is judging you as you are behind the podium, the Leadership values and principles have taught me that you need to stay true to yourself. If your speech is one you are proud of, something you have rehearsed repeatedly, you present it and own it, despite what anyone thinks. Leadership has taught me that this is the hardest part about public speaking. Once your confidence is accomplished, the rest comes naturally, for the rest is you.
In Leadership, we are always being put on the spot in an uncomfortable situation, especially this year with our Core Principle, "be comfortable with the uncomfortable". One of the ways that this is achieved through is impromptu public speaking. When one speaks in front of the audience, it is normal to be nervous. One of the first steps of becoming a good public speaker is acknowledging this fact and ignoring it. Although Morty has told us everyone in the room is judging you as you are behind the podium, the Leadership values and principles have taught me that you need to stay true to yourself. If your speech is one you are proud of, something you have rehearsed repeatedly, you present it and own it, despite what anyone thinks. Leadership has taught me that this is the hardest part about public speaking. Once your confidence is accomplished, the rest comes naturally, for the rest is you.
change.
APRIL 3, 2020
the following is a [slightly modified] excerpt from my journal about me stressing after a communication kerfuffle. after, I provided some context and commentary.
1/11/2020
SOMETHING HAPPENED
SPOILER ALERT: IT'S PROBABLY MY FAULT AND I'M JUST TOO PROUD TO ADMIT IT
Basically I'm not the best communicator. I've limited this to a few reasons that I'll brainstorm below to formulate a final address. Yikes! I didn't think that I hated apologizing, I think I just don't like being wrong. It'll be part of my journey to continue to be secure in being wrong. I'm not perfect and everybody knows that. So why do I care? It has to be an ego thing. This doesn't necessarily mean its a negative thing either. I'm too caught up in my own brain to plan out what'll happen that I don't even consider talking to anybody else. I also expect to have to do everything so I don't even think about delegating. GOTTA HAVE TRUST!
This was written in response to when my group was confused on the time we were meeting for Winterfest. I was frustrated that we couldn't even set a date, and it stressed me out to think that we still had so much to do! I pinned a lot of the blame on me. I thought as the leader of the group this is how it should be, but we also needed to include the entire dynamics of each individual in the group. I don't think that I serve well in a dictatorial, ultimate, be-all-end-all leader, which I feel like I was perceived as. Beyond that, I fed into it. I did everything because I saw it as my duty. I think that next year, our team needs to set clearer boundaries on our roles. This, I hope, will take some of the yoke off the "leader" and give everyone a share of our shared responsibility.
Photo used under Creative Commons from Eric@focus