august 2019.
Name: Gabriel Herrera
Position: Junior Class President
Date: October 24, 2019
Position Assessment:
The jump from historian to president sure is a big one. I keep brushing tasks off as to say “Niki will take care of that” or “it’s not my concern! I’m not an officer” and I have to pinch myself! I’m starting to realize that I am in charge now, and it’s overwhelming. But then I pinch myself a second time and I remember my class officers, which calms me down.
These first few weeks have been busy. The first thing we had to tackle was our class t-shirts. The class officers and I designed them over the summer, which was an ordeal in itself. We consulted the junior class everytime we came up with a product, as if seeking some sort of heavenly approval. Of course, we would be met with opposition, which was frustrating; especially when we had really liked something that we had come up with. In the end, we had decided to go with a tye-dye shirt from a different company than we usually go through. This would prove to be an issue later, as we’d experience some difficulties in ordering, but all would be resolved after some persistent emails. Our sales at registration went smoothly: scheduling conflicts were nonexistent, decorations were on point, and we were profitable! The subsequent sale during Club Rush Week was less successful. Many people thought that we were distributing their pre-ordered shirts despite a lack of boxes. Next year, we will implement some signage to avoid confusion. This order was where we experienced some difficulties. Since we had sold fewer shirts, there were no margins for profit. Because of this, we will be selling shirts when we distribute the previous order. I believe that we will sell these few extras. By the time this meeting has occurred, our shirts are expected to have arrived and will be distributed at lunch. Besides class t-shirt sales, our class has also submitted purchase orders for green class spirit supplies and of course dealing with that approaching monster: HOMECOMING (OH NO). I’m understandably apprehensive, but excited! I have our plans drawn up for our float and our plans to revolutionize the often disregarded front-of-the-school decorations. We have discussed both of these plans and made the necessary amendments. Purchase orders for our local hardware stores and Amazon are being completed for our float and gym and front-of-the-school decorations.
Standing Committee:
I am not currently a part of a standing committee, but I plan on helping with the coronation/winterfest committee
Special Committee:
I was the head of the BTSD poster committee. Last week, the team and I met up after school to make some posters that Niki (head of the decoration committee) requested. Our poster session didn’t last much longer than an hour, as with all the help we received, it was only necessary for each of us to make one poster. The posters looked great underneath the blacklights on Saturday. I am also in charge of the Dude Be Nice and Gallery of Arts Committees, but these events are too far in the future to begin to feasibly plan for.
Concerns:
I haven’t been able to create any very strong bonds between me and freshmen. I’m not expecting any BFF bonds (yet), but I was at least hoping to know their names earlier than I learned them. Not attending Core Camp definitely had an impact on these connections. Now, of course, it is my responsibility to see that these bonds are facilitated. I was debating with myself whether the freshmen should be held accountable for not approaching me, but as I reflected, I allowed myself to think back on my freshman experience. I desperately waiting for an upperclassman to approach me. I want to br able to make a bond that wasn’t really there for me, and I’m glad to see other upperclassmen already forging ahead with this.
Positive Comment:
I’m really excited about reading Dr. Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead! I’ve always had a dream of being a book club, but I was weary of going through texts with other teenagers, who may not be as passionate about reading and analysis I was. I have been thoroughly surprised by just our first discussion (and how agist of me to think what I had thought!). I love the new perspectives students offer and they make me think. This sort of leinance towards academics is really beneficial for me, because I don’t think I’m really in that sort of environment as often as I’d like to be. Beyond the procedure, I actually like and agree with what Dr. Brown has to say. I like her scientific approach to leadership as a researcher and I can’t wait to see what else she has to say. Also, doesn’t it just feel a little bad to be writing in books like this? Just another plus.
Change:
A change I would like to see in the program is the presence of praises! Although there hasn’t been anything to really praise the entire class for yet, I think we should take the time for some sort of alternative praise, perhaps something aimed at Natalie for the back to school festivities? I think we should definitely have a praise session before the Homecoming rounds to motivate the classes before the horrors of hoco.
My Impact:
This month, I have worked on my how I treat everyone around me. I’ve noticed that sometimes when I think I’m joking, some people may take my teasing as harmful. I’ve been careful of what I say with my friends and people I just meet in order to spread positivity. As the one and only junior class president, it is my job to be a good role model to the campus and the community. I hope that my efforts this month to brighten the days of everyone I encounter have changed students’ days for the better.
Position: Junior Class President
Date: October 24, 2019
Position Assessment:
The jump from historian to president sure is a big one. I keep brushing tasks off as to say “Niki will take care of that” or “it’s not my concern! I’m not an officer” and I have to pinch myself! I’m starting to realize that I am in charge now, and it’s overwhelming. But then I pinch myself a second time and I remember my class officers, which calms me down.
These first few weeks have been busy. The first thing we had to tackle was our class t-shirts. The class officers and I designed them over the summer, which was an ordeal in itself. We consulted the junior class everytime we came up with a product, as if seeking some sort of heavenly approval. Of course, we would be met with opposition, which was frustrating; especially when we had really liked something that we had come up with. In the end, we had decided to go with a tye-dye shirt from a different company than we usually go through. This would prove to be an issue later, as we’d experience some difficulties in ordering, but all would be resolved after some persistent emails. Our sales at registration went smoothly: scheduling conflicts were nonexistent, decorations were on point, and we were profitable! The subsequent sale during Club Rush Week was less successful. Many people thought that we were distributing their pre-ordered shirts despite a lack of boxes. Next year, we will implement some signage to avoid confusion. This order was where we experienced some difficulties. Since we had sold fewer shirts, there were no margins for profit. Because of this, we will be selling shirts when we distribute the previous order. I believe that we will sell these few extras. By the time this meeting has occurred, our shirts are expected to have arrived and will be distributed at lunch. Besides class t-shirt sales, our class has also submitted purchase orders for green class spirit supplies and of course dealing with that approaching monster: HOMECOMING (OH NO). I’m understandably apprehensive, but excited! I have our plans drawn up for our float and our plans to revolutionize the often disregarded front-of-the-school decorations. We have discussed both of these plans and made the necessary amendments. Purchase orders for our local hardware stores and Amazon are being completed for our float and gym and front-of-the-school decorations.
Standing Committee:
I am not currently a part of a standing committee, but I plan on helping with the coronation/winterfest committee
Special Committee:
I was the head of the BTSD poster committee. Last week, the team and I met up after school to make some posters that Niki (head of the decoration committee) requested. Our poster session didn’t last much longer than an hour, as with all the help we received, it was only necessary for each of us to make one poster. The posters looked great underneath the blacklights on Saturday. I am also in charge of the Dude Be Nice and Gallery of Arts Committees, but these events are too far in the future to begin to feasibly plan for.
Concerns:
I haven’t been able to create any very strong bonds between me and freshmen. I’m not expecting any BFF bonds (yet), but I was at least hoping to know their names earlier than I learned them. Not attending Core Camp definitely had an impact on these connections. Now, of course, it is my responsibility to see that these bonds are facilitated. I was debating with myself whether the freshmen should be held accountable for not approaching me, but as I reflected, I allowed myself to think back on my freshman experience. I desperately waiting for an upperclassman to approach me. I want to br able to make a bond that wasn’t really there for me, and I’m glad to see other upperclassmen already forging ahead with this.
Positive Comment:
I’m really excited about reading Dr. Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead! I’ve always had a dream of being a book club, but I was weary of going through texts with other teenagers, who may not be as passionate about reading and analysis I was. I have been thoroughly surprised by just our first discussion (and how agist of me to think what I had thought!). I love the new perspectives students offer and they make me think. This sort of leinance towards academics is really beneficial for me, because I don’t think I’m really in that sort of environment as often as I’d like to be. Beyond the procedure, I actually like and agree with what Dr. Brown has to say. I like her scientific approach to leadership as a researcher and I can’t wait to see what else she has to say. Also, doesn’t it just feel a little bad to be writing in books like this? Just another plus.
Change:
A change I would like to see in the program is the presence of praises! Although there hasn’t been anything to really praise the entire class for yet, I think we should take the time for some sort of alternative praise, perhaps something aimed at Natalie for the back to school festivities? I think we should definitely have a praise session before the Homecoming rounds to motivate the classes before the horrors of hoco.
My Impact:
This month, I have worked on my how I treat everyone around me. I’ve noticed that sometimes when I think I’m joking, some people may take my teasing as harmful. I’ve been careful of what I say with my friends and people I just meet in order to spread positivity. As the one and only junior class president, it is my job to be a good role model to the campus and the community. I hope that my efforts this month to brighten the days of everyone I encounter have changed students’ days for the better.
sept & october 2019.
Name: Gabriel Herrera
Position: Junior Class President
Date: October 24, 2019
Position Assessment:
In the aftermath of homecoming, we rise from our fetal position as the smoke clears and stand to survey what remains. We tend to the wounded and bury the dead. After the battle, there is silence, or at least there should be. A bus of Japanese kids skids onto the scene and our fists are subsequently filled with tickets. This has been a time of constant battle where time has no meaning.
Homecoming was a whirlwind. Long nights and One thing I noticed was how late everything was. We had been up decorating the float until the last minute and same with the lip sync. This could have definitely been avoided, and next time, it will be. I’m tired of being tired. Our plans were ambitious but our will was not. While solid ideas may win the war, a lack of passion will fester from the inside and disintegrate the team. Amid our issues, the juniors ending up winning! It was an odd, but welcome feeling. That sentence kind of summarizes our homecoming. The paperwork is being processed and I’m looking forward to putting this victory-on-paper behind us. Next, and like when I say next I mean VERY next, was the arrival of our friends from the far east, the Kyoto kids are in town! I was enthralled to make a poster for their welcoming (see ‘Special Committee’) and even more enthralled to get to know the students. Right after was our tri-tip fundraiser sales. My group did not complete our requested day of sales, and I am personally disappointed in my own effort. Our class also received our final order of t-shirts (FINALLY) so those are all distributed and a procedure form can finally be completed. I’m glad to put that prolonged event behind us as well.
The junior class also had a meeting about the conflicts and tensions (see ‘Change’) that transpired over homecoming. It was helpful to be able to decompress in a safe, monitored environment with Morty as a mediator. I hope that airing-out our problems will dilute the tensions and lead us into a brighter future.
Standing Committee:
I’m not officially a part of any standing committee, but I am on an unofficial Poster Making Committee. I have made posters to welcome the Kyoto students, for the tri-tip fundraiser, and homecoming. While I’m fine making these posters on my own, I still miss Chloe.
Special Committee:
I am a part of the Gallery of the Arts Committee. This event is too far in the future to begin actual planning, but nonetheless, I am passionate about this project! My mind often drifts to scenes in the MUB of what this gallery will be! I’m excited to put my ambitions into actions in the near future. I am also a part of the Dude Be Nice Committee, which is significantly closer. My class officers and I have started a procedure form for this event and we will be selling dude be nice stickers (dates TBA)
Concerns:
While this has been trend, nothing new, I have finally put some thought into and named it. I have let go a little too much. While I have never been the super anxious type, I have been a perfectionist. With the coming stress of my upperclassmen years, this has proved to be a concern. I’ve come to develop a mindset that
Positive Comment:
I’ve made some interclass relationships! For me, I usually think of friend-making as a directed effort, and this usually results in some anxiety, leading me to chicken out and not make friends! I’ve been working on letting things go as of late (maybe too much, see ‘Concerns’) and this has seemed to help in building relationships. Once I allow myself to let go of who I should be, I am who I am meant to be, me! No matter how much it is drilled into my head, I never will apply “just be who you are”, it seems. I’m glad that I’ve made friends in the class that like me for me.
Change:
I want to regain some control over my class again. With all of this recent conflict and resulting tension becoming more discussed, I am grateful that light is brought to this issue, but I also feel responsible. I know I have the skills within me to lead (thanks Brene), but it’s only a matter of not applying all of those cheesy acronyms and kitschy phrases. I need to find the courage and confidence to be able to be a better president.
My Impact:
These past two months, I have begun that peaceful descent into a more mindful state. Along with more time spent doing nothing and meditating, I joined Yoga Club for that extra icing, if you will. Through Yoga Club, I’ve learned more about the art of mindfulness and I’m proud to say I’ve been seeing the results. While I’ve tended to see meditation as a remedial solution, it’s also a wonderful preventative measure. I’ve noticed the snares that have been put in front of me and I’ve deftly side past them to continue onto that path of progress. Although this hasn't come to affect a larger community (yet), this small seed has to start within me before I can go out to be the best I can to make this world the best it can be. This change starts with me.
Position: Junior Class President
Date: October 24, 2019
Position Assessment:
In the aftermath of homecoming, we rise from our fetal position as the smoke clears and stand to survey what remains. We tend to the wounded and bury the dead. After the battle, there is silence, or at least there should be. A bus of Japanese kids skids onto the scene and our fists are subsequently filled with tickets. This has been a time of constant battle where time has no meaning.
Homecoming was a whirlwind. Long nights and One thing I noticed was how late everything was. We had been up decorating the float until the last minute and same with the lip sync. This could have definitely been avoided, and next time, it will be. I’m tired of being tired. Our plans were ambitious but our will was not. While solid ideas may win the war, a lack of passion will fester from the inside and disintegrate the team. Amid our issues, the juniors ending up winning! It was an odd, but welcome feeling. That sentence kind of summarizes our homecoming. The paperwork is being processed and I’m looking forward to putting this victory-on-paper behind us. Next, and like when I say next I mean VERY next, was the arrival of our friends from the far east, the Kyoto kids are in town! I was enthralled to make a poster for their welcoming (see ‘Special Committee’) and even more enthralled to get to know the students. Right after was our tri-tip fundraiser sales. My group did not complete our requested day of sales, and I am personally disappointed in my own effort. Our class also received our final order of t-shirts (FINALLY) so those are all distributed and a procedure form can finally be completed. I’m glad to put that prolonged event behind us as well.
The junior class also had a meeting about the conflicts and tensions (see ‘Change’) that transpired over homecoming. It was helpful to be able to decompress in a safe, monitored environment with Morty as a mediator. I hope that airing-out our problems will dilute the tensions and lead us into a brighter future.
Standing Committee:
I’m not officially a part of any standing committee, but I am on an unofficial Poster Making Committee. I have made posters to welcome the Kyoto students, for the tri-tip fundraiser, and homecoming. While I’m fine making these posters on my own, I still miss Chloe.
Special Committee:
I am a part of the Gallery of the Arts Committee. This event is too far in the future to begin actual planning, but nonetheless, I am passionate about this project! My mind often drifts to scenes in the MUB of what this gallery will be! I’m excited to put my ambitions into actions in the near future. I am also a part of the Dude Be Nice Committee, which is significantly closer. My class officers and I have started a procedure form for this event and we will be selling dude be nice stickers (dates TBA)
Concerns:
While this has been trend, nothing new, I have finally put some thought into and named it. I have let go a little too much. While I have never been the super anxious type, I have been a perfectionist. With the coming stress of my upperclassmen years, this has proved to be a concern. I’ve come to develop a mindset that
Positive Comment:
I’ve made some interclass relationships! For me, I usually think of friend-making as a directed effort, and this usually results in some anxiety, leading me to chicken out and not make friends! I’ve been working on letting things go as of late (maybe too much, see ‘Concerns’) and this has seemed to help in building relationships. Once I allow myself to let go of who I should be, I am who I am meant to be, me! No matter how much it is drilled into my head, I never will apply “just be who you are”, it seems. I’m glad that I’ve made friends in the class that like me for me.
Change:
I want to regain some control over my class again. With all of this recent conflict and resulting tension becoming more discussed, I am grateful that light is brought to this issue, but I also feel responsible. I know I have the skills within me to lead (thanks Brene), but it’s only a matter of not applying all of those cheesy acronyms and kitschy phrases. I need to find the courage and confidence to be able to be a better president.
My Impact:
These past two months, I have begun that peaceful descent into a more mindful state. Along with more time spent doing nothing and meditating, I joined Yoga Club for that extra icing, if you will. Through Yoga Club, I’ve learned more about the art of mindfulness and I’m proud to say I’ve been seeing the results. While I’ve tended to see meditation as a remedial solution, it’s also a wonderful preventative measure. I’ve noticed the snares that have been put in front of me and I’ve deftly side past them to continue onto that path of progress. Although this hasn't come to affect a larger community (yet), this small seed has to start within me before I can go out to be the best I can to make this world the best it can be. This change starts with me.