AUGUST- SEPTEMBER
Date: October 2, 2020
Position Assessment:
In a world where our only school-wide form of communication is digital media, the role of Publicity Officer has been very busy. We began the year with class merchandising and the Senior Sunrise. My role in Senior Sunrise was nominal, but after all, the event was not very complicated. I created the publicity for the event, which received positive feedback, but took a bit longer than expected. In the future, I would like to have stricter timelines for my projects that I actually adhere to. In the merchandise department, I played a bit of a larger role. While the other officers handled the financial and administrative side of things, I was chiefly in charge of the creative side. I created the designs for all of the class merchandise and the publicity to promote it. I really enjoyed this first project- I liked creating almost a whole brand and promoting it, it’s exactly the type of project I was looking forward to in this position.
Our class officer team is beginning to plan for a few future events: Senior Merch Distribution and Fall Fest. We’ve run into a couple of problems in ordering the shirts themselves, but we’re actively working on resolving these issues. At the actual distribution, we hope to make an event for the seniors. I’m designing some cards for each senior’s package that will include a handwritten message and a QR code for a senior class playlist, all school-appropriate of course ;). I hope that this will be a fun, safe, and cute event for the seniors in the absence of any larger event.
Professional Development:
Since the beginning of the school year I’ve been working on curbing procrastination. I’ve made the commitment to myself to finish all of my schoolwork by Thursday night, leaving the weekend for work, extracurricular commitments, and family and personal time. While I’d like to say that this was an invention of productivity, it's more so been a function of necessity. Structuring my time like this has given me a false sense of increased me-time, so I need to reformat my time to include some more personal time. I think that prioritizing some time for self care is a necessary part of professional development like how developing your inner-leadership skills is crucial to becoming a more effective leader.
Concerns/Change:
I have been a busy, busy bee. I’ve been working very hard on a very full plate. Something that this has brought my attention to is how busyness does not equal happiness. In my mind, I had set the beginning of the school year as the beginning of when I could be happy- I’d be distracted from the things that make me anxious and stressed and unhappy. However, I have learned that after all my work is done, these lingering thoughts are still there to haunt me in my bed as I fall asleep. I need to work on making decisions to take time for myself and to make active choices to be happy. Maybe this includes lightening my course load, spending more time with family, or drinking more water throughout the day, I’m not sure. I am sure, though, that I can make these changes to live a happier life.
Positive Comment:
I am very grateful for the chat feature on Zoom. I think it really facilitates class bonding in a time when we can’t be together. I also appreciate how Morty likes our chats when we are “being silly”. The chat function on Zoom connects freshman and seniors and serves a conduit of togetherness across all grade levels. It's a way for everyone to share and at the same time allow private conversations and personal connections.
My Impact:
I am so excited to be making purposeful creations again! Making designs for leadership has reminded me that (sometimes) impactful art needs to have a purpose in order to make it useful. I have been inspired to create solutions for real-world issues and problems.
Position Assessment:
In a world where our only school-wide form of communication is digital media, the role of Publicity Officer has been very busy. We began the year with class merchandising and the Senior Sunrise. My role in Senior Sunrise was nominal, but after all, the event was not very complicated. I created the publicity for the event, which received positive feedback, but took a bit longer than expected. In the future, I would like to have stricter timelines for my projects that I actually adhere to. In the merchandise department, I played a bit of a larger role. While the other officers handled the financial and administrative side of things, I was chiefly in charge of the creative side. I created the designs for all of the class merchandise and the publicity to promote it. I really enjoyed this first project- I liked creating almost a whole brand and promoting it, it’s exactly the type of project I was looking forward to in this position.
Our class officer team is beginning to plan for a few future events: Senior Merch Distribution and Fall Fest. We’ve run into a couple of problems in ordering the shirts themselves, but we’re actively working on resolving these issues. At the actual distribution, we hope to make an event for the seniors. I’m designing some cards for each senior’s package that will include a handwritten message and a QR code for a senior class playlist, all school-appropriate of course ;). I hope that this will be a fun, safe, and cute event for the seniors in the absence of any larger event.
Professional Development:
Since the beginning of the school year I’ve been working on curbing procrastination. I’ve made the commitment to myself to finish all of my schoolwork by Thursday night, leaving the weekend for work, extracurricular commitments, and family and personal time. While I’d like to say that this was an invention of productivity, it's more so been a function of necessity. Structuring my time like this has given me a false sense of increased me-time, so I need to reformat my time to include some more personal time. I think that prioritizing some time for self care is a necessary part of professional development like how developing your inner-leadership skills is crucial to becoming a more effective leader.
Concerns/Change:
I have been a busy, busy bee. I’ve been working very hard on a very full plate. Something that this has brought my attention to is how busyness does not equal happiness. In my mind, I had set the beginning of the school year as the beginning of when I could be happy- I’d be distracted from the things that make me anxious and stressed and unhappy. However, I have learned that after all my work is done, these lingering thoughts are still there to haunt me in my bed as I fall asleep. I need to work on making decisions to take time for myself and to make active choices to be happy. Maybe this includes lightening my course load, spending more time with family, or drinking more water throughout the day, I’m not sure. I am sure, though, that I can make these changes to live a happier life.
Positive Comment:
I am very grateful for the chat feature on Zoom. I think it really facilitates class bonding in a time when we can’t be together. I also appreciate how Morty likes our chats when we are “being silly”. The chat function on Zoom connects freshman and seniors and serves a conduit of togetherness across all grade levels. It's a way for everyone to share and at the same time allow private conversations and personal connections.
My Impact:
I am so excited to be making purposeful creations again! Making designs for leadership has reminded me that (sometimes) impactful art needs to have a purpose in order to make it useful. I have been inspired to create solutions for real-world issues and problems.
DECEMBER
Date: December 3, 2020
Position Assessment:
We have received our senior class merchandise and began the distribution and selling. Although I notice some minor discrepancies, I am satisfied with the products and excited to see everyone wearing what we created.
Then, our class navigated Fall Fest together. I was very surprised at the results. It seemed like an overall successful event, especially for the winning senior class. I was surprised with how the entire school reacted to planning a new event and I saw a lot more participation than I expected. While the absence of people will always be unfamiliar, I felt some school spirit through the screen.
The Senior Class Officers have also been working on our Senior gift, a mural. This has been an excellent example of not getting what you want and learning to live with it. While we initially came into this project with grand ideas of complex designs, people who are more experienced than us have given us advice to do otherwise. I wouldn’t say that we’re settling because I am very satisfied with the results. Art is subjective, but I am happy with the collaborative piece we have produced together.
Professional Development:
I have been working on time management. Without the hindrance of Elias being late every morning, I have been on time to school every day. Even in non-academic situations, I have been working on respecting everyone’s time. Being late was a former personality trait of mine, but now I am accepting that this was negligent of me. Professionally, tardiness is generally unacceptable. As I approach college and life beyond high school, I need to be prepared to face consequences for lateness. I’ve always known that these things need to be done, now it's about putting them into practice.
Concerns:
I think I’m concerned about the things that most students are concerned about as we return back to school. Coronavirus and socialization. Luckily, Leadership has become a respite amidst the chaos. My closest friends and the kindest souls are in that class. As I know that I will support my peers in the class, I know that they are there for me in this transition.
Positive Comment:
Despite what’s currently going on, I am excited for my senior year. It’s been strange to walk around campus (literally walk around because I cannot drive) and not recognize everyone. I don’t know if I really feel like a senior yet, but there’s more to the finality than a title and celebration. I am on the precipice of my future, and right now I can only look forward with confidence in my steps and hope in my heart.
My Impact:
When I was faced with disappointment this week and this month, I have been making an effort to respond with positivity and gratitude. I have been working on separating my personal experiences with my outward attitudes. I am the sole determinant of my future, but I cannot deny the influence other people have in my life. I want to lead by example and shine my light onto others. When I am not having a good day, I want the joy of giving that gift to others.
Position Assessment:
We have received our senior class merchandise and began the distribution and selling. Although I notice some minor discrepancies, I am satisfied with the products and excited to see everyone wearing what we created.
Then, our class navigated Fall Fest together. I was very surprised at the results. It seemed like an overall successful event, especially for the winning senior class. I was surprised with how the entire school reacted to planning a new event and I saw a lot more participation than I expected. While the absence of people will always be unfamiliar, I felt some school spirit through the screen.
The Senior Class Officers have also been working on our Senior gift, a mural. This has been an excellent example of not getting what you want and learning to live with it. While we initially came into this project with grand ideas of complex designs, people who are more experienced than us have given us advice to do otherwise. I wouldn’t say that we’re settling because I am very satisfied with the results. Art is subjective, but I am happy with the collaborative piece we have produced together.
Professional Development:
I have been working on time management. Without the hindrance of Elias being late every morning, I have been on time to school every day. Even in non-academic situations, I have been working on respecting everyone’s time. Being late was a former personality trait of mine, but now I am accepting that this was negligent of me. Professionally, tardiness is generally unacceptable. As I approach college and life beyond high school, I need to be prepared to face consequences for lateness. I’ve always known that these things need to be done, now it's about putting them into practice.
Concerns:
I think I’m concerned about the things that most students are concerned about as we return back to school. Coronavirus and socialization. Luckily, Leadership has become a respite amidst the chaos. My closest friends and the kindest souls are in that class. As I know that I will support my peers in the class, I know that they are there for me in this transition.
Positive Comment:
Despite what’s currently going on, I am excited for my senior year. It’s been strange to walk around campus (literally walk around because I cannot drive) and not recognize everyone. I don’t know if I really feel like a senior yet, but there’s more to the finality than a title and celebration. I am on the precipice of my future, and right now I can only look forward with confidence in my steps and hope in my heart.
My Impact:
When I was faced with disappointment this week and this month, I have been making an effort to respond with positivity and gratitude. I have been working on separating my personal experiences with my outward attitudes. I am the sole determinant of my future, but I cannot deny the influence other people have in my life. I want to lead by example and shine my light onto others. When I am not having a good day, I want the joy of giving that gift to others.
FEBRUARY- MARCH
Date: March 18, 2021
Position Assessment:
Throughout the year, our class officer team has been planning a mural project for our senior gift. After submitting multiple redesigns, we made the payment for our final design to be painted. I was nervous about the outcome, but the wall has grown on me! I think it was the right choice to make with the design and I’m proud of everything it represents. It is a great way for the future Ripon High students to remember our class.
Now, Homecoming looms over our class like a cloud of darkness and we can only stand helpless in its shadow. Just kidding, we actually have the option to prepare ourselves by building shelter (to continue the metaphor), but our preparations do not slow the storm’s advance. I am confident in our Homecoming plan so far. Our schedule includes times when we can work together on the wall and the dance, and many of our other classmates have stepped up to help. Our purchase orders are completed and our supplies ready while our other paperwork has been begun. We have coordinated times to meet with others to film the fashion show and rehearse the dance and prepare the wall. We update Brendan multiple times throughout the week in meetings for new Homecoming developments, which he has been very effective in communicating and ascertaining information from.
As the Publicity Officer, I have also worked on numerous social media posts for our class Instagram that promote upcoming senior events, including College Reveal Night, the Grateful Graduate, and Senior Sports Spotlights, as well as school-wide events like Homecoming. Additionally, I was responsible for the Class of 2021 clover decorations for our St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. I divided the roles among everybody and helped myself in completing the task. Everyone participated in completing and executing the project, so it was very easy to manage.
Professional Development:
Through Citizens’ Climate Lobby, an organization I volunteer for, my leadership skills have really been put to the test. Working with senior citizens instead of seniors in high school isn’t all that different. They still complain and get off topic and have their own agendas and cares to attend to. While I have been able to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom into a different scenario and circumstance, I have also learned about networking. I’ve never really understood what that word meant, but I get now that it means I just have to be friendly and professional. I never know when I may need to reference these people again, and working in a professional setting has prepared me for whatever actual career I may pursue.
Concerns:
I am concerned about my senior year. As the end of the school year approaches, the days when we would have done this or that pass by unnoticed, but their absence is noted. Particular events like prom or a Disneyland trip or the fashion show or Sober Grad that were popular among students are trying to make a comeback, but I’m concerned about how safely they are being carried out. I know that I have a civic responsibility to abide by guidelines and regulations, but my last year of high school is slipping away without a trace. While I can’t control my classmates, I can control myself and I hope that I have the fortitude to make the right decisions.
Positive Comment:
Homecoming is always a stressful time, but this time around, it seems a lot more manageable. While the amount of work we have to do is less, I still feel stressed about our timeline and how much we have to get done. This anxiety is alleviated by the very helpful class I am now well acquainted with after four years. I know everyone’s work styles and I am comfortable enough to draw boundaries while communicating clearly. I think that so far, our class has really demonstrated maturity in our homecoming planning: from receiving feedback to affirming each others’ decision.
My Impact:
The revamped notes section of the journal asks for my “daily give”, and some days when I get to that part I don’t know what to put. It makes me wonder how often I put my own needs before others, and is that always okay? Of course I am a priority, but it is also helpful for my own mental health to be generous with my time with other people. Of course when I sit wondering about my “daily give”, I ignore the small things I do everyday, but that does not mean that these small moments of giving are unimportant. My charity does not need to be measurable, but I am working on being conscious and mindful of how I am spending my time and how much I am giving to others.
Position Assessment:
Throughout the year, our class officer team has been planning a mural project for our senior gift. After submitting multiple redesigns, we made the payment for our final design to be painted. I was nervous about the outcome, but the wall has grown on me! I think it was the right choice to make with the design and I’m proud of everything it represents. It is a great way for the future Ripon High students to remember our class.
Now, Homecoming looms over our class like a cloud of darkness and we can only stand helpless in its shadow. Just kidding, we actually have the option to prepare ourselves by building shelter (to continue the metaphor), but our preparations do not slow the storm’s advance. I am confident in our Homecoming plan so far. Our schedule includes times when we can work together on the wall and the dance, and many of our other classmates have stepped up to help. Our purchase orders are completed and our supplies ready while our other paperwork has been begun. We have coordinated times to meet with others to film the fashion show and rehearse the dance and prepare the wall. We update Brendan multiple times throughout the week in meetings for new Homecoming developments, which he has been very effective in communicating and ascertaining information from.
As the Publicity Officer, I have also worked on numerous social media posts for our class Instagram that promote upcoming senior events, including College Reveal Night, the Grateful Graduate, and Senior Sports Spotlights, as well as school-wide events like Homecoming. Additionally, I was responsible for the Class of 2021 clover decorations for our St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. I divided the roles among everybody and helped myself in completing the task. Everyone participated in completing and executing the project, so it was very easy to manage.
Professional Development:
Through Citizens’ Climate Lobby, an organization I volunteer for, my leadership skills have really been put to the test. Working with senior citizens instead of seniors in high school isn’t all that different. They still complain and get off topic and have their own agendas and cares to attend to. While I have been able to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom into a different scenario and circumstance, I have also learned about networking. I’ve never really understood what that word meant, but I get now that it means I just have to be friendly and professional. I never know when I may need to reference these people again, and working in a professional setting has prepared me for whatever actual career I may pursue.
Concerns:
I am concerned about my senior year. As the end of the school year approaches, the days when we would have done this or that pass by unnoticed, but their absence is noted. Particular events like prom or a Disneyland trip or the fashion show or Sober Grad that were popular among students are trying to make a comeback, but I’m concerned about how safely they are being carried out. I know that I have a civic responsibility to abide by guidelines and regulations, but my last year of high school is slipping away without a trace. While I can’t control my classmates, I can control myself and I hope that I have the fortitude to make the right decisions.
Positive Comment:
Homecoming is always a stressful time, but this time around, it seems a lot more manageable. While the amount of work we have to do is less, I still feel stressed about our timeline and how much we have to get done. This anxiety is alleviated by the very helpful class I am now well acquainted with after four years. I know everyone’s work styles and I am comfortable enough to draw boundaries while communicating clearly. I think that so far, our class has really demonstrated maturity in our homecoming planning: from receiving feedback to affirming each others’ decision.
My Impact:
The revamped notes section of the journal asks for my “daily give”, and some days when I get to that part I don’t know what to put. It makes me wonder how often I put my own needs before others, and is that always okay? Of course I am a priority, but it is also helpful for my own mental health to be generous with my time with other people. Of course when I sit wondering about my “daily give”, I ignore the small things I do everyday, but that does not mean that these small moments of giving are unimportant. My charity does not need to be measurable, but I am working on being conscious and mindful of how I am spending my time and how much I am giving to others.