Wow, the semester is over! I cannot begin to explain how sad this makes me. I have enjoyed this class so much, and it has done so much for me - I am terribly sorry to see it concluded! :(
I hardly know what to say after all is said and done. I'm in the process of putting my portfolio together right now, and I feel like I'm beating a dead horse when I express how much this course has done for me, but it's true!
When I began this class, I was an introverted student who was terrified of public speaking and apprehensive about working in groups. I was in a leadership position on campus, and have been for the past year now (unfortunately my run is over after this semester!), and I have learned and grown so much. I'm less introverted and have more friends on campus due to my ability to work successfully in groups now. I'm also less afraid of public speaking, and just won a campus speech contest to prove my growth! I'm a better leader, and I'm a better critical thinker. I also know a lot more about managing conflict now.
I keep singing the praises of this class, but it's true and I honestly don't know what else to say! It has been such a useful and beneficial course, and I look forward to reaping the rewards of my new knowledge. :)
Monday, April 23, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
'Men of Honor' and 'We Were Soldiers'
I recently watched two intense war/military movies with my boyfriend, and wow - was there amazing displays of leadership in these movies! What's wonderful about them is that they're true stories.
In 'Men of Honor,' which chronicles the first African-American to be accepted as a US Navy Diver and stars Robert DeNiro and Cuba Wooding, Jr., was inspiring. DeNiro's character was someone the audiance was prompted to hate at first. He was in charge, but he detested authority. And he almost reveled in making what was a struggle for the average white man going into dive school nearly downright impossible for the black man, Gooding's character. He was pathetic and a drunk half of the time, and an a**hole the rest of the time. This combination in his leader forced Gooding's character to work four times as hard, and he succeeded and pushed past boundaries and obstacles with flying colors. Near the end, when Gooding's character is petitioning to the Navy to be allowed to continue to dive after his leg was nearly severed in an accident, DeNiro's character comes back, sober and humbled, to help Gooding pass the Navy's test. This is a powerful scene, and one that really makes you admire DeNiro's character's leadership qualities, annoying and prickly as they may be, because in this moment they certainly are effective.
In 'We Were Soldiers,' Mel Gibson's character triumphs as the leader of the first platoon of men to be deployed during Vietnam, only, they are accidentally dropped off inside the Vietnamese army's camp, so to speak. Severely outnumbered but determined to not only survive, but to emerge victorious, Gibson's character displays extreme bravery and leadership while commanding his men. This is a powerful, powerful movie. Gibson's character is a wonderful leader, but not only that, his wife back home displays the same leadership qualities. When the taxi drivers are forced to deliver telegram's notifying the wives of their husbands deaths in Vietnam, Gibson's wife learns of this an is appealed. She demands that the taxi driver deliver all telegrams to her, and she will deliver them to the wives. I thought this was very brave and a sign of strong leadership.
War movies are great when looking for leadership qualities. :)
In 'Men of Honor,' which chronicles the first African-American to be accepted as a US Navy Diver and stars Robert DeNiro and Cuba Wooding, Jr., was inspiring. DeNiro's character was someone the audiance was prompted to hate at first. He was in charge, but he detested authority. And he almost reveled in making what was a struggle for the average white man going into dive school nearly downright impossible for the black man, Gooding's character. He was pathetic and a drunk half of the time, and an a**hole the rest of the time. This combination in his leader forced Gooding's character to work four times as hard, and he succeeded and pushed past boundaries and obstacles with flying colors. Near the end, when Gooding's character is petitioning to the Navy to be allowed to continue to dive after his leg was nearly severed in an accident, DeNiro's character comes back, sober and humbled, to help Gooding pass the Navy's test. This is a powerful scene, and one that really makes you admire DeNiro's character's leadership qualities, annoying and prickly as they may be, because in this moment they certainly are effective.
In 'We Were Soldiers,' Mel Gibson's character triumphs as the leader of the first platoon of men to be deployed during Vietnam, only, they are accidentally dropped off inside the Vietnamese army's camp, so to speak. Severely outnumbered but determined to not only survive, but to emerge victorious, Gibson's character displays extreme bravery and leadership while commanding his men. This is a powerful, powerful movie. Gibson's character is a wonderful leader, but not only that, his wife back home displays the same leadership qualities. When the taxi drivers are forced to deliver telegram's notifying the wives of their husbands deaths in Vietnam, Gibson's wife learns of this an is appealed. She demands that the taxi driver deliver all telegrams to her, and she will deliver them to the wives. I thought this was very brave and a sign of strong leadership.
War movies are great when looking for leadership qualities. :)
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Leadership
I serve in a student leadership role on campus, and I thought I'd take a moment to reflect on the experience.
This semester will conclude my two-semester role as editor of The Settler.
When I first started, I won't lie, I took the position because it would look good on my resume. It was a great opportunity that I couldn't turn down, even though I'd never been a leader and knew next to nothing about journalism.
But, in my journey at Vol State, I was determined to expand my horizons and step out of my comfort zone so that I could grow as a person and be prepared to move on to and excel at a university.
Since serving nearly two semesters in this role I have learned a lot about what it takes to be a leader, and a lot about where I still fall short.
For the most part, my experience has been a good one, and I have had a great, cooperative staff that has allowed me to be on a peer level more than a leader level. But there have been some issues.
I often run into problems, usually with the same people, that involve stories not being completed by deadline, or stories not turned in at all, with no notice, which really puts me into a bind. I feel I still have a weakness when it comes to confrontation, and taking disciplinary measures, as my efforts to rectify these situations through speaking to the writers directly has resulted in little change. I feel this is because I am not forceful in my requirements or direct enough... something. Because they must not take me seriously enough to want to do what is required the first or second time.
I feel an effective leader is not afraid to do this. An effective leader can be intimidating and forceful when they need to be, and will discipline when it's appropriate. I still struggle with this, however. I can be a bit of a pushover, and I need to be careful not to let others walk all over me.
But I believe there's a fine line. If a leader is to be forceful and intimidating, and firm in what they need from the others, they also need to be able to dole out compliments and encouragement when the job does get done correctly.
Perhaps I still have much to learn in that regard. At any rate, I know I've come a long way!
This semester will conclude my two-semester role as editor of The Settler.
When I first started, I won't lie, I took the position because it would look good on my resume. It was a great opportunity that I couldn't turn down, even though I'd never been a leader and knew next to nothing about journalism.
But, in my journey at Vol State, I was determined to expand my horizons and step out of my comfort zone so that I could grow as a person and be prepared to move on to and excel at a university.
Since serving nearly two semesters in this role I have learned a lot about what it takes to be a leader, and a lot about where I still fall short.
For the most part, my experience has been a good one, and I have had a great, cooperative staff that has allowed me to be on a peer level more than a leader level. But there have been some issues.
I often run into problems, usually with the same people, that involve stories not being completed by deadline, or stories not turned in at all, with no notice, which really puts me into a bind. I feel I still have a weakness when it comes to confrontation, and taking disciplinary measures, as my efforts to rectify these situations through speaking to the writers directly has resulted in little change. I feel this is because I am not forceful in my requirements or direct enough... something. Because they must not take me seriously enough to want to do what is required the first or second time.
I feel an effective leader is not afraid to do this. An effective leader can be intimidating and forceful when they need to be, and will discipline when it's appropriate. I still struggle with this, however. I can be a bit of a pushover, and I need to be careful not to let others walk all over me.
But I believe there's a fine line. If a leader is to be forceful and intimidating, and firm in what they need from the others, they also need to be able to dole out compliments and encouragement when the job does get done correctly.
Perhaps I still have much to learn in that regard. At any rate, I know I've come a long way!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Role Playing and Group Speeches
I really enjoyed this activity.
I was wary at first, since an activity like that really takes me out of my comfort zone. But not only was it fun, but I could see the wisdom behind performing this sort of activity.
The roles seemed so extreme, but the sad thing is, we interact with people like that every day.
On another note, today was the day my group and I performed our group speech in my communications class.
When we first learned of the required group speech, I was terrified. Entrusting others to participate and influence what my grade would be is scary, especially in a context as scary as a speech.
I think I lucked out, though. I worked with three other girls who were just as determined as I was to get an A, and fortunately, there were no slugs among us. Today we gave our speech, and since we all did our required bit of work and came prepared, I feel it went well. Yay, success! I just hope our grade reflects it. :)
I was wary at first, since an activity like that really takes me out of my comfort zone. But not only was it fun, but I could see the wisdom behind performing this sort of activity.
The roles seemed so extreme, but the sad thing is, we interact with people like that every day.
On another note, today was the day my group and I performed our group speech in my communications class.
When we first learned of the required group speech, I was terrified. Entrusting others to participate and influence what my grade would be is scary, especially in a context as scary as a speech.
I think I lucked out, though. I worked with three other girls who were just as determined as I was to get an A, and fortunately, there were no slugs among us. Today we gave our speech, and since we all did our required bit of work and came prepared, I feel it went well. Yay, success! I just hope our grade reflects it. :)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Group Evaluations
Recycling Group
I thought this group really stuck out with their t-shirts. We had t-shirts too, but ours were home-made. This group's shirts were really sharp, and very nice. I was impressed. I also thought the program they used for their presentation was different and very nicely put-together.
The over-all goal was a noble one. I felt that they seemed to have done their best, despite set-backs and brick walls, I and think that is the whole purpose of these projects. Not to succeed, per se. But to not give up and to develop new ways of thinking about things and finding new solutions when things inevitably go wrong.
Discounts Group
This group had a wonderful cause that I think would really resonate with a lot of students, as most of us are broke. I really admired their determination and tenacity with literally going door to door to find all of the discounts available to students out there, in three different cities. That to me was really great. I know I am appreciative to them for providing me with a more extensive list of discounts than is on the Vol State website. I thought this group had an impressive, relaxed presentation, and I loved that they explored every medium available on campus in order to promote their cause. I especially loved Adam's radio ad. these groups did very, very well.
I look forward to seeing the last group's presentation tomorrow!
I thought this group really stuck out with their t-shirts. We had t-shirts too, but ours were home-made. This group's shirts were really sharp, and very nice. I was impressed. I also thought the program they used for their presentation was different and very nicely put-together.
The over-all goal was a noble one. I felt that they seemed to have done their best, despite set-backs and brick walls, I and think that is the whole purpose of these projects. Not to succeed, per se. But to not give up and to develop new ways of thinking about things and finding new solutions when things inevitably go wrong.
Discounts Group
This group had a wonderful cause that I think would really resonate with a lot of students, as most of us are broke. I really admired their determination and tenacity with literally going door to door to find all of the discounts available to students out there, in three different cities. That to me was really great. I know I am appreciative to them for providing me with a more extensive list of discounts than is on the Vol State website. I thought this group had an impressive, relaxed presentation, and I loved that they explored every medium available on campus in order to promote their cause. I especially loved Adam's radio ad. these groups did very, very well.
I look forward to seeing the last group's presentation tomorrow!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Project
Well, our small group project was a success, I think.
For two reasons - one being that we had a decent turn-out and nothing went wrong during the flash mob. the other reason being that we all learned that it's not as easy as it seems to successfully pull of a flash mob.
I really enjoyed this project. A flash mob, or anything like it, is something that I would never, ever have been involved in before now. But pushing myself outside of my comfort zone really felt good. I'm realizing that each time I do that, the list of things I'm afraid of gets shorter and shorter. Which is definitely a good thing for a developing leader.
I think we handled the issues we were faced with very well, and we all got along superbly. The only thing left is the presentation, which I'm extremely nervous about, but again, I will try to push past my fear of the public speaking thing so that I can be less afraid of it... eventually.
Hopefully we can all get organized and put on a good presentation. After that is over with, I will breathe and relax for a minute.
This has been really fun. I'm gaining a lot of experience and growing quite a bit from just one class. I wish they all were like that.
For two reasons - one being that we had a decent turn-out and nothing went wrong during the flash mob. the other reason being that we all learned that it's not as easy as it seems to successfully pull of a flash mob.
I really enjoyed this project. A flash mob, or anything like it, is something that I would never, ever have been involved in before now. But pushing myself outside of my comfort zone really felt good. I'm realizing that each time I do that, the list of things I'm afraid of gets shorter and shorter. Which is definitely a good thing for a developing leader.
I think we handled the issues we were faced with very well, and we all got along superbly. The only thing left is the presentation, which I'm extremely nervous about, but again, I will try to push past my fear of the public speaking thing so that I can be less afraid of it... eventually.
Hopefully we can all get organized and put on a good presentation. After that is over with, I will breathe and relax for a minute.
This has been really fun. I'm gaining a lot of experience and growing quite a bit from just one class. I wish they all were like that.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Week Five: Group Work
Looking at the difference between my other classes in comparison to this one is really quite interesting. I'm finding myself looking at leadership qualities everywhere.
We have just been broken off into groups for my speech class, in which we have to work together on a group speech. None of us are looking forward to it. In fact, our instructor calls us her negative class, because when asked by a show of hands who liked group work, none of us raised a hand.
The amount of negative experiences we've all had in working in groups really makes it hard for us to look forward to yet another experience. I'm hoping my group performs well, as we all have the same goal: an A. :)
We learned an interesting thing in that class about groups.. apparently groups go through stages: The forming, the storming, the norming, and the performance. Forming is the stage we're in now. Getting to know eachother, being very polite and agreeable. Our instructor says that the next stage is the most important: storming. That is where conflicts arise, and we find out what we're made of .We have disagreements, but we resolve them, and get to the norming stage. This is where we have finally figured out what the boundaries are and what is and isn't acceptable. It is also a very productive stage. The final stage is the one our instructor says that many of us probably won't get to, and that is the performing stage. This is the stage in which we completely trust one another and merge very well together. The group becomes unified, so to speak.
I will certainly blog about the progression of this group, as I'm anxious to see how things turn out, and of course, whether or not we're able to come together and get that A!
We have just been broken off into groups for my speech class, in which we have to work together on a group speech. None of us are looking forward to it. In fact, our instructor calls us her negative class, because when asked by a show of hands who liked group work, none of us raised a hand.
The amount of negative experiences we've all had in working in groups really makes it hard for us to look forward to yet another experience. I'm hoping my group performs well, as we all have the same goal: an A. :)
We learned an interesting thing in that class about groups.. apparently groups go through stages: The forming, the storming, the norming, and the performance. Forming is the stage we're in now. Getting to know eachother, being very polite and agreeable. Our instructor says that the next stage is the most important: storming. That is where conflicts arise, and we find out what we're made of .We have disagreements, but we resolve them, and get to the norming stage. This is where we have finally figured out what the boundaries are and what is and isn't acceptable. It is also a very productive stage. The final stage is the one our instructor says that many of us probably won't get to, and that is the performing stage. This is the stage in which we completely trust one another and merge very well together. The group becomes unified, so to speak.
I will certainly blog about the progression of this group, as I'm anxious to see how things turn out, and of course, whether or not we're able to come together and get that A!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)