We were asked to find a leadership quote that spoke to us and after looking at pages and pages of semi-inspiring, kind of thoughtful quotes, I came across the following quote by Ross Perot and I think it is incredibly meaningful....
"Lead and inspire people. Don't try to manage and manipulate people. Inventories can be managed but people must be lead."
I liked this quote so much because it points out a major flaw in a lot of leaders. Some people think that good leaders are just people who can make other people do what they want them to do, but in truth, a good leader is someone who can speak to people about their hopes and dreams and, after listening, their audience truly wants to pursue those same hopes and dreams whole-heartedly. A good leader will say and do things that inspire others to be like them. They will make people look and them and say "Wow, I wish I could be like that." It's true that some people have convinced others to do things and not been considered good leaders, but like this quote says, they just wanted to manage and manipulate. To be a good leader you have to want something to happen that will push people in the right direction. They drive forwards, not backwards.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Wow....that's pretty much all I can say is just, wow. Keith's story was so incredible to read and so inspiring. It's amazing how a simple goal in life can turn into something so huge and something that impacts so many people. I really like reading stories like this because it reminds me that, although there are some really terrible things going on in the world today and there are so many people out there who think solely of themselves, there are others who make it their life's work to help the people around them.
Keith Taylor said that he wanted to be a philanthropist, and he eventually decided that "philanthropy is simply reaching out to help, in whatever way we can, without expecting anything in return." That is something that we, as people who want to be leaders, really need to remember. We need to help out the people around us simply because we can without hoping for any reward, return, or recognition.
The program that Keith started was a genius idea, and people soon realized it. It slowly grew and to this day it was helped tons of people and has donated over $1 million.
It just makes me smile to know that there are so many compassionate people out there today who are willing to give to a complete stranger who's in need, and I hope that other people will see what a joy it is to be able to help others, even if it means giving up something for themselves in the process."People make this sacrifice not because they have to, not because they feel guilty, but because the pleasure it gives them far outweighs that small indulgence."
All we have to do now is make a choice. A chioce of whether or not we want to act upon the most human of desires....
"the desire to reach out to others".
Keith Taylor said that he wanted to be a philanthropist, and he eventually decided that "philanthropy is simply reaching out to help, in whatever way we can, without expecting anything in return." That is something that we, as people who want to be leaders, really need to remember. We need to help out the people around us simply because we can without hoping for any reward, return, or recognition.
The program that Keith started was a genius idea, and people soon realized it. It slowly grew and to this day it was helped tons of people and has donated over $1 million.
It just makes me smile to know that there are so many compassionate people out there today who are willing to give to a complete stranger who's in need, and I hope that other people will see what a joy it is to be able to help others, even if it means giving up something for themselves in the process."People make this sacrifice not because they have to, not because they feel guilty, but because the pleasure it gives them far outweighs that small indulgence."
All we have to do now is make a choice. A chioce of whether or not we want to act upon the most human of desires....
"the desire to reach out to others".
My Legacy...
I hope that when people look back at my life, they see a life with meaning. I want to look back with a peace in my heart and no regrets. I want to be able to say that I have lived, laughed, loved, learned and helped loved ones as well as perfect strangers simply because it was the right thing to do, without expecting anything in return.
IDCI Report Card
I think that out of all of the things that our school was graded on, the best thing about IDCI is it's ability to get students involved. There are so many opportunities at our school for every kind of person and every kind of interest. We have art clubs, dramas, sports, tutoring, student cabinet, key club, environment club, committees, newspaper, bands and so many others...and lets not forget Me2We. I'm really proud of our school for it's effort to include everyone in some way. It takes into consideration all the different personality types and the interest diversity of the students here that it's physically impossible to be bored at this school if your willing to give new things a try.
Me2We - Mark's Story
I've got to say that Mark's story is definitely among the top 10 most inspiring stories I've ever read. I thought it was just so incredible to hear a real life story about someone who could have had the so-called "American Dream" of the great, high-paying job with the sports car, the nice house and all the benefits, but instead they followed their heart and what they thought was right and they dedicated their life to helping those in need.
What impacted me the most I think was the fact that Mark didn't even want to go to Tailand at first, but he gave everthing up anyways. And after doing all that, he still wanted to come home and get it all back when the going got tough. But with the the gift of perspective from only a small Thai boy, he realized that he was called to something so much more than passing out water - with or without ice. His attitude and his life goals changed so much from his visit to the slums of Klong Toey, Thailand.
He had a true Me to We transformation.
And my hope is that at some point I'll be able to have one of those life changing experience that will show me what it is I'm really called to do. I'll realize that even though I'm just one small person, I can make a difference. I want to be able to look back, just like Mark did, and be able to say that I had the courage to do the right thing, that I had the boldness to step out, and that I am really, truly happy.
What impacted me the most I think was the fact that Mark didn't even want to go to Tailand at first, but he gave everthing up anyways. And after doing all that, he still wanted to come home and get it all back when the going got tough. But with the the gift of perspective from only a small Thai boy, he realized that he was called to something so much more than passing out water - with or without ice. His attitude and his life goals changed so much from his visit to the slums of Klong Toey, Thailand.
He had a true Me to We transformation.
And my hope is that at some point I'll be able to have one of those life changing experience that will show me what it is I'm really called to do. I'll realize that even though I'm just one small person, I can make a difference. I want to be able to look back, just like Mark did, and be able to say that I had the courage to do the right thing, that I had the boldness to step out, and that I am really, truly happy.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Whale Rider
Although "Whale Rider" had some important and significant morals to take away from it, overall I didn't think it was a great movie. Good but not great.
I liked the fact that the main character, Pai, was determined and persevered to reach her goal and that she went "against the flow" of her culture in that she was a girl who wanted to be a leader (which was not allowed). She showed incredible leadership skills like faith, compassion, hope, kindness and the will and drive to persist even though it was against the odds that she would succeed. I also though that the fact that she was a girl was a really good touch because often stories tell of guys that grow up to be leaders and show their strength and courage but here we have Pai who isn't just your average "damsel in distress". She sticks up for herself and fights for what she believes in which is a model we would all do well to follow.
What I didn't like was partly the slow plot line but mostly the fact that I was unable to relate to it. I thought it was interesting to be able to see and learn about their culture but it was so different that it made it hard for me to connect with the story. I found the "whale calling" thing a little bit odd and some of their rituals as well. Another thing I didn't like was the lack of responsibility coming from a lot of the characters, mainly Pai's father and grandfather. Her father leaves her in the care of her grandparents at birth and although I agree that he should be able to lead whatever kind of life he wants that doesn't mean he can abandon his biggest responsibility...his only child. And then the grandfather is too arrogant to realize that he has the best leader possible living in his own house and he needs to teach her and encourage her and be proud of her instead of shutting her down every time she tries to help or learn.
So taking all of that into consideration as well as other things, I would say that this movie, on a scale of 1 to 10, deserves a 6.5 or maybe even a 7. It was good but there was plenty of room for improvement.
I liked the fact that the main character, Pai, was determined and persevered to reach her goal and that she went "against the flow" of her culture in that she was a girl who wanted to be a leader (which was not allowed). She showed incredible leadership skills like faith, compassion, hope, kindness and the will and drive to persist even though it was against the odds that she would succeed. I also though that the fact that she was a girl was a really good touch because often stories tell of guys that grow up to be leaders and show their strength and courage but here we have Pai who isn't just your average "damsel in distress". She sticks up for herself and fights for what she believes in which is a model we would all do well to follow.
What I didn't like was partly the slow plot line but mostly the fact that I was unable to relate to it. I thought it was interesting to be able to see and learn about their culture but it was so different that it made it hard for me to connect with the story. I found the "whale calling" thing a little bit odd and some of their rituals as well. Another thing I didn't like was the lack of responsibility coming from a lot of the characters, mainly Pai's father and grandfather. Her father leaves her in the care of her grandparents at birth and although I agree that he should be able to lead whatever kind of life he wants that doesn't mean he can abandon his biggest responsibility...his only child. And then the grandfather is too arrogant to realize that he has the best leader possible living in his own house and he needs to teach her and encourage her and be proud of her instead of shutting her down every time she tries to help or learn.
So taking all of that into consideration as well as other things, I would say that this movie, on a scale of 1 to 10, deserves a 6.5 or maybe even a 7. It was good but there was plenty of room for improvement.
Nelson Mandela
I think that the biggest reasons that Nelson Madela was so important are not necessarily what he did, but what he stood for, and that is why we as leaders need to learn about him. Don't get me wrong, all the things he did and lived through were INCREDIBLE like his fight to liberate South Africa and his push for the Universal Decleration of Human Rights, but I think that we as students can take more away from his fundamentals. Here are what I think are his top 5:
-Have big ambitions...
“There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
While playing small might be easier it also comes with nagging thoughts at the back of your head that say “Is this all there is? Could I have done more?”. Taking the tough road is of course harder in many ways. But it is also there you find the truly awesome triumphs and wonderful times that you may never have experienced otherwise.
-Move TOWARDS your fear...
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
Fear is often based on unhelpful interpretation.
Be curious.
Don’t cling to your illusion of safety.
-Be patient and persist...
“After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.”
It would be nice if we got anything we wanted right now. That seldom happens. One of the key traits of successful people is that they persist and have patience where others simply have had enough and go home.
-Make friends out of your enemies...
“If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.”
Turning an enemy or someone we don’t like into a friend is difficult because first impressions can be powerful. Our concept of a person can remain intact if we don’t push further and question and explore it.The key and the way out here is to not take your thoughts or emotions too seriously. To stay on top of them instead of letting them overwhelm and control you.
This can allow you to open your mind to a change in the relationship.
-You haven't lost until you don't get up...
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
“There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.”
Your road to success may not be as bad as it was for Mandela and the people in South Africa. But you will probably have some bad times and some difficult and painful times.
When you first get started with something you can be filled with enthusiasm and perfect dreams. Somewhere down the line it can become a bit messier and more uncertain. Sometimes maybe it is time to quit and find something new to focus on. But oftentimes it’s like the world is testing you. It wonders if you really want this bad enough. That’s when you need to push forward and not let temporary obstacles stop you.
Failing is normal. Making mistakes is normal. The people with most success are often the people who failed the most. They learned from their mistakes and failures, grew stronger and more resilient and persisted while the rest of the people gave up.
-Have big ambitions...
“There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
While playing small might be easier it also comes with nagging thoughts at the back of your head that say “Is this all there is? Could I have done more?”. Taking the tough road is of course harder in many ways. But it is also there you find the truly awesome triumphs and wonderful times that you may never have experienced otherwise.
-Move TOWARDS your fear...
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
Fear is often based on unhelpful interpretation.
Be curious.
Don’t cling to your illusion of safety.
-Be patient and persist...
“After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.”
It would be nice if we got anything we wanted right now. That seldom happens. One of the key traits of successful people is that they persist and have patience where others simply have had enough and go home.
-Make friends out of your enemies...
“If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.”
Turning an enemy or someone we don’t like into a friend is difficult because first impressions can be powerful. Our concept of a person can remain intact if we don’t push further and question and explore it.The key and the way out here is to not take your thoughts or emotions too seriously. To stay on top of them instead of letting them overwhelm and control you.
This can allow you to open your mind to a change in the relationship.
-You haven't lost until you don't get up...
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
“There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.”
Your road to success may not be as bad as it was for Mandela and the people in South Africa. But you will probably have some bad times and some difficult and painful times.
When you first get started with something you can be filled with enthusiasm and perfect dreams. Somewhere down the line it can become a bit messier and more uncertain. Sometimes maybe it is time to quit and find something new to focus on. But oftentimes it’s like the world is testing you. It wonders if you really want this bad enough. That’s when you need to push forward and not let temporary obstacles stop you.
Failing is normal. Making mistakes is normal. The people with most success are often the people who failed the most. They learned from their mistakes and failures, grew stronger and more resilient and persisted while the rest of the people gave up.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Spring Clean-Up Day!
I think that a spring clean-up day would be a really great idea for our school or even just our class to do. Not only could we bring in some money for Me to We but we would also be doing a service in our community and getting the chance to really help some people out. There's so many jobs that we could help people with after the winter and I'm sure there are a ton of people in the area that would really appreciate it.
So ya, I'm definitely in!
So ya, I'm definitely in!
Me and Leadership
There are so many things that I would like to do as far as leadership goes but there are some big ones that I'm really excited for and really want to push forward. One of them is the 30hour famine (which Katie V. and I got all the info and material for at a leadership conference we went to) including assemblies, fundraising and even an overnight event that I can take a leading role in and make it a huge success if we get permission. I also want to help organize a class trip to Guelph to participate in an event called "I Got Hands" through Free the Children where we would go down and pack clothes, medical supplies and other important items to be shipped to underprivileged families around the world. Another thing that Katie, Rachel and I have been talking about is an Easter by-out for the school with an afternoon filled with fun and exciting games for everyone including Easter egg hunts, competitions and so much more.
I've already had the chance to help with things like poster-making and class visits for the Vow of Silence and I'm looking forward to the "batter" activity our class has started and I plan to join Me to We so I can bring my ideas and enthusiasm to the group so we can raise money for building a school in Sierra Leone and spread the Me to We concept.
I can't wait to take on the challenges ahead and really make a difference.
I've already had the chance to help with things like poster-making and class visits for the Vow of Silence and I'm looking forward to the "batter" activity our class has started and I plan to join Me to We so I can bring my ideas and enthusiasm to the group so we can raise money for building a school in Sierra Leone and spread the Me to We concept.
I can't wait to take on the challenges ahead and really make a difference.
The Roseto Mystery...
"It seemed like a virtual fountain of youth with a heart attack martality rate roughly half the rate of every surrounding community. Same water, same neighbourhood, same occupational mix, same income level ranges, same races. So what was the difference and why?"
~Dr. Rock Positano
So, the Rosetans live in a modest little village in Pennsylavania and for some reason, they have these amazing long lives. Why? They are community minded people with close relationships to the people in their families and in their neighbourhoods. The lead happy, stress-free lives and it helps them live longer. So why isn't anyone eslse catching on to their ways? You would think that people would realize that there really is a benefit to helping out the people around you and just being a close knit community. Why is it so hard for people to be nice to each other? I mean come on...why would you want a stressful, miserable, lonely life? These people have shown us that living the opposite of that not only makes you happy, but you live longer too! We should live like that no matter what the results are but now we know it really does have benefits!
So why don't we follow them?!?!
I have absolutely no idea.....
~Dr. Rock Positano
So, the Rosetans live in a modest little village in Pennsylavania and for some reason, they have these amazing long lives. Why? They are community minded people with close relationships to the people in their families and in their neighbourhoods. The lead happy, stress-free lives and it helps them live longer. So why isn't anyone eslse catching on to their ways? You would think that people would realize that there really is a benefit to helping out the people around you and just being a close knit community. Why is it so hard for people to be nice to each other? I mean come on...why would you want a stressful, miserable, lonely life? These people have shown us that living the opposite of that not only makes you happy, but you live longer too! We should live like that no matter what the results are but now we know it really does have benefits!
So why don't we follow them?!?!
I have absolutely no idea.....
Favourite Activity So Far??
Unfortunately I didn't get to start my semester out in the leadership class so I wasn't able to participate in the activites :( I'm sure the rest of the semester is going to be amazing though and I'm really looking forward to it!!
GPP
There's a whole bunch of different things that I'm looking forward to throughout the semester in leadership class. Biggest out of all of them is just the opportunity I am going to have to be able to help other people. That's one of my big passions and I think this class will be a great outlet for that. I really hope to get more invloved in things like Me to We and other things along the same lines. Another thing I'm really excited for is helping to plan all of the crazy awesome activities that the school runs for students including making posters and other promotion stuff and being able to use my creativity to find a a way to include all different types of students in some kind of event.
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