"Our fingerprints don't fade from the lives we touch." -Judy Blume
When you give off good vibes, people can feel the positive energy flowing through your veins. Having good vibes allows you to have more control over your life and allows you to have a stronger grasp on your emotions and mindfulness. Having good vibes charges you with energy. It makes you feel so internally good that the positivity can be seen externally too. The relationships you have will become stronger and your interactions with strangers, family and friends will have a positive connection. Life is better when you have good vibes. |
Whenever something doesn't go the way I had hoped or imagined, I am frustrated with myself. However, this quote has spoken some truth and has allowed to to get out of the self-pity I once had and move on with my life. Life is so much better when you're not stuck on the things that hold you back and just focus on the things that are making you stronger. Better things will come around and more opportunities will be open for me in the future. I've also taken up meditating as a technique to relieve any setbacks or stress that's weighing me down. |
Disconnect to Reconnect
With this being my last year in the leadership program my goal is to find a quote that truly represents my growth as a leader and this is it. I have found that no matter how busy my life may be or how much responsibility I am carrying, I have learned that disconnecting from my distractions has allowed me to reconnect with my passions. I feel that it is important as a leader to be able to self evaluate and reflect on your behaviors and progress then improve them. Practicing mindfulness has allowed me to recognize these patterns in myself and approach situations more positively. I feel that my energy in this program has been increasingly higher than most because at such an early stage I’m able to focus on everything that lights a fire in my soul. One of the most important things I’ve learned from yoga, practicing mindfulness and the leadership program is to be present. As a leader, being present is one of the most precious gifts you can give someone. When you’re present, you allow yourself to be all in and are able to focus your energy on the task at hand and the people you’re surrounded by. Reflecting on yourself as a person and a leader is important because it allows you to grow your understanding of who you are, what your values are and why you think and act the way you do. Self reflection is a form of personal analysis that allows you to bring your life into alignment with who you wish to be. The sooner you learn how to self reflect, the sooner you will be able to be present in the moment and focus your energy on what lights a fire in your soul. |
Regarding leadership, a goal for myself is to be more open by showing my vulnerability to people I'm not as close to. Being vulnerable with others in the right moment will allow me to establish the connection needed to trust them. Another goal for myself regarding leadership is to be the elder in the class that I looked up to as an underclassmen, especially a freshmen. Being the individual to see how everyone's day is going, help those in need and just give off positive vibes to those around me. |
A short term goal for myself is to stop hiding behind a mask of perfection. I'm getting better at letting go of the little things; however, I still sometimes struggle with the need to redo all my notes so they look better. It's a work in progress, but I have definitely noticed some progress. Another short term goal for myself is to spend more time with the people that mean the most to me and that I won’t get to see as often in possibly just a few months due to my college choices. I want to spend as much time with my Granny as I can because I never know how much I have left with her. Also, I want to spend as much time with my brother as I can. I try my best to always ask him about his day and talk to him if he is struggling. He’s someone I can always count on, and I want to be someone he can always count on to. |
A long term goal for myself is to create a healthier lifestyle and check my food 'tude. During the summer, I didn't eat processed foods for a week and I observed positive results from my body. However, it's difficult for me to stay away from breads, flour and chocolate. Whenever I eat processed foods, I often find myself in a state of feeling sorry for myself. My body isn't happy with me and reacts negatively when I consistently ingest these foods. What I eat and how I feel seem to be linked. A smaller goal for me is to balance the low-calorie foods, nutrient-dense foods, and foods that are nutrient poor. This goal will take some time, but being healthier internally is beneficial.
Another long term goal for myself is to graduate from college. With just being a senior in high school, I know exactly what major I want to begin working for and what job I'll be applying for in the end. However, selecting what school is the best fit for me is the most difficult struggle I've encountered throughout my application processes. Wherever I end up, I want to graduate with my Master of Business Administration. |
Regarding leadership, I have practiced my goal of being more open and sharing my vulnerability to people I'm not as close to. Whether at work or at school I've been able to catch myself from oversharing and recognize when I'm not open enough. This has allowed me to strengthen the relationships I care most about. Another goal for myself regarding leadership was to be a role model to those in the class that needed guidance. With my willingness to reach out more and start a conversation with anyone in the class, I have found myself feeling more connected to the program and my peers. A long term goal for myself is to create a healthier lifestyle and check my food 'tude. From when I made this goal to now I’m not going to lie I most definitely know that not all three of my meals everyday were the healthiest options in the world. However, I know I’ve improved my diet because my energy levels are high and I feel like myself. I have more control of my mood swings and have been able to act more positively. It’s difficult to cut out all the processed foods in my diet all at once, so I’ve been taking it slow and making healthier choices on the spot. What I mean by that is if I’m wanting a snack of chocolate ice cream instead I eat dried apples. This way the sweetness factor I was craving is fulfilled and I’m looking out for my skin and body.
Another long term goal for myself is to graduate from college. A few months have passed since I last wrote this goal and it is nice to revisit it. I have accepted my admission to Stan State and will be commuting from home instead of living on campus. Turlock is about 30 minutes away from my house, and I want to save money for the school I eventually transfer to. At this time my plan is that I will go to Stan State for two years while living at home and working. Then, I will transfer to the Haas business program at UC Berkeley. Of course I want to live on campus at Stan State, get the full college experience, get away from home and decorate my college bedroom; however, I know the realistic option is to not waste $15,000 on a want. I looked into the on campus housing costs and the cost of the mandatory meal plan you would also have to purchase and it’s a little outrageous especially if I can commute. I’m excited for my journey to begin and to see where life takes me. Who knows maybe a year or two from now I’ll have a completely different plan. |
I would like to applaud myself for continuing my yoga and meditation practices when I missed yoga club twice and at home during this time of being quarantined in my house. I've been more mindful of my words and actions and how they affect those around me. I've been more mindful on how I interact with those I am close to and those I am not. And lastly, I've been more mindful in the way I respond to situations rather than reacting.
I've become more physically flexible in my butterfly stretch; however, my the splits I wanted to concur by this time is still a work in progress. I have recognized my effort in this flexibility journey, and I accept that there is still room for improvement- it just takes time. A short term goal for myself was to stop hiding behind a mask of perfection. I’ve definitely seen improvement in how I react in situations because I’m not constantly looking for what needs to be fixed in order for the results to be perfect. I’m getting better at focusing on the present and not focusing so much of my energy worrying things won’t go my way. Sometimes the control freak part in me just needs to let go.
Another short term goal for myself was to spend more time with the people that mean the most to me. I will be commuting to college in Turlock, so I will still be able to hangout with my best friends who are attending MJC, my family and be around for my brother’s junior and senior years. I’m taking advantage of the opportunity that I want the most and saving money for my future. I know I made the right decision for myself at this point in my life, and I will work hard to eventually transfer to a top tier private or UC. Right now I just want to be with my family and be here for my brother. |
My role model is my beloved mother. She’s been my role model before I even knew what a role model was. My mom has shaped my personality and characteristics that define me. I can always look up to my mom for advice in difficult situations. My mother is a wonderful human being. She is smart, wise, ambitious, patient and such a loving and caring person. Whenever she goes grocery shopping or goes out of her way to pick me up, she is always thinking of me and trying to provide me with happiness. There are no words that can describe my gratitude towards her. My mom is an important person in my life and I know that she will always be there for me with help, her love, and her care.
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You shout it out
But I can't hear a word you say
I'm talking loud not saying much
I'm criticized but all your bullets ricochet
You shoot me down, but I get up
I'm bulletproof nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down but I won't fall, I am titanium
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium, I am titanium, I am titanium, I am titanium
Cut me down
But it's you who has further to fall
Ghost town, haunted love
Raise your voice, sticks and stones may break my bones
I'm talking loud not saying much
I'm bulletproof nothing to lose
Fire away, fire away
Ricochet, you take your aim
Fire away, fire away
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium
You shoot me down but I won't fall
I am titanium, I am titanium
Stone-hard, machine gun
Firing at the ones who run
Stone-hard, thus bulletproof glass
You shoot me down but I won't fall, I am titanium
You shoot me down but I won't fall, I am titanium
You shoot me down but I won't fall, I am titanium
You shoot me down but I won't fall, I am titanium
I am titanium
-Sia
Your True Legacy General Advice:
DO:
Communicate with your team at least weekly Prevent conflict from worsening by having a genuine conversation Check up on your team members, maybe they're going through a tough time Be open to everyone's ideas so they feel valuable and more likely to contribute again Support the activities the program works hard to accomplish Participate in all dress up days Plan all your events ahead of time Take advantage of the tools Morty provides (ex. procedure forms) Keep your budget in mind Improve the events instead of making the same past mistakes Include everyone Take pictures to remember all the fun memories |
DON'T:
Flake on your team Show up to set up late or leave any events without cleaning up Procrastinate Lie to or blame your teammates Try to start conflicts Lose the contact information of any companies that may be valuable to you in the future Break Morty's or your team members' trust Make others do your job for you Ask for reimbursements, instead get a PO in advance Talk negatively about the program or your team members Have a "I'm better than everyone else" mentality because you are in the leadership program Wear your favorite or white clothes/shoes when painting posters Be afraid to reach out to under/upperclassmen |
Time management is something that allows success if executed properly. Without time management, life can be a little chaotic. This skill has grown importance in my daily life, and I am not as stressed when I use it. I have learned to exit the "Do it myself" attitude and start delegating. I don't say "yes" to a task when I want to say "no". I had to lay off from being a perfectionist. There is a time and a place, but when you're on a time crunch being perfect is not a priority. I eliminated my distractions so I wouldn't procrastinate and lose track of time. Lastly, I stopped focusing on all the things I still had to do because that mindset is overwhelming. Instead, I make myself check-lists and have found success in doing so.
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Conflict resolution, a simple concept but sometimes too difficult to be done. People deal with conflict in a variety of ways, therefore you need different conflict resolution strategies. Everyone has preferred ways of responding to conflict. It's helpful to understand the five resolution strategies an individual may use. First some avoid the conflict. Simply when people ignore or withdraw from the conflict they may feel discomfort of confrontation. When conflict is avoided, nothing is resolved. Second, competing is used by people going into conflict planning to win. They're assertive and not cooperative. This can happen when people feel like they aren't being listened to. Third, accommodating is a strategy where one party gives in to the wishes or demands of another. They’re being cooperative but not assertive. It’s less helpful when one party accommodates another merely to preserve harmony or to avoid disruption. Like avoidance, it can result in unresolved issues. Fourth, collaborating is the method used when people are both assertive and cooperative. A group may learn to allow each participant to make a contribution with the possibility of co-creating a shared solution that everyone can support. Lastly, compromising is where participants are partially assertive and cooperative. The concept is that everyone gives up a little bit of what they want, and no one gets everything they want. Compromise is perceived as being fair, even if no one is particularly happy with the final outcome. As a leader it's important to recognize the different strategies of conflict resolution and is a more assertive or cooperative individual is more likely to use which strategy. This way you are able to help the situation to the best of your ability.
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