Leadership: In my own words

Throughout this whole semester, we have learned about different types of leadership, and how to become better leaders in all areas of our lives. There have been a lot of different principles taught that I feel have really impacted my life and the things I do.

To me, leadership means impacting the lives of others. It doesn't mean having some kind of high up position, or being extremely outgoing. Some of the best leaders do it from the quiet walls of their home. I think great leadership begins in the home, which we learned about in one of the lectures. It means working well with others, knowing the hearts and minds of those with whom you associate. It's encouraging others to do their best, and assisting them in reaching their goals. There are all sorts of leaders in the world, and none of them are exactly the same.

There were a lot of things that I learned this semester that really impacted me. However, there were two events that really stuck out in my mind.

The first one was the firelighters/firefighter discussion. I loved this! It really made me examine myself and how I do things/treat other people. I noticed that subconsciously, I sarcastically will put people and their ideas down without realizing that it might actually be detrimental. After this discussion, I made an effort to try and make sure that I don't put others ideas and what not down, in even joking.

Another part of the class that really impacted me was an activity that we did in lab. We went and took candy to the library with notes, and gave them to random people. There were a few people who seemed really weirded out by the fact, but there were a couple of people that seemed to really appreciate it. There was one guy that particularly stood out to me. He was sitting and doing his homework, and I gave him some candy and a note. His face just lit up and he acted to gracious, and thanked me a couple other times when I walked by him. It really made me feel good that it made him happy. This particular activity helped me realize how big little acts of service can turn out to be.

Overall, this was an awesome class. I learned a lot and I feel like I grew a lot as well. I am very grateful for the opportunity I had to be in the class, and I will definitely take all of the things I learned and apply them to my life, now and in the future.

Leadership in the Community

The lecture on shared leadership in the home was probably one of my favorite lectures. I thought that Brother Hill had some excellent insights and I really enjoyed the lecture. Although I am not married and have no children right now, I feel like this topic was still applicable to my life as I am still part of a family, as a sister and daughter. However, the topic for this week is leadership in the community.

In lab, we watched the movie "Validation". At first I thought it was kind of weird, but by the end I could not stop smiling. It put me in such a good mood for the rest of the day. After leaving the class, I couldn't help but smile at everyone I walked by. Sure, I got a few weird looks from some people, but it still made me feel good.

Honestly, I think that just smiling and saying hello to people is one of the best ways to serve the community. I know that when I am walking around campus, when someone simply smiles at me, I'm put in an even better mood because of it. Awhile ago, I was thinking, and I realized that hey, if it makes me that happy, then why not pass that on to other people. Most people probably will not think anything of it, but you never know what might help someone else out!

I think another way to be a leader in the community is just to get out there and be involved. It doesn't mean starting up some foundation that will save the world (even though that would be awesome), but more, getting to know those that live around you. Although I grew up on the same street my whole entire life, I couldn't name more than 5 people that live on my street. However, one of my best friends grew up on a street only blocks away from me, where all the neighbors knew each other and were really good friends. That was because there were a couple of people on the block that made sure to get out and introudce themselves, and then organize events where they could all get to know each other better. I think doing things like this really brings a community together.