Being the Change

Wow I have learned so much this semester! Its sad to see it go, and how fast it went. The last lecture was really good, I enjoyed all of the speakers. They had so much experience, and it was good to see a bit more realistic and modern leaders rather than the seemingly god-like figures that we usually consider leaders. I really loved hearing all of their insight, and I was really touched by Mrs. Halladay's experience when she went off the BYU campus with fellow classmates, who all ordered alcohalic drinks, yet she chose to stand firm in her believes and order a soda. This is really an courageous act of leadership, its one think to stand up to your friends who do not have the same beliefs and drink if they want to, but its completely different to stand up to your friends who have the same values, know all that you know, and yet go against everything they believe. This experience really shows that leadership opportunities will come up whenever you least expect it, this is what I've really learned throughout this course. There are so many opportunities to lead, no matter how small or seeming insignificant. This course allowed to see all of the opportunities I can serve, and to not only become a better leader but a better person.

Change

So I'm finally posting my blog for last week, because I got the flu and since Thursday I didn't feel like even getting out of bed, or doing and manner of thinking whatsoever, so I didn't post my blog on time. The lecture on change was really interesting for I saw leadership more as service rather than provoking others to action which is a huge part of leadership, especially inspiring others for good. Wanting to make change, for the better, is what we should all be motivated to do. Intrinsic motivation is the most important aspect to getting something done, no matter what you are doing. I need motivation to even get up in the morning, or else I would snooze through all of my classes. When leading others to bring about change it is important to inspire them, so they can have that intrinsic motivation to make a positive change as well, or nothing will get done. I like how the speaker talked about goals, nearing the end of the semester with finals looming ahead, I realize how important goals are, and if there is not motivation to do those goals nothing will get done, and I'm sorry to say that I am not motivated to study as much as I should be. For my leadership role being a part of Freeze Fest, I was motivated to do the best that I could to make the event successful, but little did I know that I would get the flu in the most important week and I wasn't able to do all that I could for the event. I was sick the day the event went on, and during all of the advertising events leading up to it. I was so disappointed, but it happens. I wasn't not able to provide the change I wanted, which was to bring the BYU student body together to enjoy a fun event, but I did what I could and I heard that the event went very well.

missed lecture : Goals

I came home to Bonney Lake, Washington early and was not able to make it to the lecture on Monday, which is lame because I think I could have really benefited from this lesson. I remember in middle school we would always set and plan goals we wanted to achieve. I thought these goal plans were pretty useless because I always had the same goal, do better in math, and I was not really passionate about achieving that goals, so I never succeeded  as much as I had wanted to. Now that I graduated high school, I have begun to make decisions that will impact the rest of my life. The first being to attend Brigham Young University, which is the best decision I have made in my life thus far. Now I need to start setting goals in order to receive a degree in whatever I specifically decide to major in, and eventually what career I wish to pursue. Without knowing what I want to do, its hard to have a plan in achieving a goal, with no goal in sight yet. I guess that it what I will have to work on first, then set goals which will allow me to achieve my final goal. What is most important in goal setting, in my opinion, is passion. Without passion, all is lost. Without passion there is not lust to achieve, no drive, and no determination. Without passion there is no success, for if you set a goal that you don't really care about, you will not achieve that goal, for why would you work hard at something that you don't really want?

I can use goal setting in my leadership role in BYUSA by setting a manageable schedule with daily task that I need to do, in order to achieve the final goal of putting on Freeze Fest, and bringing the BYU student body together to let off some steam, meet new people, and enjoy the festivities of the season. I need to have passion in my work, and really put in my all in order to have the successful event I wish to have.

"lets work together ya ya ya..."

This weeks lecture was on team work, and I thought I had a good grasp on how to work with other people since I have been working with people since kindergarten. But the lecture on Monday pointed out a lot of aspects of teamwork that I have thought of before. Only when people have significant relationships can teamwork be the most efficient and the goal will be fully achieved. I really liked the example of the BYU women's chorus. If they didn't like each other, they wouldn't sound as great as they do, as in any type of sports team, the more they like each other, the better they play, and the more games the team wins. Looking back on when I played water polo in high school, I remember we only played well when the girls on my team got along, for we had more passion for the game, trusted each other more, and actually enjoyed playing. When you enjoy doing something, you are more likely to be good at that something. That is probably why I am good at twisting balloons, and bad at chemistry!

The lab this week was also a lot of fun, nothing beats a good teamwork activities, and the skits that we did were so much fun, and hilarious! My personal favorite was the Harry Potter skit, not that I am biased against muggles or anything... ;] I could really tell which groups really worked well together, though all of the skits were really good. Being in a class full of leaders, I thought there would be more contention between those who  wanted to control the group, but everyone really worked well together, and each person had their ideas heard. Other team work activities I have been in, have not been as successful. In high school, I was always the leader and did nearly all of the work because nobody in the group would do their part. I've noticed that working in teams at BYU, everyone does their part, which makes the group so much more efficient, and the task that much more enjoyable.

Being a part of BYU's Freeze Fest, I have had to work will the other people in the committee. We really have to have teamwork in order to accomplish our goal, and put on a successful event. I really enjoy everyone I have worked with for Freeze Fest, everyone really does their job, and I feel think we will be successful.

ethics and virtue

I really enjoyed our mock trial in our labs this week. The last time I did a mock trial was in 8th grade so it was fun being able to do it again. I think ethics and virtue is a touchy subject in court cases because it is do hard to deem the standards of what is right and wrong. Being in the LDS Church we have a clear understanding of these principles, but for people in other faiths (or people who have no faith), there can be a lot of grey area. We do have the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to deem what our natural rights are, but specifics such as abortion (life vs. privacy), and free speech (flag burning) can be interpreted either way. I think it is really important for people of the LDS faith to determine what the boundaries are by the Spirit. For I think the Founding Fathers were inspired when they wrote the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.

I actually worked in law firm this past summer, and I know that lawyers may have to go against their best judgement and take the guilty side, which is why I could never be a lawyer. The lawyer even told me about some cases (not giving specifics or names) and clients who he absolutely did not like because of their crimes, and he had to defend them! I think lawyers have to have the mentality that it doesn't matter who wins or losses, just that justice is served.

In the case we did in class, I think the witness fell into peer pressure. I am an avid animals right activist, but students should have the opportunity to learn in the best way possible.

I do think that the final decision made in the case was the right one, and I was super excited that my side one! Go Defense!

I probably won't use ethics in my leadership role because being in charge of advertising for Freeze Fest does not involve a lot of controversy. But integrity can be used in every leadership role, and I can use integrity in my leadership role just by putting the most effort I can into that role, and not slacking on the job.

Service

This weeks lecture is on service, which summerizes our purpose for being leaders at BYU, to serve all those we can. I found it very inspiring that the speaker shared the great examples of service from famous leaders. George Washington not being dressed as a general, dug in the trenches along with the other soilders. Though he was a great leader and in very high standing, he was not above working in the muck.

A quote that really touched me is, " a servant leader is a servant first...it begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve others first, the conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead." All of the great leaders that I can think of never strove to be leaders and to be recognized, but only wanted to serve. They already had the serving mind set, so they were more able to become great leaders. I feel like being in a leadership position is a blessing, not something you can try to gain. Society views leadership from the opposite perspective which is sad, because we end up with leaders who are only in the position because they stepped on some many people on their way up.

In viewing my leadership position with BYUSA, for we were require to have a leadership position for this class, I think we should have viewed it as a "serving position" rather than a "leadership position" because we can't just "be" leaders. We really have to earn it. So instead of viewing my position as being the advertising coordinator for Freeze Fest as me being a leader, I am going to focus on how many people I can serve. The point of Freeze Fest is to bring BYU students together, to branch out of their cliches to form great relationships with people they would have never met before, as the motto "warm up your social life" suggests. I really want to serve the BYU student body through Freeze Fest, because I think they will really benefit from the time I spent working on this event. Through serving, I might be blessed to become a leader, but for now, I'm going to focus on those I can serve.

Conflict Resolution

I missed last weeks lecture about Conflict Resolution for I was flying home to Seattle to crown the next Daffodil Princess but I copied the notes from Victoria.

I thought it was interesting that "conflict is in direct opposition to growth", because we need opposition in all things in order to grow and develop, not only in a spiritual but in every other circumstance whether its working out, you need to strain yourself in order to get better, and in relationships. I have noticed that whenver my friends and I get in a conflict and figure it out, we are so much more closer. I have had some sort of conflict with all of my closest friends, because the opposition we have faced and overcame brought us closer. Conflicts can be any manner of things, whether it was a religious debate or an issue of trust.

In order to overcome conflict, you really have to humble yourself, whether its humbling yourself to forgive another or to admit that you have done wrong. I once struggled forgiving on my my friends who hurt me, repeatedly. I really had to humble myself, to forgive her and allow her back in my life, and I am so grateful I did. Once I got into the habit of forgivenes, it was so much easier to forgive other friends who did something against me.

Though there have not been any conflicts in my leadership position yet, as being on the activities commitee for BYUSA's Freeze Fest, if any problem did arise I would just have to remember to be humble, and see things from another's perspective, and remember that opposition makes relationships stronger.

Public Speaking

I absolutely loved this week's lecture on Public Speaking! It was very beneficial to me, for next week I am going to go back home to my high school and perform a speech when I go crown the next Daffodil Princess.

In my community, there its a huge Daffodil Festival, which has been taking place in the Puyallup Valley for 77 years. A princess is chosen from each school based on a interview with the judges, a one minute speech, and answering an improv question. I was selected last year to represent my high school as a Daffodil Princess and now I get to give up my crown to the next princess. Through being a Daffodil Princess, I had the opportunity to do a lot of public speaking whether it was in front of the entire student body, at an elementary school, in city council meeting, and even nursing homes. I even spoke at my high school graduation. I feel like I have had a lot of experience with public speaking, but the lecture this week was so beneficial! I really learned various methods in how to present a speech that actually captivates the audience, while still presents the point I am trying to make.

In the future, I will most likely be speaking as a Princess for the Daffodil Festival, which is where most of my public speaking experience comes from. I can also see myself speaking as a Professional Clown, whether it be at a birthday party, corporate event, or possibly a clown convention. Though I am undecided in what to major in, or what career to pursue, I know I will probably be doing a lot of speaking as a representative of a company or lecturing about a field in which I have expertise.

In my leadership role, I will most likely use my public speaking skills to present what ideas I have for Freeze Fest to the other members of the BYUSA activities committee, and speaking to volunteers and various students to advertise Freeze Fest. I can also use my public speaking in my other leadership role as First Counselor in the Relief Society Presidency in my hall, whether announcing upcoming events, or teaching a lesson.

Official Princess Picture

April Fools with Santa and the Easter Bunny

 Signing Autographs at Recess

time management...

This weeks lecture was on balance and time management, and is probably the most applicable to my life out of all the lectures we have had thus far. I have had a difficult time managing my time while being a BYU, there is so many things to juggle and its hard to have a stick to a set schedule when I have different classes at different times everyday. The one principle that I am going to strive to be better at is being proactive verses reactive. I need to start planning what I need to do things ahead of time instead of waiting for an opportunity to find time, which will never come.

A prime example of this, I regret to say is completing this blog post in time. I usually write my blogs every Friday, because that is when I would find time, which seemed to work okay for me. But this Friday, I had the most stressful day ever, and I was completely overwhelmed that I forgot to complete my blog. I remembered on Sunday, but decided that I wouldn't ever do homework on Sunday because I want to keep the sabbath day Holy. So here I am sitting in the hallway before class writing my blog.

I can honestly say that I learned my lesson, and I actually planned my whole week ahead of time, so any little stress that pops up won't let me completely forget the assignments that I have to do. Instead of waiting to find time, which just wouldn't happen, I am planning ahead. By doing this will also strengthen my capability to fulfill my leadership role, because I will be more prepared. Instead of focusing of the stress, I would be better able to serve and fulfill my role in advertising for Freeze Fest in BYUSA, as well as being the first counselor in the Relief Society Presidency.

Divine Centered Leadership

This weeks lecture was very powerful. We went over various definitions of divined centered leadership, my definition would be doing what the Lord would have me do. And I think this definition pretty much sums it up. We need to live each moment remembering Christ and trying to live as he did, whether that is being called in an official leadership position, or just being a friend. We need to be more in-tune with the Holy Ghost so we would be able to make the most of our time here. Reflecting on the past week, I realize I could have done so much more to follow Christ, and become more of a divined centered leader, by not getting caught up in all my pity worries and be more self less. In the lecture the speaker described Jesus Christ and his leadership being:

-at the right place, at the right time
I can really testify of this because someone has been at the right place at the right time for me. I will be having a horrible day, and someone did something to show me that I was loved. They were really an answer to my prayer, and were in-tuned with the Holy Ghost. I can apply this principle to my leadership postion in BYUSA as well as being First Counselor in the Relief Society Presidency, by praying for the Holy Ghost to lead me to do what He would have me do, and being there for others who need that extra bit of love.

-love
Love is so important. God is love, and we need to recognize that others need to be loved as much as we do. The eyes of world views everyone on the outside, we are constantly being judged by out outward appearance, which does not show the beauty of a person on the inside. I Lord looketh on the heart, (1 Samuel 16:7) and we should as well, loving everyone for who they truly are, as well as ourselves. We need to see the infinite worth and potential in everyone we come across( D&C 14:7), and loving, serving, and doing all we can for them because they are children of God, and they are worth it.

There is so much I can improve upon in my leadership positions, and in my life. There is so much more I can do, Christ did everything for me as well as everyone else, and I don't want to let him down by wasting my time here, when I could be leading others to him.

I am just a Clown

I was absolutely giddy to get back my results from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test, I have been unsure about my major and I figured the result would allow me to make my decision clearer. Before we looked at our results, we were asked to guess what type we would fall into, and I guessed my exact results! I guess I know myself better than I think I do! I am a ENFP, being

E-Extraversion, focusing on the outer world of people and activity
N-Intuition, using intuition, taking information from patterns and the big picture
F-Feeling, tending to make decisions based primarily on values, and person centered concerns
P-Perceiving, preferring to be flexible and spontaneous, keeping options open

With these results I am able determine not only what career would be best for me but what kind of leader I am. I am more of the leader who focuses on the people and service, rather than mere facts and numbers. I can use these results in my leadership position being a committee member for BYUSA's Freeze Fest, I can lead the BYU student body to participate in Freeze Fest by being extroverted, perceiving what the students what, focusing on the individuals, and creating a flexible, spontaneous environment where the students can have fun and become more involved with campus activities.

The results from this test intrigued me to do more research on how these traits can impact other outlets of my life. I found a great website that goes into great detail on how these traits can affect my relationships, friendships, parenting, personal growth, potential problem areas, career path, and ten rules to live by.
http://www.personalitypage.com/ENFP.html

Reading the analysis of ENFP really freaked me out on how well they were able to know my habits, and qwerks! It was bizarre how well I could relate to their findings! What I did not expect was how well the career paths would relate to my desires in a career. The top choice being a child care provider, which spot on because my biggest dream is to be a mom, and the next being an artist. My passion is clowning around, and being a clown is an art in my opinion. Though I could just drop out of college and become a clown full time, I need a more stable career that I can tie clowning into. Further down the list, another career that would fit my personality type is being a counselor and a pediatrician, which make so much sense! I love people, and I love to get to know people and help in any way that I can. With these careers, I would also be able to be a clown in a sense, because laughter is the best medicine and can truly help people heal faster whether they are physically or mentally ill. So, I'm going to do some more praying, and see which what I should major in and where I could be the most benefit to other people using my specific personality.

Different Hats

This week I had so much fun in our lab in leadership. There were different colored hats, which each represented different leadership styles.

blue: was the leader of the leaders, and made sure everyone had an equal opportunity to speak
red: was wrapped up in the emotion of the situations, and was especially angry or upset
white: focused on the facts and figures of the situations
green: came up with the creative ideas to solve the problem
black: was realistically focused on the risks
yellow (my favorite): only focused on the positive

I never thought that such dynamic traits could be used in leadership, but they are all necessary to solving a problem. The blue allowed everyone to share their opinions other wise the emotional red hats would be venting to the group the entire time. The white really showed the logistics of the situation so we were able to approach the situations in a more realistic way, or else the green though they came up with the creative idea, some ideas were not as helpful to the group. The yellow hats always focused on the positive and counteracted the negative statements from the red, and the black. Even though the black was negative, they proposed realistic problems that could affect the success of the missions. Each hat had its own purpose, and made me realize that each of the traits they stood for are needed to create a dynamic leader.

I had the yellow hat for the first scenario, in which we were all stranded on a island. Being yellow really showed me there is a positive side to every situation and to count our blessings because, " we are alive and have each other." But being yellow, I could only provide positive feedback, even though I did have ideas on how we could get off the island, that was green's job, not mine. Without all of us, we would not be able to get off the island. And I think we successful made a plan, whether the seahorses would have really worked, who knows?!

The Clown Who Changed My Life

When I was assigned to interview a leader, one person immediately came to my mind, Julie Terry. I first met Julie Terry or Beep-Beep who was a clown at my friend's birthday party. She began to paint my face, and I asked her how she became a clown, because its not everyday you meet a clown, rather 1 out of 10,000 people will ever meet a clown, so I consider myself pretty fortunate to have so many wonderful clowns in my life. Anyway, she saw my genuine interest in clowning around, and offered to be my senior project mentor, where we are required to spend 15 hours on learning something new for my high school's graduation requirement. So right off the bat, she showed leadership in offering to teach me the art of clowning.

A year later, enhanced all of my skills to become a true professional clown because of all that Julie taught me, whether it was how to twist balloons, paint faces, perform magic, interact with kids of all ages as a clown, the in and out of business, and so much about life in general. We became great friends and even went on a college road trip together, where I was deemed her "artificial daughter" by her family, and she is my "artificial mother." Through the hours and hours, whether it was at the Northwest Festival of Clowns, our various gigs, at the Big Foot Clown Alley, spending time at her house (sometimes three times a day) to work on various clown skills or just load our balloon bags, to talking for hours on our 30 hour road trip, I can say I know Julie Terry very well and she is one of the most amazing people I have ever met and admire her so much.

Dimple-Dee (The Clown I turned into)

When I interview Julie, she didn't really know how to answer the questions because she is very humble and doesn't see herself as the inspiration she truly is, I could answer the questions about her myself, but it was interesting to see her perspective of herself.

The qualities she admires about herself is she is very giving, service oriented, and does so much for her family. She is not judgmental, especially when it comes to people who have had a hard life and have not been making the best decisions, and is very understanding of their situations. I can testify to this times 100!! Julie Terry will go out of her way just to talk to people she does not even know, and this kind of one on one attention can have a profound effect on people. She serves everyone and is so gracious its unbelievable. She with the help of another clown, started the Caring Clown Program at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma, Washington, she also volunteers he time and services in events throughout the community. Julie Terry gives her all to everyone, whether it is a stranger in the gas station, or being a clown for a child in the hospital.

Julie does not consider herself a leader, though she shines as an example of Christlike service where ever she goes. She says it depends on the situations whether she leads, or is more of the player and "goes with it." I think she doesn't view herself as a leader because she hasn't really had an official title, or position, but she is a leader in every aspect of the word, and has made a profound difference on many lives, mine included. In the Big Foot Clown Alley, she is loved and respected by all of the members because she knows each and everyone of them individually, and is very honest and down to earth with everyone of them.

Another way she leads is she always has an opinion and always shares it. Though she considers herself too outspoken and opinionated, I admire her audacity and wish I more of it. Julie Terry is very honest, and people seek advice from her because they know what she says will be true and not watered down. She is so knowledgeable, "Street Smart" and has clear common sense. Julie considers these qualities, and general life experience make her a leader in some aspects.

Julie is a true teacher, a guide, a counselor, and an example to so many. Everyday I have spent with Julie I saw her random acts of kindness. She has a way of being sensitive to everyone and their needs, and knows when someone need that extra bit of kindness. When we were in Rexburg, Idaho on our road trip, there were a few firefighters who were brought in from Oregon to fight the forest fires an hour away. These men were not members of the LDS Church, and being in a prominently Mormon town they really felt out of place, and would just sit on the curb and smoke. They really felt like outcasts, but whenever we drove by Julie would say hi and chat with them. She was such a good friend to them and felt bad that they, because the trucks they did have were only supposed to be used for business, and they really couldn't go anywhere. One man did mention he had a bike, but the chain was broken. We spent twenty minutes with them, just chatting and being a friend. And out of everyone that would drive past them everyone, she was the only one to stop and say hi. That a true follower of Christ, while everyone else would just pass judgments. The next day, Julie drove into town, and bought that man a bike chain.

I know Julie Terry made a impact on those firefighters experience in Rexburg, Idaho, as well as an impact on me with her Christlike example. But Julie Terry is hard on herself, and doesn't see the profound impact she has on people, but she has changed many lives for the better. I don't know where I would be without her example, guidance, love, and leadership.

Here is Julie's Clown Website
http://www.clownbuggie.com/

Not Sweating the Small Stuff

I am reading Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff by Richard Carlson. I ordered online and received it in the mail yesterday, and am already 43 pages into it. I can't put it down! I did not have high expectations but from reading the title, I knew it would be helpful in my life. I tend to over analyze some things, over exaggerate the other, and not focus on what is really important in my life. By doing this, I cause so much extra stress which could be eliminated by just changing my attitude, and focusing on others rather than the pity needs of myself.

I have already learned such great life lessons, which are so plain and simple, yet can make a profound difference on my life and how I perceive the world, and all of the little daily stresses.

In the introduction Carlson explains why he decided to write this book from the advice he was given from Dr. Dyer:
"Richard. There are two rules for living in harmony. #1) Don't sweat the small stuff and #2) It's all small stuff...Love, Wayne"

Though this advice is simple, and straight to the point it can make a profound difference on people's lives, I already know this book has had an impact on me. There are 100 chapters, and I am on chapter 15 and have been able to apply the advice from each chapter into my life. These are the chapters I have read so far,

1. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
2. Make Peach with Imperfection
3. Let Go of the Idea the Gentle, Relaxed People Can't be Superachievers
4. Be aware of the Snowball Effect of Your Thinking
5. Develop your Compassion
6. Remind Yourself that When you Die, Your "In Basket" Won't be Empty
7. Don't Interrupt Others or Finish Their Sentences
8. Do Something Nice for Someone Else-and Don't Tell Anyone About it
9. Let Others Have the Glory
10. Learn to Live in the Present Moment
11. Imagine that Everyone is Enlightened Except You
12. Let Others be "Right" Most of the Time
13. Become More Patient
14. Create "Patience Practice Periods"
15. Be the First One to Act Loving or Reach Out

Chapter Eleven really stuck out to me, because it directly affect how I view other people, and my role as a leader. Carlson goes on to say that perhaps everyone, (let me emphasize this) EVERYONE, you meet are all here to teach you something, whether it is patience, respect, humility, anything! As a leader, sometimes I saw that I should be doing everything for other people as well as teaching them if I was in that position, but now I can see the big picture. Those you lead can teach you something, everyone you meet can teach you something. In life we are supposed to learn and grow, so we should learn something from everyone we meet, and viewing life through this perspective creates more love and compassion for everyone you come in contact with, and in turn makes us more Christlike.

Evil Dictators verses Prophets of God

This week in our labs we had to do our Leader Presentation. My group did our presentation on Robert Mugabe, the President of Zimbabwe who is a very very bad man. He was involved in many political parties who opposed white rule, lead the largest guerrilla forces in a bloody war against the Rodesian Front Government, and continues to be re-elected by the people because of threats to opposing candidates who withdraw from their campaigns. He was quoted, "This Hitler has only one objective: justice for his people, sovereignty for his people, recognition of the independence of his people and their rights over their resources… If that is Hitler, then let me be a Hitler tenfold." With this statement, it seems like he not only view Hitler favorably, but wants to be better than him. Adolf Hitler was responsible for killing 11 million people. I cannot even fathom how people can be so evil, it really bothers me. Honestly, I absolutely hated doing this research project on Robert Mugabe because it bothered me so, and made me very angry that some leaders could be so selfish and cruel.

After our presentation, the next group did their leadership power point on President Gordon B. Hinckley, and the tension in the room was completely removed. President Hinckley was an absolutely remarkable man and did everything within his power for the benefit of others. He was humble in his calling, being President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and made such a positive impact on the world.He just sparkles from the inside out in my opinion.

The differences between these two leaders is absolutely massive! In one hand, we have an evil dictator who steps on everyone he can, including his people, to rise to power, and in the other hand we have a man who lived, and breathed to serve others. Though it may not seem so because of the evil world we live in, the good guy always wins. The bad guys will be punished for all the suffering they caused to others, and the good guys will be rewarded for the service. Though its hard to see such evil in the world, there will be justice in the end.

My Leadership Role

I really pondered on what my role as a leader should be in BYU, and I have realized I have many roles in which I can lead and make a difference. My official leadership role is being a committee member for BYUSA activities. I have always been actively involved in all of the activities in my high school, and I really want to be involved in BYU activities as well. I think activities are so important because it gets the students involved and they are able to feel like they belong, and have a bunch of fun too!

Another leadership role I was just called to, is being the first counselor in the Relief Society Presidency in my ward. I was so surprised though it is a bit intimidating, but the Lord obviously called me for a reason and I am excited to serve the other girls in my ward.

This biggest impact I can have being a leader, is being a friend. There was this girl in the bookstore line, and we just started talking to me about how she got hit by a car riding her bike and the difficulty of her classes. I could tell she really needed someone to vent to, and I told her I would pray for her. She thanked me for listening, and went on her way. I was there for her, when nobody else was, though it was only for five minutes waiting in the line for the register.

Opportunities to lead and serve are everywhere.

Christlike Attributes

On Wednesday my Student Leadership Development class had a discussion on what the attribute of a good leader is, and I recorded the following:

• one who has good morals
• cares about the ones they serve
• competent
•  listens twice as much as they speak which is why we have two ears and only one mouth
• influence
• inspiring
• charismatic
• humble
• vision with a plan
• doers-- speaker of words and doing of deeds (As Victoria mentioned quoting her Greek Mythology teacher 
• one who serves the people--As King Benjamin did, he did not just send out troops to the war, but fought in them himself, a leader needs to be on the same level as the one's he serves
• integrity
• relatable
• responsible for the failures and successes
• hardworking
• delegator
• trusting/trust worthy

To some up all these leadership characteristics is to be Christlike. Though Christ is perfect and we could never achieve such perfection we should have the mindset of, "What would Christ have me do?" As we are in the process of becoming leaders in BYU, and throughout our lives in general we need to remember what Christ would have us do, but not trying to be perfect because we would just collapse from the pressure. I forget this principle sometimes and get overwhelmed with all of the responsibility when I should be focusing on doing what I can to the best of my ability, whether is being the president of an organization, a volunteer, a student, a roommate, or just by being a friend.

One of my classmates shared how the underdog of her school won student body president, though he had much opposition. Every Friday he would stand in front of the doors to the school and greet everyone. There was always one kid who would criticize him every week saying he couldn't possibly make a difference. At the end of the year, this one kid came up to the president and said though he hated school, he looked forward to being greeted by him everyday though he criticized him, and made such a difference in the his life. Though the student body president did not do anything really remarkable he made such an impact by being a friend and saying hello to everyone. The smallest act of kindness can have the biggest impact in people's lives by being a leader in the smallest calling, by being a friend.

What Leadership means to me...

When I hear "Leadership" I once thought of those who have a great influence in the world, the President, the CEO of a billion dollar industry, Oprah, but being at Brigham Young University and attending the Foundations of Leadership Conference has given me a different perspective. Instead of a leader being someone with the most power, money, or the highest status, it is someone who is humble enough to bring themselves down and do whatever they can to lift someone else up.

In these it seems like everyone is racing to the top, everyone wants "to be a billionaire so fricken bad," and they will do anything to gain fame and fortune. With these worldly achievements, one will gain influence and be looked upon as a leader. This selfishness is the opposite of what a leader should be, and how they should act. Being a leader, is more of being the Chief servant, doing all that is within their power to serve everyone. The best leader of all is Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ lived his life on earth doing all that he could for everyone else. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, everyone knows of the miracles he performed with his own hands, though they were the humble hands of a carpenter. He did not have the highest status, the most power, and certainly was not a billionaire, but thousands followed him and worshiped him. This was because of his service to everyone, he attended to all as the Shepard he was.

One of the best examples of his leadership was when he knelled down before the 12 disciples, and washed their feet. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, washed the feet of those who followed him. What a great act of humility and love. As I am at BYU I am striving not to be a leader specifically, but to serve all those around me to the best of my ability. I am not much, just a poor college student trying to survive, but my service to others can really make a difference, and I can be the answer to someone's prayer.