The "Pugs"! -that was my small group family for LeaderShape 2015. A group of 10 UC students with their fearless leader, Katie. As you can see, we are a great looking group! Similar to our name, however, we are a bit quirky. Diversity is one word to describe us - a 17 year-old senior, a home-schooler, athletes, and music lovers - we had great balance. That balance did not just appear on our first day, however. The photo to the right is my "picture about me". I drew my move to Ohio from California, my Turner Scholarship, my Filipino heritage, my pageant life, involvement, and my career passions. I did not know this until our last small group meeting where I found out that my "about me" turned a lot of my family off at first. They got stuck on "pageants" and "sorority", and instantly stigmatized me. At the end of our familial journey, the group shared their first impressions with one another. It was hard to hear that my new family used to think so negatively of me, but now I am glad that our bond had a beautiful journey.
It was then my turn to reflect on myself. We took the DISC Assessment, and to no surprise, I was an "I". The "I" in DISC stands for "influence". People who identify with "I" place emphasis on influencing or persuading others, openness, and relationships.
Even though I always knew what DISC item I identify with, I never really thought about the weaknesses or improvement areas that I possessed. Being in a group, and seeing how I work with others of different identifications really allowed me to notice the areas I need to work on in order to better lead those around me. "I's spend a majority of time allowing others to share their thoughts. This group effort, however, can slow down the productivity of a group. I also didn't realize that my high energy and enthusiasm could be taken as a lack of seriousness with the job at hand.
Once I was exposed to who I am and my effects on those around me, I became more cognizant of how my identification can benefit and harm a group.
Even though I always knew what DISC item I identify with, I never really thought about the weaknesses or improvement areas that I possessed. Being in a group, and seeing how I work with others of different identifications really allowed me to notice the areas I need to work on in order to better lead those around me. "I's spend a majority of time allowing others to share their thoughts. This group effort, however, can slow down the productivity of a group. I also didn't realize that my high energy and enthusiasm could be taken as a lack of seriousness with the job at hand.
Once I was exposed to who I am and my effects on those around me, I became more cognizant of how my identification can benefit and harm a group.
The Breakthrough Blueprint allows participants of LeaderShape to help develop his or her own commitment to a healthy disregard for the impossible. At first, I could not pinpoint what action plan I wanted to pursue. I first saw the questions as a prompt for my action plan. I then saw that the prompt could be applied to any plan I want to pursue. First, one's vision needs to be identified. I find the most motivation when I work on projects that are meaningful to myself. I then identified some challenging or stretch goals. These goals may be bigger than usual, but in order to plan my timeline, I would have to identify those large goals. I then mapped out more manageable goals. These goals would help keep my on track, so I would be able to see my growth. Writing out my relationships and final action plan helps me decide what connections and actions should be my next move.
Later in the week, I wrote out my Core Values - Authenticity, Civility, Inner Harmony, Justice, and Challenge. I was then able to take my action plan and combine it with my Core Values in order to make my own Principle and decide the kind of person I want to be. Although I made a decision, I know that my Core Values may change. I will need to reflect on myself intermittently in order to keep my vision in line with my beliefs.
Later in the week, I wrote out my Core Values - Authenticity, Civility, Inner Harmony, Justice, and Challenge. I was then able to take my action plan and combine it with my Core Values in order to make my own Principle and decide the kind of person I want to be. Although I made a decision, I know that my Core Values may change. I will need to reflect on myself intermittently in order to keep my vision in line with my beliefs.
Have a healthy disregard the Impossible!
The mission statement that stuck with me. I always thought "what impact could I truly have?" or "how can I change the world?", but LeaderShape helped instill their Mission Statement into my life. Participants were asked to come up with a magazine excerpt that described one of our own passions and visions. Being a nursing major, I have a strong passion for health care. I also have a strong connection to the education and strong foundation children need in order to live healthy, happy lives. With the statement to the left, my vision is to have the US mandate the implementation of holistic education into elementary schools. This holistic education would include teaching the students healthy eating habits, the importance of exercise and being active, and the importance of being an active, integral part of a community.
I know that my vision may be large, but my passion in making this dream a reality - and a sustainable one at that- can happen if I don't lose focus.
The mission statement that stuck with me. I always thought "what impact could I truly have?" or "how can I change the world?", but LeaderShape helped instill their Mission Statement into my life. Participants were asked to come up with a magazine excerpt that described one of our own passions and visions. Being a nursing major, I have a strong passion for health care. I also have a strong connection to the education and strong foundation children need in order to live healthy, happy lives. With the statement to the left, my vision is to have the US mandate the implementation of holistic education into elementary schools. This holistic education would include teaching the students healthy eating habits, the importance of exercise and being active, and the importance of being an active, integral part of a community.
I know that my vision may be large, but my passion in making this dream a reality - and a sustainable one at that- can happen if I don't lose focus.