Unit 1. Model the Way
In this unit, I learned about how to define leadership and effective leadership practices. In this unit, we focused on clarifying our values and setting an example for others. “Modeling the Way” is about leadership through personal examples. Leaders who model the way take initiative, show consistency, and are passionate about the things they believe in. Through guest speakers like Phil Samuel, meeting with a mentor, and notetaking, I was able to grow my own definition of leadership and good leadership practices.
Guest Speaker Reflection: Phil Samuel
During this unit, we had the opportunity to hear from Phil Samuel, a leader in many fields. Through his background in engineering, customer service, and innovation, Phil Samuel communicated his personal definition of “modeling the way.” He believes in the power of initiative and introduced us to new concepts like the RACI Matrix and the 4 W’s of an Organization.
During this unit, we had the opportunity to hear from Phil Samuel, a leader in many fields. Through his background in engineering, customer service, and innovation, Phil Samuel communicated his personal definition of “modeling the way.” He believes in the power of initiative and introduced us to new concepts like the RACI Matrix and the 4 W’s of an Organization.
First Mentor Meeting Notes: Rachel Hirt
In this unit, I began my mentorship with Rachel Hirt, the fundraising manager for Peak to Peak. In my first meeting with Ms. Hirt, I was able to learn about her background in event planning, business ownership, and fundraising. We also discussed Ms. Hirt’s personal leadership philosophy, which is defined as, “taking care of your people.” As Ms. Hirt describes it, a good leader should reflect the environment that they are in, and adapt their leadership practices for specific situations.
In this unit, I began my mentorship with Rachel Hirt, the fundraising manager for Peak to Peak. In my first meeting with Ms. Hirt, I was able to learn about her background in event planning, business ownership, and fundraising. We also discussed Ms. Hirt’s personal leadership philosophy, which is defined as, “taking care of your people.” As Ms. Hirt describes it, a good leader should reflect the environment that they are in, and adapt their leadership practices for specific situations.
“Model the Way:” Notes
Throughout this class, we have been following along with the units and testimonies from the book The Student Leadership Challenge: Five Practices for Becoming an Exemplary Leader by James Kouzes and Barry Posner. In the first chapter, “Practice 1: Model the Way,” the roles of a student leader are defined as clarifying values (finding your voice and affirming shared values) and setting the example (aligning actions with shared values).
Leadership in Action: Photo Evidence
We were given the opportunity to work with fifth-grade students who were applying to the elementary student council and mentor them through their application process. I worked with a group of students and guided them through questions like, “How will you impact your school community through student council?” We also helped them identify the values they wish to uphold through student council.
Personal Why Statement:
For the end of this unit, we created “personal why statements” that represented “why” we were passionate about the organizations and activities we are involved with. I created a “why” statement for the Student Council bulletin board that explains why Student Council is an organization on Peak to Peak’s campus and what Student Council specifically does. I took the key points from our Student Council Constitution and made them more concise and easier to understand.
We were given the opportunity to work with fifth-grade students who were applying to the elementary student council and mentor them through their application process. I worked with a group of students and guided them through questions like, “How will you impact your school community through student council?” We also helped them identify the values they wish to uphold through student council.
Personal Why Statement:
For the end of this unit, we created “personal why statements” that represented “why” we were passionate about the organizations and activities we are involved with. I created a “why” statement for the Student Council bulletin board that explains why Student Council is an organization on Peak to Peak’s campus and what Student Council specifically does. I took the key points from our Student Council Constitution and made them more concise and easier to understand.
Unit 2. Inspire a Shared Vision
In this unit, I learned about envisioning the future for myself and others, as well as learning how to enlist others to achieve shared goals. Inspiring a shared vision involves the ability of a leader to create a compelling vision of the future that aligns with the common ideals of their community and team. Through field experiences like visiting the Chamber of Commerce, mentor meetings, guest speakers like Alison Griffin, and school walkthrough observations, I was able to learn more about articulating my own visions and organizing a team.
Field Experience: Visiting the Chamber of Commerce
During this field experience, we had the opportunity to visit the Chamber of Commerce and speak with the chief of police for Lafayette. I found this experience really impactful. I learned that I don’t know a lot about city police, specifically Lafayette. The police officers’ dedication to their city and their passion about what they do was really moving. Despite the challenges many communities have had with various police organizations, it was obvious that the Lafayette department took those allegations seriously and were working everyday to rebuild connections between minority communities and the police.
2nd Mentor Meeting Notes: Rachel Hirt
In my second meeting with Ms. Hirt, we focused more on specific events that Student Council was organizing in our community, and I received advice from her about budgeting.
During this field experience, we had the opportunity to visit the Chamber of Commerce and speak with the chief of police for Lafayette. I found this experience really impactful. I learned that I don’t know a lot about city police, specifically Lafayette. The police officers’ dedication to their city and their passion about what they do was really moving. Despite the challenges many communities have had with various police organizations, it was obvious that the Lafayette department took those allegations seriously and were working everyday to rebuild connections between minority communities and the police.
2nd Mentor Meeting Notes: Rachel Hirt
In my second meeting with Ms. Hirt, we focused more on specific events that Student Council was organizing in our community, and I received advice from her about budgeting.
Guest Speaker Reflection: Alison Griffin
During this unit, we were able to hear from Alison Griffin, to speak with us about organizational culture and envisioning the future. I was really interested in Griffin’s background in Public Policy, as well as her career in consulting at Whiteboard Advisors. Alison Griffin communicated her personal definition of “Inspire a Shared Vision.” She believes in holding personal values, and the power in learning from people with different views than you.
Elementary Library Walkthrough: Observations
The Elementary Librarian, Ms. Harlow, asked our leadership class to conduct a walkthrough of the elementary library to evaluate the values materials that were being highlighted in the library. Our class created a group-note taking document where we were able to discuss the elements of the library that were being represented, and communicate what we think needs to be added/changed. We also spoke with elementary students to get their perspective. It was interesting to see how their point of view differed from ours.
During this unit, we were able to hear from Alison Griffin, to speak with us about organizational culture and envisioning the future. I was really interested in Griffin’s background in Public Policy, as well as her career in consulting at Whiteboard Advisors. Alison Griffin communicated her personal definition of “Inspire a Shared Vision.” She believes in holding personal values, and the power in learning from people with different views than you.
Elementary Library Walkthrough: Observations
The Elementary Librarian, Ms. Harlow, asked our leadership class to conduct a walkthrough of the elementary library to evaluate the values materials that were being highlighted in the library. Our class created a group-note taking document where we were able to discuss the elements of the library that were being represented, and communicate what we think needs to be added/changed. We also spoke with elementary students to get their perspective. It was interesting to see how their point of view differed from ours.
Attending a Peak to Peak Board Meeting about new building renovations.
Currently, I am one of the presidents of National Art Honors Society, as well as the technical director for our theater department. I was asked by my art teacher to attend a board meeting with her, discussing the new renovations being made to Peak to Peak’s visual and performing arts spaces. I was able to speak with engineers and staff at Peak to Peak about what I envision for these new spaces. It was a great opportunity to speak about something I am passionate about, and get my voice heard. Before this opportunity, a guest speaker came into our leadership
Currently, I am one of the presidents of National Art Honors Society, as well as the technical director for our theater department. I was asked by my art teacher to attend a board meeting with her, discussing the new renovations being made to Peak to Peak’s visual and performing arts spaces. I was able to speak with engineers and staff at Peak to Peak about what I envision for these new spaces. It was a great opportunity to speak about something I am passionate about, and get my voice heard. Before this opportunity, a guest speaker came into our leadership
