RSO Involvement

Wow, Senior year,  I am still participating in clubs at CMU. It is one of my favorite things to look forward to. Yet, my service organization is found outside of the college as I am passionaite in my hometown community services. Like I have been since early on in my life I have participated in Scouting. This year I was getting geared up to help call people to promote camping for summer of 2020. However, because of COVID-19 I was unable to perform this as now camping has become a scarce thing to do. I am considering on helping out after COVID-19 pandemic. I really hope for the best. My time for service was short this year BUT my service does not stop at college it never began at fulfilling requirements. It started because I cared for the betterment of my community.

LEAD Team

When it came to LEAD TEAMs sometimes not all glitter is gold but silver is just as good. I was placed in the Relay for Life LEAD Team and it was pretty good. I wasn’t able to contribute as much to the program because I was already booked up with school related work and other involvements to fulfill my LAS protocol. However let me tell you something about relay for life. I am a dedicated man who may not be able to put time into some of the best involvements out there but that doesn’t mean my admiration isn’t as credible. Relay for Life has a special place for a lot of people because Cancer sucks and we all want to find a cure. These volunteers that don’t have a protocol to fulfill took their Saturday and their time to raise more money than I ever could have for the program. I was able to raise $40 but some people raised $400 plus their goal. That is really something. I was able to commit to 3 hours of my Saturday to my LAS Team and I was really unsettled to see how my commitment was less than a lot of other groups. I was not so happy with myself but that Sunday I remembered that I had prior engagements that were equally as important. That is why I conclude that protocols are important but so is school work, study, social life, and leadership fits in there too. It feels like I may be sending the wrong message here but I think that along the lines in what I want to say is I acknowledge the work we were able to do however I hope to see much more in the potential that we possess in the ability to do incredible work for this Relay For Life team.

RSO Involvement

Not all clubs and sports can be found on campus. Sometimes people go outside the community they live in and become involved with other communities. This helps branches themselves in networking. My RSO involvement consisted of going to my hometown in Bay City Michigan at least once a month to prepare my older scouts in my troop to be prepared for college. The Boy Scouts is a non profit organization that involves scouting for all. My troop has a variety of boys who come from different places and have the same passion to be scouts. One of difficult things for an older scout is balancing high school and boy scouts because both require a lot of time. My scouts are all active in their community besides scouting. When it comes to sports, clubs, work, and social life I understand and I wanted to do something extra for my scouts. As an assistant scoutmaster I asked the troop committee if I could get an hour on a wednesday with the older boys who are in their junior year and senior year of high school. These two grades are the pivoting point of getting scouts where they need to go after they become adults. I would progress their goals and I would ask them various questions and provide an ear about how life is going. I found this to be good because the venting made it better for the boys. I gave them tips and tricks of how to get through college and applying for scholarships and colleges. I was important to the boys and I didn’t mind coming back every month for an hour. I owe a lot to the Boy Scouts. I think that my involvement in my club even after my time in the organization is continuing in the little ways.

RSO Involvement

Clubs and Sports are really awesome programs to be apart of at CMU. If you got nothing else better to do then try going to one of the RSO’s that are found on campus. They have a wide variety of programs that are offered to the public. For myself, I found a couple that I got invested in for a little bit at CMU. When it came to picking an RSO I had to work with my school time and my study time. I couldn’t go back to back to back like I used to or else I would be bogged down. I have been discovering portions of my life that I have not reflected upon due to the complexity of figuring out self awareness. It sort of became this elaborate design that manifested because I never could figure out this puzzling puzzle of who I was. I decided though after the summer of 2018 that I would take a rest for self caring and self help. Why this is important to know is because the RSO that I chose to help me get myself feeling self motivated was CMU TWLOHA chapter. TWLOHA which stands for “To Write Love On Her Arms” is a club about self care and health. It was a group of people that cared to pick themselves up and spread that around the campus. I was the only guy that was in the club and I was still accepted. I was deeply involved only for myself because I needed a place for an hour to just reflect and not worry about anything. I didn’t give myself daunting tasks so I gave myself the position with unison census of being the rep to go to the Monday night meetings campus council to bring back information to our group. My involvement was close with the group for the first semester than the 2nd semester because I had to balance more time to my classes. I did a lot for the group and it went recognized.

Volunteer Experience

Volunteerism wasn’t a really big part of my life during my sophomore year. I did the bare minimum though of at least 30 hours. That’s not at all bad for me to say but I could of definitely did more. Being a leader means putting time and effort into others. I could only do so much though because I was busy with getting my grades and classes in good shape. As a leader I always strive for better and I expect that I do better. This year was my earnestly worst time to volunteer. Yet, what I could do did make a difference none the less. For example, Sarah Cortez told me of all the benefits I would be doing for the community of Flint if I joined their F.A.C.T.S Team in the spring and I did! It was really cool. My leader was Jazmin from LAS and she did a great job at leading. What we did was we raked leaves and we also picked up a huge amount of trash. I was in shock on the state of Flint. I never have been in Flint till then and I assumed people exaggerated the living conditions. I know they over do the amount of deaths but honestly the amount of houses in shambles was not at all. I did at least 10 ish hours of service work that day. I don’t know if this counts but I also donated plasma every Tuesday and Thursday for the entire year. I don’t count it because I got paid but also it is volunteerism that made me do it because someone would benefit from my donation. I participated in several volunteer programs through the Program Board such as ushering for the Chris Fleming presentation on Ghost Hunting. I was also volunteering all day from 9am-5pm on picking up trash on Earth Day. Like it was not even an event I just wanted to pick up the trash because I love my Earth. It was good work and honest. I did serve I suppose another 30 hours toward getting my OA lodge all set for the year. Oh my God, I didn’t do bare minimum! I forgot about the OA events that I help put on! I am so happy. What I am talking about is I spent a total of 100+ as the OA service chair for Elangomating. I can’t believe I forgot. That is so great.

Alright, so the big take away is that I don’t care for number of hours of volunteering because I volunteer for the people that benefit from me. I don’t count the hours by the hour because what i do I do it out of kindness and I really don’t like it at all when I am required. It’s a basic human instinct to help others and I find it enjoyable. So I guess I can say that Leadership isn’t always about the work you put in BUT the impact that you will have on others. It all depends on how you see yourself and what you do as a person that makes the difference.

RSO Campus Grow

Planting is perhaps the most relaxing thing besides taking a nap. I found a club on campus ALL by myself and I couldn’t be happier. Campus Grow is one of the reasons why we have beautiful garden areas around campus. They are the reason why we have a spice garden patch on campus. I was highly involved during the Fall semester because they had met every week on Mondays. However, in the spring they had stopped meeting every week and sparsely did through February to April. It was so bad I had to stop going. I met people though and learned how to dry plants. I received a lot of helpful tips on how to grow my bulb plants that would sprout into these big beautiful plants. I was highly involved in growing plants in my dorm room. I was involved as much as the program had offered. We learned how to grow microgreens and the benefits from different types of plants for medical reasons to edible reasons. I got involved because the group shared my same passion for growing plants and conserving the trees. I was happy with my involvement in the group. Next year I see myself coming back and trying to get a position chair. I really want to because I want to make sure we have meetings every week and have more to talk about and give membership a chance to grow itself! 

RSO Program Board

Music, Movies, Comedians, AND COOL Sweatshirts? Count me in! I had a blast being a part of the CMU Program Board as a member. I would show up when I can so that I could have the most fun possible. Of course, I could not be involved a ton because of commitments to my grades and classes. Yet, everytime I was there the staff would know my name and say great things about me. I guess they really cared about their members. One of the big things I was involved in WAS being involved in the events that CMU program board had put on. I would occasionally go see a movie like Spider-Man and Black Panther and I would help out with events like the ghost event with Chris Fleming. I knew that my semesters needed excitement and I had to be super involved in events. It started off seeing the people that took down Pablo Escobar. I had won a free meet and greet with the men who took down a coke kingpin. They were leaders that went through a lot to help the people of Colombia. I got their signatures and shook hands with them and said my thanks. I went to Papa’s pumpkin farm with Program Board and ate RAW corn. IT WAS SOOO GREAT! Then I went to another Program Board event with Chris Fleming as the guest speaker. I won a free meet and greet with Chris and I got his signature, shook hands, and a picture too. I got to go on a ghost tour with him too. Sadly, no ghosts could be seen or barely heard. CMU is safe. Then, my final program board that I got involved in was winning tickets to see Jesse McCartney. It took me a lot of searching to find the items to get the tickets and it took me a while to find the president of Program Board to get free tickets from her. Overall, I won 4 tickets and took 3 of my good friends. Not only that but I got to meet Jesse and shake his hand. I got his signature on a CD album. It was really cool! I tried my best to be a part of the team as an E-Board member BUT I was overqualified! I had a lot of fun in this group and I couldn’t ask for more.

COM 461L

Dwight’s Speech: BLOOD ALONE MOVES THE WHEELS OF HISTORY! [pause] Have you ever asked yourselves in an hour of meditation – which everyone finds during the day – how long we have been striving for greatness? [bangs fist] Not only the years we’ve been at war – the war of work – but from the moment as a child, when we realize the world could be conquered. It has been a lifetime struggle [bangs fists again] a never-ending fight, I say to you [bangs again] and you will understand that it is a privilege to fight. WE ARE WARRIORS! [applause] Salesmen of north-eastern Pennsylvania, I ask you once more rise and be worthy of this historical hour. [even bigger applause as Dwight laughs maniacally] No revolution is worth anything unless it can defend itself. Some people will tell you salesman is a bad word. They’ll conjure up images of used car dealers, and door to door charlatans. This is our duty to change their perception. I say, salesmen and women of the world… unite. We must never acquiesce, for it is together… TOGETHER THAT WE PREVAIL. WE MUST NEVER CEDE CONTROL OF THE MOTHERLAND… Audience: …FOR IT IS TOGETHER THAT WE PREVAIL! [thunderous applause]

Exactly why did I posted a speech? That’s because I had to give a presentation about qualitative communication through effective public speaking. Com 461L was a leadership class about Communication. It was honestly a really chill and relaxing class. I had Elizabeth Carlson for a teacher and let me tell you that she knew how to be enthusiastic in the most appropriate times. It was really good of her because it kept the class entertaining and I did not at all dare to sleep during her class. It was that good that I would listen to her and consider what she talked about. I had no idea there were many different types of ways to communicate as a leader. It was bizarre because I assumed you had to be so spontaneous and so original. Remembering Dan Gaken or even Jesi Ekonen talk to us as a class they were always vocal and had this specific approach to us as a class. It turns out they were only channeling one kind of effective communication style. There is so much to learn about communication that it’s unfortunate I had to only take one class for this. I felt really good during my exams but what the kicker was is that my grades looked bad. She told me that I was on track to getting an A-. I was in disbelief because the beginning of the semester looked terrible to me but it got better. I was always showing up taking some notes and engaging in all talks with my fellow classmates. It was really cool.

What I could take away from this class is that I don’t have one specific style of formally communicating. In fact, I could talk informally as much as I want to. The trick is when is the appropriate time to do so. I feel like I could also take from this class was my presentations that I gave to the class were not at all bad as I used to speak. I wasn’t swaying or looking bewildered. I did have tough times but I would always keep on track. It was awesome and I can’t wait for Junior year and effectively use these new found skills in my classes. 

LDR 200L Reflection

During my second semester of my freshman year I was enrolled in the next level of a leadership class. Compared to LDR 100, this course had more rigor to it. The professor Jessi Ekonen was very keen to teaching the class. You would imagine that learning leadership would be a piece of cake, but there is more too it then actions. There are theories that also tie into a leadership position. I didn’t think of how much of an influence these theories would have. However, after taking this class I know now that they greatly impact leadership.

The beginning weeks I was nervous because Jessi Ekonen said that not everyone would get straight A’s unless they work hard. I knew that I couldn’t easily breeze through this class, but take it seriously as best as possible. Between all my other classes though this was definitely the easiest so long as I would keep focus and do assignments. As the semester moved forward a few events came up abruptly like the LAS competition. We were all required to be there, for this was about the next class of LAS leaders coming to CMU. We had to work a few things out and make sure we were able to guide and educate the parents and students about what CMU had to offer. It was simple, but I felt like I had to step it up for as mentioned this was about them and not me. I did my best to lead and educate the competitors. It all worked out and that weekend I had a blast.

The next assignment was to do initiatives and that was a group project that consisted of designing a facilitator model. The goal was to guide and teach several class members through a game exercise and then debrief on why we did this type of game. I was very nervous, for two days before we were to present we had to turn in a page report by midnight and we barely had anything down.  Luckily, we were able to complete it with time to spare. Then during presentation day I felt like I wasn’t contributing enough so I took small steps and piped up a bit. I was able to get a perfect score on it and I was satisfied.

The next program we had was going to Detroit. It was pretty neat! We went to Jalen Rose Academy and we facilitated a group of students. They were very nice and respectful to us. Afterwards, we went to quicken loans and got a tour of the place. It was cool. FInally, that night we slept at the Outdoor Adventure Arena. That place made me feel like a kid, because it was designed for kids. However, we got 30 minutes to run and goof off. We then went to bed, but except for me because I had to read a book. It was exhausting. Lastly, we went to building that was designed to feed the homeless, shelter them, and give them a new opportunity. My team made mats for them to sell. We went home that afternoon and I slept the rest of the day. I had another great weekend.

Finally, as a class we had to do workshops and we were given a theory to explore. It was neat to hear about all sorts of theories. I like some and I found some confusing. Nevertheless, I was excelling when it came to test us on what we knew. I studied and memorized our study guides. I am assuming I got a 100% on it. This class was great I am going to miss seeing all the LAS students together, for they are my family and I love them. I look forward though for the next 3 years for I signed my leadership minor not too long ago and I can’t wait to dive deeper into leadership.

Freshman Year: A Year in Review

This isn’t the end, nor will it be for a while. However, I am bone dead tired after this academic year! I can’t believe how long its been, yet it feels like I just unpacked my suitcases just 3 months ago. I am thankful to have spent my time here at Central Michigan University. I am though in need of some tender love and care. My mind has been frazzled, but the long complexity of these two semesters. It’s also hard to believe that I am a quarter of the way done with college! I am most likely going to finish with a bachelors, for I don’t have time to do a doctorates or a masters. It would seem like a lot of fun, but unnecessary.

Things that I am proud of this year is signing my major and minors. I didn’t even have to switch! I don’t plan on it either, for that would take away time and money. These two things are limited, so I better to have hoped that by choosing Environmental Studies as my major and Geographic Information Science/Leadership for my minor was a well thought out plan in the beginning. I am not about to change anything that I already put my mind to. Another few things that were accomplished was getting an adequate GPA, meeting friends, and making good relationships with my professors. I know though I can do better in all three of those categories, for I want to make stronger friendships, a higher GPA, and meet more fascinating professors.

A few things outside of college that I have done was spending many volunteer hours with my Order of the Arrow group. We have put in at least 1100 hours together so far for this new year. Last year, we had a group 6,000-15,000 hours all together. As for myself I would say I put in 50 hours with them. What we did was we did projects throughout camp, got new leaders appointed to positions, and we also awarded people for their contributions. I was one of the individuals who earned an award. I have continued my interest in the OA and I am now serving Elangomat chairman and Chapter Chief for my lodge and chapter. As for Boy Scouts, I keep in touch with them and make sure to come to the troop meetings when I can. I recently was also initiated into the freemasons. This past April, I accomplished the Master Mason degree which makes me free to visit other lodges and make strong bonds with my fellow brothers.

This summer, I am going to D-Bar-A scout ranch which is a summer camp for Boy Scouts. I am the director of Eco-Con which is the nature arena. I hope to give back to scouting more than it gave me. I am very particular about giving and receiving. It makes me feel better and it allows campers to get a better experience than I had. Even though, it was great for me I truly care about the next generation of scouts. Also, over the summer I will be mentoring an OA member to take over as me a leader for my time as a youth is drawing near. I rather see someone bloom than to see my lodge doomed.

This goes hand in hand with my leadership theory of power & leadership. I admire this theory for it is relatable to what I want to do and be. The power of a leader is broken down into 6 traits that they can be. A leader can be referent which is someone who people like and are willing to be lead by, a leader can be an expert which is how people view that leader by their accomplishments and skills, a leader can be coercive which means they give punishments for everything wrong followers do, but they can also be rewarding to everything a follower does right for them, a leader can be legitimate and have an authoritative status, and finally leaders can be informative which means they have information that people want or need. I want to possess all these abilities equally. I would love to however be more informative than any other trait. I believe if I hold information people want or need they will come to me more often and listen to me. Thus, this allows me to give rewards/punishments to follows. Followers will also view me as legitimate and an expert in my fields of knowledge. I look forward to using these traits. I believe I am still a novice, but I am sure I can work this out.

I can’t wait for next semester to roll out though. After I have rested and let myself breathe the summer air I will be ready to tackle the new year as a sophomore. I am grateful for this year. My hopes and dreams to come to a university have come true. Now I just have to keep this status for another 3 more years as long as finances are in check. Peace and Love to my faith, family, and all the friends I have made throughout my life thus far!