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.

Residential Experience

You know what is scary? Being alone. Being unable to be with familiar faces everyday. Having to reestablish who you are to your surrounding environment. It really does suck. It makes you feel closed off and having the fears you’re missing out with old friends. This year was a huge 180 degree turn of what I was expecting. My friends I knew from Freshman year were now in a different hall, they moved out and got an apartment, they just got busy and less likely to hangout. It was frightening to me. I had a lot of weight on my shoulders that finally made me succumb to some unexplainable feelings. Under these terms they are social anxiety, depression, anxious feelings, and confusion. I never felt these before until this year at full impact. I was now in between a rock and a hard place. There was though hope and a lot of untapped potential. It started off with being contacted by CMU cheerleader L.J Holmes. L.J was my roommate for my sophomore year in Emmons Hall and he said that he couldn’t wait to meet me. You see, I was surrounded by unfamiliar faces waiting to meet me and I was very skeptical because I wasn’t ready for people to enter into my life and meet me. LJ introduced me on my first day to Luke Hartsuff a big fan of CMU football team and Riley Halligan an equipment manager to CMU football team. I was surrounded by people that really gave me hope and a lot of it. Not only that but I met Ben Rutleg who is extremely reliable at being friendly and open to conversations. I had met my neighbors which were Mylia, Rachael, Sam, and Jordan.  I had opportunity to meet new people. Now you expect it was easy but I still suffered from all these conflicting interests that made me on my days terrible. I branched out though and got supportive help. I tried my best to see old friends and tried my best to not feel these feelings of wishing I could spend more time with them. It was really difficult and it was not at all fun. Yet, there was still reasons to keep a smile and try getting better because I love my friends and family. To see them hurt more than me would be devastating. Peeling back layers of me was a huge new experience. I wasn’t doing okay and I had to really tackle the situation. It got better though because of a lot of internal thinking and supportive friends I have made. My supportive friends included old high school friends, college friends, family, and myself. They gave me more of a trusting feeling that i never felt. I always felt afraid to make mistakes with them or feel like I was below. They made me feel better about myself. In all, I am still learning on how to tackle this, but got better.

The take away from this was that my residential experience was not all what I expected. Yet, it opened me up to relieving the pressures I had on myself. Residential experience isn’t always about the fun and enjoyment I had but also the things I learn. Of course I had fun with my new friends. Of course I won’t see them as much, but it gave me hope that being the travelling roommate that I am is really not that bad. I develop more friends, I hear more stories, and I really get a chance to network. I am not at all feeling bad for blogging this as a residential experience because it’s the truth and genuine. I feel so alive now I feel okay being who I am for the better. I got this and I am looking forward to next year.

 

RSO Involvement

They say to go out and try new things your freshman year because eventually you will stick with something and make friends, grow, and have an adventure. I certainly did try to do this my freshman year. As a busy student at CMU I am frantically trying to balance my social life with my school work life. Unfortunately, my school work life consumes me more than it needs to. When I was in high school I was a well rounded individual who kept an evenly balanced appearance at everything and got a really high GPA. The cost however was my health. I wasn’t getting all the sleep that I needed I was lacking nutrients that kept my mental state stable. I was a wreck. However, the upside to this was I didn’t need to be so involved next year in college. I could give myself a break and relax and do some school work at my own leisure. However, I did have to fulfill a requirement for my scholarship that involved me being in at least one RSO. Therefore, I chose two that weren’t necessarily difficult.

As a member of Environmental Studies and Geography Club I was one of the first 6 to show up at its meeting. Last year, the geography club disbanded due to a lack of membership so this year 2 members formed this new group to include both geography and environmental studies students. I was very pleased at this for I could help this group get off to a good start. That is what I did, for the first 4 months of this club I was always there on almost every Wednesday of the month to get ideas going on fundraiser ideas, trip ideas, and games we could do. I was thrilled that this was happening. We made plans to go on a hike to island park, we played jeopardy, and we did a small booth in the library to educate people on rocks and environmental impacts we have in the world. Everything was great.

I was also a member of Rotaract club this year. It was a small branch that associated itself with Rotary Club. My friend Nicole got me into the club because they had food at their first event. I met some international students and made friends with one. He went by the name Bob and that is what we called him. Eventually, they went to a pumpkin farm and I went with them and got free cider and donuts. I also got a few gourds and a pumpkin. I loved it. Everything was looking up and I was thrilled to be apart of the community.

However, during my second semester I had to change up my attendance at events. I was starting to slack off in my studies. It wasn’t a good time with myself so I had to go every month at least once to make an appearance. I was upset that this happened, but not everything can be relaxing at CMU. I came here for an education and that was my plan. Luckily, I am still in good conditions with both groups. Next year, I hope that I may attend more because I was able to work out a few things with my studies.  I feel happy again. I cannot wait to go back to my routine. It was amazing and I don’t want it to stop.

What I plan on doing next fall is looking into more clubs. This year as I was told was completely different for they had to cancel main stage which was a big event for all the clubs to encourage people to join. I can’t wait for it next year. I believe that I am more relaxed than I was in high school. I don’t feel as much pressure as I had before. I am looking forward to the future of my sophomore year.

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.

LEAD team

My LEAD team was amazing this year. We put on some great events for the LAS community. The official title of my team is Special Events. What we did was we put on minute to win it, LAS on Ice, and the Detroit Tigers game in the summer. Our leader was Kaitlyn Cox. She was the head chairmen for our group. Her work helped put together our program. Our meetings were held on Monday nights usually around 8:00pm down in the conference room of Barnes.

Minute to win it was our first event that we all helped with. Every Monday in the fall we would brainstorm ideas of what games ad activates we wanted to put on for the event. Then when we got all that done we would make flyers and a promotional video. I was apart of that video and it was awesome. Finally, we made sure to pay for all the materials and make sure to promote to the entire LAS group. Unfortunately, on the day of the competition another event at the Towers trumped our event and a majority of people went to the event. I believe it was a magician who did illusions. Anyway, the remaining people who could come had a blast and everything was worth while.

The next event was LAS on Ice which is a tradition ice skate event. However, new to this year is that we promoted to leadership safari participates. Again, we made sure to book the ice rank, make flyers and a video, and we also promoted to everyone involved in any type of leadership activity. On the day of we had a line from the beginning to the entrance. We were able to raise a ton of money from this event. Also, we had money left over which goes directly into our funding for future programs. I had a lot of fun and skated with my friends.

Finally, we wrapped up the year with making the Detroit Tigers game event. I believe Kaitlyn Cox had organized it and all, for we didn’t meet after February. I think it will be awesome and it will be a great way to get people pumped for next year at CMU. What I took away from this was that it takes a lot of hard work to get events planned. It doesn’t take just one person, but it takes a whole group to make events possible. What I wanted our of this experience was a chance to make an event people would appreciate and which they did. What I plan to do now is I will still keep being involved with attending events, and I will be able to make future events later in my life. I loved being on this LEAD team and I hope future LAS students will too!

LAS in the D reflection

In early February, my LAS cohort took a trip to Detroit. This was my first time ever being in the city of Detroit. It was not at all like everyone said it was like. They mentioned violence on the streets, run down buildings, many homeless people on the streets. Perhaps they were right 5 years ago, but the city of Detroit now is a marvel. Beginning of our trip we went to Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. My group facilitated 5 students who were motivated to do our fun activities. Some of the games included mine field, eagles nest, and who’s bringing what to the picnic.

After our see you laters we went to the Quicken Loans building. I felt immersed in a futuristic city than what I expected in downtown Detroit. At Quicken Loans we had pizza, pop, and salad. Then after dinner we got a debrief with the vice president of Quicken Loans. He explained that Quicken Loans has donated countless hours and charitable dollars to the city of Detroit. Afterwards, we got an extensive tour of the building. We departed that night to the Detroit Institute of Arts. I was by myself for the length of the trip, but I didn’t mind. I wanted to be alone and take this time to reflect and look at various paintings. The final part of the trip of the night was we went to the Outdoor Action Center near the river overlooking Caesars Palace which turns out to be Canada. What I learned about this Action center is that it used to be a run down building that overlooked a garbage pile along the river bank of Detroit. In the morning, we went to the Cass Community Social Services, and this was not at all like I was expecting. I was expecting a place where people slept, but it was a place that people came to and help make food for the homeless, earn money for the center, make products, and gave people a second chance. The last length of the trip was going to Great Lakes Crossing and home.

What I learned in this trip was that Detroit isn’t what people made it out to be. It wasn’t in ruins nor did I see the mayhem people told me about. Detroit is coming back as a productive city. What surprised me was that Detroit wasn’t crowded with people on the streets. Everyone had places to be and there wasn’t a congested time that it became overcrowded with people. Thus, this made me realize that people had jobs and a life in Detroit. What made me happy was that Quicken Loans is offering to help clean up this society. This random act of kindness is also seen at the Cass Community building. Their organization too is giving people second chances and offering anything they can to help their city.

At the Detroit Institute of Arts, I was able to get help from volunteer workers. I had no idea that people would give their time to support their local art museum especially in Detroit. It was amazing to talk to the Detroit volunteers and ask them what makes their city great. They responded that it’s because of local shelters and businesses taking the time to take care of the city. One mans reason for volunteering was to give back to his local community in someway. I started to think also how the leadership academy kids are going to do when they lend a hand. That this is their home and they are lucky, and the best way to show appreciation is by also volunteering their time to their community.

What I might do in the future as a leader is becoming more involved in the development of Michigan. I should take pride in my state and what better way of doing it is getting involved in my neighboring counties business. Another thing I should do is promote issues happening today. As of today Flint still needs help. The bests things I can do as a neighboring city is send a care packages and a PSA from time to time of important things my state needs from me. I would love to keep up to date on issues locally too.

As a leader I need to be able to adapt to my surroundings. Perhaps, I need to take it easier and slower, for anything can happen. There are key times that are fixed, but other times I need to go with the flow of what is currently happening to me instead of panicking. The numerous opportunities to better myself should not go unmissed. I should fact check certain current events, and I should tell others too.

What specific leadership skills Detroit needs right now are people who can listen, people who can serve, and people who can guide others in helping with the progression of the city. Leadership isn’t necessarily found in qualified leaders but in random acts of kindness. I think the development of the city can be made first by its own people. Then after start to attract more people in a great cause. By listening to the people volunteers can suit their needs, by serving the community it lessens the burden on some,  and with the guidance of others Detroit can become a popular city again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leadership Lecture

We had a guest speaker come in around the end of September, and she talked about how Flint is still in need of water. I assumed that the crisis was over when I stopped hearing news about it. Unfortunately, it hasn’t stopped. She talked about how it takes a lot of bottles of water to clean, cook, and groom the part of Flint that this crisis has impacted. She gave us an opportunity to come to Flint and help pass out water to people of Flint. I wish I could of went, but I had to go to a conference in Rose City. Nevertheless, what I took from it is that I should read more about current events and keep up with them. Also, to expand on that,  as a leader it is often hard to be on top of everything. It helps leaders to an extent to use a planner and or tape recorder. However, a leader should use all their resource to be informed and involved. This means that by asking others, putting sticky notes everywhere, and  having some minimal routine. This Flint water crisis has been going on for at least 3 years not. It is sad to see this city not yet at the end of this nightmare. I heard recent news that to get Flints situation under control it will take  3 more years to get treated water back  into the city and 3 more years to get people moving again. I wish this event didn’t happen and could of been avoided.