SAIL

I’ve never always identified myself as a leader in regards of my identity, every time I think about leadership–it has been attempting to help out an organization that supported others and in return learning from my experience and making wonderful friends.

But my color, my sexuality, and my background make up an important aspect of who I am and how I go about life–and slowly but surely I’ve learned to make many of my opportunities as being a leader related to working with my identities and helping foster a safe and inclusive environment.

There is a certain beauty when people use their identities in order to create a safe environment in which others feel empowered to be involved in the leadership process. Though not everyone may be explicitly a member of the LGBTQ, creating an environment in which people in all parts of the queer spectrum are allowed to grow and foster their leadership identities.

Lately, I’ve been dealing a lot with conflict analysis. As leaders, conflict is destined to arise, whether it be with another person or with people who follow our lead. In any case, we have to learn how to manage conflict effectively. One thing college has definitely taught me is how to interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds, with different attitudes and personalities as well. With opposing ideologies, goals, and perceptions it’s easy to go head up with people, convinced that you are right. I think an important aspect of being a good leader involved being a good listener, and allowing others to share their piece on a given situation. Just because you are a leader doesn’t mean you’re always right. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new. People make mistakes, it’s called being human. No one is perfect!

Parents are truly the first leaders we experience as we enter into the world. Parenthood is kind of like a leadership role thrown upon you with no choice; you’ve got to be a leader to this little human, and you’ve got to do it now. I imagine it’s scary especially for first time parents, because now they’re expected to be the omniscient, problem-solving guru.

Earlier in the year we discussed in class what makes a leader, and one definition I liked explained a good leader as one who lets their followers go and do what they know they are capable of, and also puts them in positions where they may not know as much. While that seems stressful, and perhaps a little counterproductive, it ultimately helps a person grow and learn more about themselves. This hands-off approach is, in my opinion, one of the most effective ones.

My mom & dad have recently take on this style of parenting. They know they raised me well, gave me all the life tips they could in the last 19 years, and trust my judgment. As my senior year of high school was coming to end, they let go of the firm grip they once had over my actions. They told me I could do whatever I wanted, and they would refrain from inserting their opinion. I am so thankful that in this important period in my life my parents have not coddled me to death and have allowed me to be an independent person. It has made my transition to college and young-adult life all that much easier. Additionally, my relationship with my parents is infinitely more enjoyable.

In talking to my friends, however, I notice that their experiences are much different. It would appear that their parents are still too involved-in and controlling-of their lives, even after they’ve spent almost a year away at university. What differences have you noticed with your parents/family members/guardians since transitioning to college?

Say this is 10 years later, and you are now your age + 10. Through this message board you are able to communicate with your former April 2013 self. What tips or advice would you give yourself?

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Homework, homework, midterms, meetings, class, exams, and projects: you need a break. Read the rest of this entry »

We all love being a leader. It’s nice to have people look up to you as an inspiration. There is one thing that I love about what we all enjoy is the ability to be ourselves. Read the rest of this entry »

During this past Spring Break, I was lucky enough to attend the Florida Alternative Spring Break trip in Stuart, Florida. The focus of the trip was ecorestoration and conservation and we did several projects around town with the guidance of the land resource manager of the city, Mike. Our projects included oyster reef building, invasive species removal, native species planting, and trail maintenance. On our free time, we took a trip to the beach and kayaked down the St. Lucie inlet.

I honestly had a really awesome time. We tent camped the entire week and reflected on our day every night by camp fire (with s’mores of course). I got to meet 14 incredible people, each with different and wonderful personalities, but each with one common passion: preserving the natural world. It is hard to imagine that our surroundings are we know them now will be drastically different in say 100 years if we keep abusing our environment the way we are now. For me, this trip was a huge reminder about how important the environment is to me, our community, and our future generations. I have even seriously looked into changing my major because of it. Read the rest of this entry »

Hey guys, so I was reading up on this article that deals with animal abuse. It basically is a blog describing the difference between intentional and unintentional abuse towards animals. Something interesting the article mentioned were things like doghouses and leashes that someone wouldn’t really think of as abusive. As some of us have pets, I think it is good for us to know about the possible problems that can arise from mistreatment. Read the rest of this entry »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cvUCDjLDIk

If you have been following the news lately, you probably know about the Steubenville cases where two young men were tried convicted of raping (though they also urinated on her and dragged her passed out body from party to party as well) a young woman at a series of parties over the summer. One of the young men faced an additional charge for using his cell phone to record some of the acts since the victim, known simply as Jane Doe, was a minor at the age of 16. Ever since the initial report of this case, there haas been controversy.

Steubenville is a huge football town – and both of the accused were football players. This meant that the town would inevitably be spit on those who saw through their athletic abilities into their crime and those who fought for the rapists due to their contribution to the football team. As much as I could talk about what is wrong here, my real focus for today is the report by CNN that sparked outrage in so many.

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Even though it rained and snowed during my week spent in North Philadelphia, to me it will always be sunny in Philadelphia.

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