StreetStyle

April 9, 2013

I’m going to go off of my usual topic here and write about street fashion. I really do love a good fashion/personal style blog (my favorites are here and here) and something I’ve noticed rapidly growing in the fashion blogging world is street fashion. Street fashion is basically just what it sounds like: what people are wearing on the streets in everyday life, usually in big cities. This can be anything from fairly average styles to styles that look like they came right off the runway.

Street fashion has been getting so much attention that it’s almost become a game. Photographers and bloggers follow people around like celebrities, and the people being photographed are becoming increasingly adventurous in their styles to gain more attention. Here’s a really short documentary on this cultural phenomenon.

http://vimeo.com/61348049

Sometimes the attention can get to the trend-setter’s head. There’s a sense of power in the attention and it feels good; but in order to be a good leader, one must know when power is starting to control their actions. This lesson can be applied to other contexts such as the workplace, a school organization, etc. In order to exhibit effective leadership, it’s important to stay humble and not be overly effected by what others think and do.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

3 Comments | Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by mfuerst

Feminism: Dare I Say It…

April 8, 2013

I am doing my History 390 project on the ‘Woman’s Suffrage Movement’ and came across such an interesting and liberating moment in the movement. Jeannette  Rankin was the first female elected official as a Representative in the United State Congress. Rankin was known for her anti-war disposition when it came to voting on sending our troops into the World War I and World War II. Rankin’s most famous for being the voice for females, “I may be the first woman member of Congress, but I won’t be the last.” Representative Rankin also voted on giving woman the right to vote. She said, “If I am remembered for no other act, I want to be remembered as the only woman who ever voted to give women the right to vote.”

 

Moving forward requires knowing where we came from. Every era in time has presented in society a hot reform for women to push: the right to vote, the right to be able to be allowed to work, and now 200+ years forward… We still need to overcome obstacles in our communities and state societies. Throw a stone at the glass ceiling, because one day.. It is going to break, ladies!

2 Comments | Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by lwaldron

Biggest Lessons College Has Taught Me

April 8, 2013

Coming in to college, I would say I had a pretty firm grip on who I am as a individual and the things that I want out of life. I have found that as I become older, I become more mature as well. I do not believe that age defines maturity, but I have found that as I became older, I began to experience various situations as an adult and that I became more mature as I came along. I would say that college forces you to become more mature, because parents are no longer available to walk you through life. Now you’re in college, you/re on your own, no curfew, and the world presented before you….                                            

What are you going to do?

I have learned some tips over time, and I want to share them and you may find use of my tips too!

1. Stay true to yourself! Don’t let anyone or anything change you, your values, ideologies, or perceptions.

2. Stay focused! You’re in college for a reason-Don’t lose sight of that.

3. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals! Keep people around you that are goal and career oriented, and positive people. Remember- you are who you hang around.

4. Don’t be scared to make mistakes! You’re not perfect and that’s okay, consider every situation a learning experience, and value the growth that comes from these experiences!

5. Find a balance! Ever hear too much of a good thing can actually turn out to be a bad thing? Well, you want to spread your time evenly across all the things that engulf your time in order to manage it effectively.

I hope these tips help you in some form or fashion! (:

-Tediah Grant

5 Comments | LCE LLC | Permalink
Posted by tgrant9

Learning to Prioritize….

April 8, 2013

I think one of the biggest lessons college has taught me is how to prioritize my life. As a college student, it’s so easy to lose track of time, which causes one’s schedule to be off balance. It is essential as a student to ensure that you make time for school by going to classes and designating time to study, but it is also important to make time for a social life and for extracurricular activities. I have seen that it is important to find something or some cause that you are passionate about, and find a way to get involved to spark your interest. As a leader, it is important to have a balance, because if not, it is easy to lose focus of the tasks at hand. I find that when I prioritize, all my work and projects get done in a timely manner, and I have left over time to focus on my favorite past times, to get involved, and do some hobbies.

I found the post below, that has some tips regarding time management and prioritizing one’s time.

Hope you all find good use of this,

Tediah Grant

No Comments » | LCE LLC | Permalink
Posted by tgrant9

Change is GOOD!

April 8, 2013

In order to fully grow and to fully change in an experience, most people think it takes weeks, months, or even years. I am proof that this is an inaccurate statement. In my time here at George Mason, I’ve participated in 2 Alternative Break trips. I went to Jamaica in the winter of 2012 and Philadelphia in the spring of 2013. Both trips were one week long, just ONE. These trips impacted me more than I could’ve ever imagined. Not only did I grow individually, but we grew as a group. Both trips allowed us to appreciate what we had back at home and cherish the little things we take for granted, such as hot water, a comfortable bed, and being able to walk outside and feel safe.

On both of these trips, we realized that in order to feel like you’re making a difference in society, community service is key! Of course, these trips don’t change you overnight, but after a week of being immersed into their culture and being accepting of their values, you begin to open your eyes and see the bigger picture. Change occurs around you every day, whether you accept it or not is your choice! Make the right choice and be a participant on an alternative break trip. It will be something you keep with you for the rest of your life so do not miss out, you will regret it. To learn more, check out our website http://clce.gmu.edu/alternative-break/about !

No Comments » | Alternative Break Program | Permalink
Posted by cwashin212

People of Color: An LGBTQ experience.

April 8, 2013

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.

3 Comments | LCE LLC, Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by rvelasqu

Summer with AB–Does it get any better?

April 5, 2013

What is the best way to spend 1-2 weeks of your summer you ask? Without question, the answer is participating in some COMMUNITY SERVICE! Alternative Breaks here at GMU gives you on the opportunity to do just that. From May 25th- May 31st 2013, you have the chance to travel to Pine Ridge, SD. With this trip, you will have the opportunity to build relationships with the Oglala Lakota people on the Pine Ridge reservation. In addition to that, you will assist with building affordable and adequate housing. This is once in a lifetime opportunity. Does Pine Ridge, SD not sound like the summer AB trip for you? No worries, we have another option. From May 25th- June 5th 2013, go to The Negev, Israel. This trip allows participants to work with peacebuilders, photographers, filmmakers, and health experts to with Bedouin youth. You get the chance to teach and learn at the same time in the Bedouin schools and camps. These are two opportunities you want to take full advantage so do so. Here’s the link.. http://clce.gmu.edu/alternative-break/upcoming-trips

No Comments » | Alternative Break Program | Permalink
Posted by cwashin212

Management & Leadership Going Hand and Hand

April 3, 2013

Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.

-Peter Drucker

 

My thoughts about management and leadership are that they go hand in hand; being organized and able to manage things well is a quality that I feel is essential to being a well rounded leader. Without good management skills things get lost and unfinished and all around it is a bad scenario. What person would look up to a leader that doesn’t have they’re stuff together? I know I sure wouldn’t! Those that are organized and able to manage properly are usually more efficient and can handle a lot of things on the plate at any given time. As Drucker said in the above quote “management is doing things right” as in how society would like to see things being done. Possessing organizational skills like being timely, effective, and efficient when working is, in my eyes, some of the best qualities to have under your belt because they can be used in so many different aspects of life to make you a better individual and to bring light to a group. However “leadership is doing the right things” like giving that helping hand when you see someone that is struggling or recycling that water bottle that is just sitting on the side of the road. Both being a good manager and leader are great qualities but I see them being even more pronounced when they are put together. So moral of the story is being a great leader goes hand and hand with being a great manager of either your time, your followers, your studies, or whatever you have that needs to be managed!

 

 

 

 

2 Comments | Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by ksutton5

Conflict Analyis

April 3, 2013

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!

2 Comments | LCE LLC | Permalink
Posted by rcoda

Leaving the Nest (Or At Least Trying To!)

April 3, 2013

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?

2 Comments | LCE LLC | Permalink
Posted by mkinsey

« Previous Entries
Next Entries »