Naomi Wilbur, ASB President 2021-2022
Initial Letter
How did I get here so soon? It’s something I’ve been asking myself for the past few months and everyone always says it goes by so fast but you don’t truly believe them until you experience it yourself. My theme for this year is “A Place in This World.” I chose this because Taylor Swift has a song called this and I think it’s fitting for how I feel about my senior year and position. For context, this song was off her self titled debut album and I feel that fits my perspective for the year because I’m really just starting life and I don’t even know what’s to come, and how my life will play out; just like Taylor Swift didn’t know that she would be as big of a superstar today. I’m looking forward to finding my place in this world. It’s nostalgic to look back at where I started in this program at 14 years old and to see how far I’ve come; I was a shy little freshman with a round face and control issues. I’m just grateful to be in the position I’m in now where I can look back at where I started, and be proud of how far I’ve come. I’m going to use this year to find my purpose so I can then go out and find a place in this world. I know I’m not going to find my place in this world in high school because you can only grow so much in a confined space, and there is so much more to life to experience than Ripon, California. But as I’ve experienced more real life situations I’m learning about who I am, seeing the true colors of others, and who I want to surround myself with. While trying to figure who I am I want to help those around me see who they are whether that’s people in leadership, my dance students, or my classmates. I feel that it’s my purpose to help people achieve their desires because there have been so many people that have pushed me to where I am today and I want to continue that into the people I interact with. I’m not sure where I will end up in a year but I know that I’m taking the best steps for myself to find a place in this world.
Quotes: Part I
“You can’t dream at someone else’s expense. You’ve got to get out there, make those dreams come true. You’ve got to be the one to sacrifice what you need, to lean on who all will help you.” -Dolly Parton
I came across this quote today and it really just made me stop reading and just sit there and look at it. I just had to sit and resonate with it for a second because for the first time in my life I’m at a point where almost everything is going in my favor and I haven’t done enough to pursue what I want. I want to be the most successful dancer I can be but it’s just a hard industry because of the judgement and uncertainty, so it leads to me not taking risks. But if I truly want this life bad enough then I have to make it work for myself and not just expect it to magically happen.
“No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.”-Taylor Swift
I just had to include a Taylor Swift quote because she is one of the most admirable people I have ever seen and I strive to be like her. But I truly love this quote because this is a standard I hold myself to because people won’t remember that I was ASB President for example, but they will remember how I made them feel. And if I can continue to live my life the way I am I hope that others will recognize this and follow, in hopes to make our world a simpler, kinder place.
"We have the power to make this the best generation of mankind in the history of the world or make it the last."-JFK
I chose this quote because as I am becoming the next generation of leaders and it’s imperative that my generation and I make an impact in our government in the upcoming years of our adulthood. Sometimes this country just feels so backwards but it makes me feel helpless; it’s honestly kind of sad that JFK said this quote in the 1960s but it still applies today. I hope that my generation will grow up in support of each other and make laws that protect and secure the rights of every person in our country.
I came across this quote today and it really just made me stop reading and just sit there and look at it. I just had to sit and resonate with it for a second because for the first time in my life I’m at a point where almost everything is going in my favor and I haven’t done enough to pursue what I want. I want to be the most successful dancer I can be but it’s just a hard industry because of the judgement and uncertainty, so it leads to me not taking risks. But if I truly want this life bad enough then I have to make it work for myself and not just expect it to magically happen.
“No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.”-Taylor Swift
I just had to include a Taylor Swift quote because she is one of the most admirable people I have ever seen and I strive to be like her. But I truly love this quote because this is a standard I hold myself to because people won’t remember that I was ASB President for example, but they will remember how I made them feel. And if I can continue to live my life the way I am I hope that others will recognize this and follow, in hopes to make our world a simpler, kinder place.
"We have the power to make this the best generation of mankind in the history of the world or make it the last."-JFK
I chose this quote because as I am becoming the next generation of leaders and it’s imperative that my generation and I make an impact in our government in the upcoming years of our adulthood. Sometimes this country just feels so backwards but it makes me feel helpless; it’s honestly kind of sad that JFK said this quote in the 1960s but it still applies today. I hope that my generation will grow up in support of each other and make laws that protect and secure the rights of every person in our country.
Quotes: Part II
“I just want you to know that if you are out there and you are being really hard on yourself right now for something that has happened … it’s normal. That is what is going to happen to you in life. No one gets through unscathed. We are all going to have a few scratches on us. Please be kind to yourselves and stand up for yourself, please.”-Taylor Swift
I feel like this quote has really resonated with me and my experience in leadership this year, because it’s been a hard year. Throughout the past year I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself with many factors such as leadership, the amount of schoolwork I took on, and trying to be everywhere at once. I didn’t realize how much I had taken on at the beginning of the year and although it was hard and I wanted to quit many times, I saw everything through until the end and I can say that I’ve worked hard. I didn’t even look up “Taylor Swift quotes” when searching for this, it just found me so I think it was meant to be. It’s not even like I went through anything completely life changing or difficult I just simply put too much pressure on myself and I may have cracked a few times. But that’s what happens in life; we learn and grow from what we experience and use that knowledge to guide us in the future.
Goals: Part I
Goals I have related to leadership are having a successful Homecoming this year and hopefully do more bonding with leadership outside of school. I hope to have a successful Homecoming this year because it’s my last one and I hope that every Homecoming I’ve experienced will have been built up to experience this last one as the best it could possibly be. Another goal related to leadership is to do bonding outside of school and class. Every year the older kids in the class always say that they want to do like a swim party or a sleepover of some sort and everyone always gets so excited, but then it never happens. So I want to be the one to change this and actually bring everyone together outside of leadership related activities.
Two short term goals I have are to make it back in to the HC Teen Company for my second and final year, and to book a job with MTA before I turn 18. I should be finding out in the next few weeks whether or not I made it back in to the Teen Company and I really just had the best experience being on their team last year that I want to do it again. But I did tell myself that I would be okay if I didn’t make it on again because then I would have more time to spend at home and do senior activities since I was so busy traveling last year. My second goal is to book a job with MTA because I just had my meeting with my agent about getting started and it really makes me excited and confident in my skills that I am able to work in the industry.
Two long term goals I have are attending Cal Poly and auditioning to be a Radio City Rockette. I hope to go to Cal Poly to major in city/regional planning because this has been a growing passion of mine for the past few years. I’ve become so interested in the field and how I would be able to make a difference in communities that need help. Another long term goal I have is to audition to become a Rockette because this has been a dream of mine since I was probably around 8 years old, and now that the time is almost here, it’s insane that I would actually be able to audition for them and possibly become a world class dancer. I would love to either pursue urban planning or dance but each of these are possible paths for me to fulfill my dreams.
Two short term goals I have are to make it back in to the HC Teen Company for my second and final year, and to book a job with MTA before I turn 18. I should be finding out in the next few weeks whether or not I made it back in to the Teen Company and I really just had the best experience being on their team last year that I want to do it again. But I did tell myself that I would be okay if I didn’t make it on again because then I would have more time to spend at home and do senior activities since I was so busy traveling last year. My second goal is to book a job with MTA because I just had my meeting with my agent about getting started and it really makes me excited and confident in my skills that I am able to work in the industry.
Two long term goals I have are attending Cal Poly and auditioning to be a Radio City Rockette. I hope to go to Cal Poly to major in city/regional planning because this has been a growing passion of mine for the past few years. I’ve become so interested in the field and how I would be able to make a difference in communities that need help. Another long term goal I have is to audition to become a Rockette because this has been a dream of mine since I was probably around 8 years old, and now that the time is almost here, it’s insane that I would actually be able to audition for them and possibly become a world class dancer. I would love to either pursue urban planning or dance but each of these are possible paths for me to fulfill my dreams.
Goals: Part II
Looking back on my goals from the beginning of the year is very bittersweet because I ended up accomplishing most of them and I never even realized that I ended up completing goals that I set for myself in the beginning of the year. My first leadership related goal was to have a successful Homecoming, which I think I fulfilled. Those were some of the busiest and most tiring weeks of my life but I would do it all again. This was definitely my favorite Homecoming throughout high school and it was very successful since being our first fall Homecoming since 2019. Another leadership related goal was to do bonding outside of school and I actually did this. We never had a swim party or bonfire but there were a good amount of trips to Denny’s that were attended by every grade level. This was just another aspect of bonding that we experienced and helped us form better relationships with people we might not usually work with in class. My short term goals were related to dance; I wanted to make it back onto the HC Teen Company and book a job through MTA. I did make it back onto the Teen Company and I really felt that I grew so much as a dancer during my second season as a Teen Company member. I wanted to book a job with MTA which I haven’t done but that’s okay because there hasn’t really been any opportunities for me to go down to LA and audition. My third set of goals was to get accepted into Cal Poly and audition for the Rockettes. I DID get into Cal Poly and I’m so excited to be going to college there because I really have dreamt about going to school there for the past few years. I’m not auditioning for the Rockettes this year but I’m not opposed to auditioning in the future. I just feel it wasn’t the right time for me to audition but it could be a possibility in the future.
People Magazine Cover
People Magazine Article
Naomi Alexandra Cruz Ochoa Wilbur is 17 years old and has a repertoire of many leadership positions under her belt. Naomi is the ASB President at Ripon High this year and has been involved with the leadership program since joining as a freshman in the fall of 2018. "It feels surreal that I'm able to hold this position after never believing that I was capable of holding such a respectable position." Throughout her years in high school Naomi has struggled with her self confidence and believing in herself; but as she has grown her life experiences have helped build her confidence into who she is today. "Coming into high school I was pretty shy and kept to myself so the fact that I get to be such a visible leader today makes me appreciate how far I've come and how grateful I am for all those around me who have helped build my confidence as well." The people around her aren't the only ones that have contributed to her newfound confidence; a lot of it has been with self discovery and expression through dance.
Naomi has been dancing for 15 years at 5678 Dance Studio in Modesto, CA. She has been competing there for 10 years and has been a dance teacher for 5 years. Along with being involved with her home studio, Naomi has had the opportunity for the past two years to be a member of the Hollywood Connection Teen Company where she travels the country with the dance convention and assists world renowned choreographers. Just recently Naomi signed with The Movement Talent Agency in Los Angeles, CA and hopes to travel back and forth to LA to audition for jobs. These experiences haven't exactly made Naomi more confident, but her confidence in herself has contributed to her involvement in each of these activities and has only boosted her confidence even more. "It's not that I wasn't ever confident in my dancing skills because I obviously had the technique and potential, it was a matter of literally believing that I deserved to experience these opportunities that I had dreamed of my whole life."
Along with her hopes and dreams, Naomi hopes to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the fall of 2022 to major in City and Regional Planning while competing on Cal Poly's collegiate dance team. "Over the past two years I've become really interested in the concept of urban planning and public policy so it's something that I've done a lot of research about and want to pursue as my career." Outside of dance and school Naomi loves traveling with her family, taking spontaneous day trips, and sleeping whenever she can. Her favorites artists right now are Taylor Swift and Harry Styles. "I am anticipating RED Taylor's Version to come out and then also waiting to attend the Harry Styles concert in November, both within a day of each other."
Naomi has been dancing for 15 years at 5678 Dance Studio in Modesto, CA. She has been competing there for 10 years and has been a dance teacher for 5 years. Along with being involved with her home studio, Naomi has had the opportunity for the past two years to be a member of the Hollywood Connection Teen Company where she travels the country with the dance convention and assists world renowned choreographers. Just recently Naomi signed with The Movement Talent Agency in Los Angeles, CA and hopes to travel back and forth to LA to audition for jobs. These experiences haven't exactly made Naomi more confident, but her confidence in herself has contributed to her involvement in each of these activities and has only boosted her confidence even more. "It's not that I wasn't ever confident in my dancing skills because I obviously had the technique and potential, it was a matter of literally believing that I deserved to experience these opportunities that I had dreamed of my whole life."
Along with her hopes and dreams, Naomi hopes to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the fall of 2022 to major in City and Regional Planning while competing on Cal Poly's collegiate dance team. "Over the past two years I've become really interested in the concept of urban planning and public policy so it's something that I've done a lot of research about and want to pursue as my career." Outside of dance and school Naomi loves traveling with her family, taking spontaneous day trips, and sleeping whenever she can. Her favorites artists right now are Taylor Swift and Harry Styles. "I am anticipating RED Taylor's Version to come out and then also waiting to attend the Harry Styles concert in November, both within a day of each other."
Homecoming Gallery
Role Model
One of the best and most influential people in my life has been my dad. I am very much a daddy’s girl, and I always have been. My dad truly works so hard for my family and I think sometimes his work gets overlooked because we’re all so busy with everything we’re doing too. My dad has to deal with incompetent people every day, has to plan and fill out paperwork all day, and he ultimately just has a lot to do all the time. A few years ago my dad left his teaching job to pursue real estate and general contracting full time, and I know that it was difficult for him to leave teaching because he really did love teaching Spanish. But he did this because he wanted what was best for our family and he was confident that he would be successful in his new position. I’m so grateful that my dad took this step because he is less stressed and gets to plan his own schedule which leaves a lot of free time to play golf. My dad is also probably one of the most helpful people in the world; he will basically come at our beckon call and do almost anything we ask. My dad has also taught me what a good man should be, and how I shouldn’t settle for anything less that he is. I’m really thankful that I have a supportive and loving dad because some of my friends have a very shallow relationship with their dad. We sing together, laugh together, and even dance together, which just makes me grateful that I have this type of relationship with my dad.
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Inner Animal
Every year I struggle with this part of my portfolio because I really don’t know what type of animal I would be. But over the past year as I’ve gotten more interested in astrology and my own zodiac sign, I’ve learned that I am a true Taurus and embody the traits of the bull. Bulls are stubborn, dependable, and determined animals which are all traits I would use to describe myself. I wouldn’t say I’m an extremely stubborn person but I like things done a certain way and if they’re not done correctly, that’s when I get frustrated. I would also consider myself dependable and determined because throughout high school I’ve had to be in two places at once very frequently, and I’ve always been determined to be where I’m supposed to be while also letting those around me know that they can depend on me when they need it. Those born under Taurus and are connected to the bull are known to be people who are powerful, strong, and full of purpose. I feel that my inner animal being the bull is very representative of how I live my life; I don’t see myself as an excessively powerful force but I know that I am confident and diligent in my skills.
The Best Things About Me
The Impact of Sounds and Words
peace by Taylor Swift
Our coming-of-age has come and gone
Suddenly the summer, it's clear
I never had the courage of my convictions
As long as danger is near
And it's just around the corner, darling
'Cause it lives in me
No, I could never give you peace
But I'm a fire, and I'll keep your brittle heart warm
If your cascade ocean wave blues come
All these people think love's for show
But I would die for you in secret
The devil's in the details, but you got a friend in me
Would it be enough if I could never give you peace?
Your integrity makes me seem small
You paint dreamscapes on the wall
I talk shit with my friends
It's like I'm wasting your honor
And you know that I'd swing with you for the fences
Sit with you in the trenches
Give you my wild, give you a child
Give you the silence that only comes when two people understand each other
Family that I chose, now that I see your brother as my brother
Is it enough?
But there's robbers to the east, clowns to the west
I'd give you my sunshine, give you my best
But the rain is always gonna come if you're standing with me
But I'm a fire, and I'll keep your brittle heart warm
If your cascade ocean wave blues come
All these people think love's for show
But I would die for you in secret
The devil's in the details, but you got a friend in me
Would it be enough if I could never give you peace?
Would it be enough if I could never give you peace?
Would it be enough if I could never give you peace?
I cannot describe the effect this song had on me the first time I ever listened to it. I burst into tears sitting on my bed on July 24, 2020. I was going through a lot emotionally at that point in my life, and it was in the midst of some of the hardest weeks of my life. I think I had such a cathartic experience listening to this song because it felt like these were my own thoughts put into a song. There’s a constant beeping throughout the song and I’ve always interpreted this as the constant, fast paced rate of my life and how I don’t ever get a break from anything because there’s always something I have to do and something new I’m looking towards. But the lyrics also deeply resonate with me. She says, “I'd give you my sunshine, give you my best. But the rain is always gonna come if you're standing with me.” Like I said, this song came out when I was going through a heartbreak that I couldn’t change. And this lyric brought me back to my first heartbreak because this line was the reasoning for that relationship ending: because I was too busy and caught up in my own life. That was devastating to go through and maybe this is too much information but I’ve never gotten to explain to anyone why this song is so personal to me. She also says, “Would it be enough if I could never give you peace?” This lyric is something that I will hold with me forever because I am always going to doubt my abilities to give and receive love based on my past experiences of never being able to give someone peace.
Our coming-of-age has come and gone
Suddenly the summer, it's clear
I never had the courage of my convictions
As long as danger is near
And it's just around the corner, darling
'Cause it lives in me
No, I could never give you peace
But I'm a fire, and I'll keep your brittle heart warm
If your cascade ocean wave blues come
All these people think love's for show
But I would die for you in secret
The devil's in the details, but you got a friend in me
Would it be enough if I could never give you peace?
Your integrity makes me seem small
You paint dreamscapes on the wall
I talk shit with my friends
It's like I'm wasting your honor
And you know that I'd swing with you for the fences
Sit with you in the trenches
Give you my wild, give you a child
Give you the silence that only comes when two people understand each other
Family that I chose, now that I see your brother as my brother
Is it enough?
But there's robbers to the east, clowns to the west
I'd give you my sunshine, give you my best
But the rain is always gonna come if you're standing with me
But I'm a fire, and I'll keep your brittle heart warm
If your cascade ocean wave blues come
All these people think love's for show
But I would die for you in secret
The devil's in the details, but you got a friend in me
Would it be enough if I could never give you peace?
Would it be enough if I could never give you peace?
Would it be enough if I could never give you peace?
I cannot describe the effect this song had on me the first time I ever listened to it. I burst into tears sitting on my bed on July 24, 2020. I was going through a lot emotionally at that point in my life, and it was in the midst of some of the hardest weeks of my life. I think I had such a cathartic experience listening to this song because it felt like these were my own thoughts put into a song. There’s a constant beeping throughout the song and I’ve always interpreted this as the constant, fast paced rate of my life and how I don’t ever get a break from anything because there’s always something I have to do and something new I’m looking towards. But the lyrics also deeply resonate with me. She says, “I'd give you my sunshine, give you my best. But the rain is always gonna come if you're standing with me.” Like I said, this song came out when I was going through a heartbreak that I couldn’t change. And this lyric brought me back to my first heartbreak because this line was the reasoning for that relationship ending: because I was too busy and caught up in my own life. That was devastating to go through and maybe this is too much information but I’ve never gotten to explain to anyone why this song is so personal to me. She also says, “Would it be enough if I could never give you peace?” This lyric is something that I will hold with me forever because I am always going to doubt my abilities to give and receive love based on my past experiences of never being able to give someone peace.
What I like Best
One of the main reasons that people join leadership is because of the memories made, the bonds created, and the genuine group of friends you gain throughout all the chaos. Personally, this has been a really good year of leadership for me and a lot of that is thanks to my friends who have contributed to some of my favorite high school memories. I think one of the most significant memories from this year was planning the Back to School Dance. As stressful as that dance was, the result was definitely worth the tears. I think that whole experience has been so significant is because throughout all the rejection and setbacks, we were still able to put on a successful dance with the help of the whole class. That event truly brought everyone together despite how much we wanted to be done with that dance! Another favorite memory I have are the spontaneous trips to Denny’s. I think during homecoming we ate at Denny’s around three times just because it was a place where we could decompress and just get away from all the stress in our lives at that moment. It was really random but all of the seniors went through a phase where we would just eat at Denny’s because we could, and it was just fun and it gave us something to look forward to. But one of the best memories of leadership thus far was the night of coronation during homecoming, and it was immediately after the powderpuff game had just ended. There was just an energy in the air that was so euphoric, refreshing, and nostalgic. All of the leadership seniors came together after the game to just talk and hang out on the field and take pictures. I have a video of all of us at that moment and everyone looks truly happy and it’s one of my favorite videos I have so I’m glad to have that as a permanent memory. I think in that moment we were all just trying to take in the feeling of our senior homecoming, and really just appreciating each other for who we were and how much we have all been through together.
Reflection
There are so many people in this class that I want to recognize and praise for their efforts, but Avery really is one of the best people I’ve ever met. We came into this program together as scared little 14 year olds who hadn’t talked to each other since fifth grade. I was kind of scared of her and I think she was of me, too. But as we’ve grown up in the program together we’ve gotten so close and experienced so much together that I would never be able to share the same type of experiences with anyone else. I know we always joke that Avery is always stressed and ahead of the game, but it really is something that I admire about her. I’ve never been the best at doing work ahead of time but she is the best person at getting things done and it really pushes me to be a more proactive person. She works so hard in this program, in all her classes, and in all things for her future. We always talk about how we can’t wait to see how people turn out after high school, and how miserable they are with their lives because they didn’t work hard from the beginning of their adult lives. But I know Avery thinks things are hard right now, but she truly has the mindset of looking towards the future and how things will benefit her life in the long run.
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RHS Pride
What I Love to Do
Like I’ve said in my portfolios each year, dance is more than just a hobby to me. It is literally my life and being a dancer is it’s own lifestyle within itself. I have been dancing since I was two years old and I’m not exactly sure where dance will take me in the next few months; I know for certain that I want to have dance in my life after high school. I’m not sure yet in what form that will be, but I will make it happen. What I love most about dance is the growth that happens so gradually over time, and you’re able to reflect on where you started and see how far you’ve come. That has honestly been one of the most rewarding experiences of it all for me is seeing how much I’ve progressed, not only in my technique but in my confidence and quality of movement as well. Dance has also allowed me to push myself into becoming the dancer that I envision myself as. Not everything in dance has come easy to me, especially the confidence aspect, but I have worked hard to prove to myself that I am a good dancer. Dance has provided me with so many opportunities that not many people can say they get to do. I’m truly grateful for the time and effort I’ve put into being a dancer, along with the lifelong friendships I’ve made through it as well.
Letter to My Parents
Dear Mom and Dad,
Each year I write this I become more grateful than I already am for you both. As I grow older I notice more of the sacrifices you make, I see your fatigue, I stay awake with you, and I grow closer to you both as well. There is something about you both that makes you different than all of my friends parents, and sets you apart from just being a “parent” and you being people who want to give their children the best chance at life possible. I’m not sure when I started noticing these things but I’m grateful to have such loving, hardworking, and understanding parents. I think my siblings and I need to show our appreciation more because we literally would not be anywhere without you. I love how I have a different relationship with each of you but we all come together as a cohesive family. Dad, you are the perfect example of what a man should be. You are kind, empathetic, loving, sensitive, and you have set really high standards for me. I love how we can talk about movies, politics, maps, working out, etc. and I love that we have those interests reserved for each other. Mom, over the past few years we have grown so close and you really are my best friend. You have taught me how to be a good person, you’ve taught me about the way people work, the importance of education. People say that we’re the same person and that is one of the best compliments I could ever receive because you are who I strive to be. I’m not sure what I will do in a few months when you both can’t tuck me in every night and I can’t give you my day debrief from the foot of your bed. But I do know that you will be with me every step of the way and you have given me all the tools to be the best person I can be. Thank you for teaching me all I could ever know. I love you
-Naomi Wilbur
Each year I write this I become more grateful than I already am for you both. As I grow older I notice more of the sacrifices you make, I see your fatigue, I stay awake with you, and I grow closer to you both as well. There is something about you both that makes you different than all of my friends parents, and sets you apart from just being a “parent” and you being people who want to give their children the best chance at life possible. I’m not sure when I started noticing these things but I’m grateful to have such loving, hardworking, and understanding parents. I think my siblings and I need to show our appreciation more because we literally would not be anywhere without you. I love how I have a different relationship with each of you but we all come together as a cohesive family. Dad, you are the perfect example of what a man should be. You are kind, empathetic, loving, sensitive, and you have set really high standards for me. I love how we can talk about movies, politics, maps, working out, etc. and I love that we have those interests reserved for each other. Mom, over the past few years we have grown so close and you really are my best friend. You have taught me how to be a good person, you’ve taught me about the way people work, the importance of education. People say that we’re the same person and that is one of the best compliments I could ever receive because you are who I strive to be. I’m not sure what I will do in a few months when you both can’t tuck me in every night and I can’t give you my day debrief from the foot of your bed. But I do know that you will be with me every step of the way and you have given me all the tools to be the best person I can be. Thank you for teaching me all I could ever know. I love you
-Naomi Wilbur
The Professional
I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved with professional development throughout all of high school and I’ve seen my growth in the way I speak and present myself as a professional. This year since being ASB President I was able to conduct all of the leadership interviews and this gave me another perspective into professional development. I was able to see how people should present themselves, and recognize the importance of eye contact while speaking with someone. Some of the best interviews were from people who made eye contact the whole time and were very intentional with what they were saying. I was able to tell when people were kind of making things up on the spot so it helped people when they had actually prepared. Another aspect of professional development that I’ve enjoyed learning about is the mock interviews. This process has helped me create connections within the field of work that I’m going into. Mock interviews have also helped me become more confident in my own skills and knowledge in the job I’m applying for.
Change
This year I’ve had to grow a lot as a leader, and has been a difficult year for me in general. At the beginning of the year I had a really hard time adjusting to the new school year for whatever reason. But as I started adapting to the new year I got the hang of things. I grew as a leader throughout the year as ASB President because I’ve had to make hard decisions that will benefit the rest of the class. It’s been hard because some friendships were strained, but have since mended themselves and everything is resolved. Growing as a leader isn’t always easy because of the hard decisions and solving conflicts. But growing as a leader has also allowed me to become more confident in my leadership skills and has allowed me to connect with people more, as I have to be involved with every aspect of the class this year.
The Ideal Leader
My ideal leader is someone who is personable and compassionate towards the people they’re leading, and who genuinely cares about the people they’re leading as well. I think as leaders it’s so easy for us to get caught up in our own lives and egos that we forget our true purpose of serving others and especially connecting with those people, too. There are leaders in our world who aren’t compassionate and can’t lead to see the benefit of everyone, and I just think that our world would be in a much better place if our world leaders used their position to serve everyone.