Category: 2024-2025 Leadership 11/12

November Event – Parent-Teacher Meeting
Event Date: November 22nd

Event Participation:
The Parent-Teacher Meeting on November 22nd was an important opportunity for me to help parents feel welcomed and supported as they visited the school to meet with teachers. My role was to guide parents from the parking lot to their meeting rooms in the A Upper Zone where the mathematics department is located. I greeted parents, helped them find the way in the building, and answered their questions to ensure they had a positive experience. Although the event faced challenges, including a delayed start and some miscommunication within our team, we adapted to the situation, making the overall experience a positive one. I focused on staying calm and enthusiastic and making sure the parents have positive experiences.

Curricular Competency:
I demonstrated and identified individual accountability while working within a team
This competency connects to my leadership goals.

• Creating a Positive Team Environment: I made sure that everyone felt included during our planning process. For example, during our brainstorming session, I encouraged quieter team members to share their thoughts and ensured their ideas were considered in our plan. This helped create a more open and collaborative team.
• Improving Listening Skills: I focused on actively listening to my teammates during discussions. For instance, by listening carefully and asking questions during the brainstorming session, I was able to fully understand everyone’s perspective, which ultimately improved our overall plan and set-up for the event.
• Balancing Responsibilities: When I found myself juggling multiple commitments, like preparing for exams and planning for the PT meeting, I realized the importance of managing my time more effectively. Instead of overcommitting, I worked on organizing my schedule better. For example, I began using a planner to block out time specifically for leadership duties, which helped me avoid missing important tasks.

Actions Taken:

Before the Event:

• I attended a briefing session led by our point person Vy, where we reviewed the event’s schedule and the layout of the A Upper Zone. This preparation helped me feel more confident in providing accurate directions to parents later.
• I arrived at 2:20 PM, ready to begin helping parents, even though the event itself was delayed by about ten minutes. While waiting for the event to start, I spent the extra time helping parents who showed up early, guiding them to their rooms and answering their questions.

 

During the Event:

• My first task was assisting parents in the parking lot. Despite the cold weather, I stayed outside to guide them to open parking spaces. For example, I explained to a parent that the community center parking lot requires paid parking.
• Once inside, I noticed that many parents looked unsure or lost. I made it a point to approach them and offer help. For example, I walked a family to Room A206 when they couldn’t find it on their own. While doing so, I explained the general layout of the floor (a wing and b wing) so they could feel more confident navigating the building for the rest of their meetings.

After the Event:

• Even after the event wrapped up, I stuck around to help parents who were still in the building. One parent asked for directions, so I walked them through the school to make sure they found their way out. They were really grateful, and it made me realize how much of an impact even small actions can have.
• Before leaving, I made sure all meeting rooms were cleared of leftover materials and returned to their original setup. This included rearranging desks and chairs and picking up any items left behind to ensure the space was ready for the tomorrow’s use.

Evidence of My Efforts:

Example 1 –
While in the parking lot, I made sure to help parents feel welcome, even though it was cold. I directed them to available spots. One parent asked about parking, so I explained that the community lot charges for parking. This simple interaction helped make their visit smoother and showed that I could handle parking questions on the spot.

Example 2 –
When the event started late, there were some confusions among parents about where to go. I approached several families who seemed lost and offered to guide them. For example, I walked a family to Room A206 and another to the cafeteria. Along the way, I took time to explain the A Upper Zone layout. This moment represented my ability to take initiative when faced with disorganization.

Example 3 –
After the event ended, I noticed a parent looking lost and asked if they needed help. They were trying to find the exit, so I offered to guide them out. I walked them through the hallways and made sure they were comfortable and clear on where to go. This may not have been part of my assigned duties, but it showed my commitment to making sure the parents had a positive experience.

Reflection:
Looking back on this event, I feel proud of how I handled my responsibilities, especially during moments when things didn’t go as planned. I learned the value of staying calm, thinking on my feet, and taking initiative. These moments ultimately helped me grow and develop important skills.

However, I also realized the importance of better team communication and preparation. If we had spent more time coordinating as a group before the event started, some of the initial confusion could have been avoided. Moving forward, I plan to focus on fostering stronger teamwork by making sure everyone is on the same page before an event begins.

This experience taught me that even small actions, like helping someone find a parking spot or guiding them to a room can leave a significant impact. It reminded me that leadership isn’t always about big gestures but it’s often about being present, attentive, and willing to help. I know these lessons will be valuable in both my academic journey and my future career.

Photos:

October Event – Halloween Photobooth

Event Date: October 31st

 

Event Participation:
For the Halloween Photobooth, I was involved in every stage of the event, from planning to cleanup. I worked closely with my group members to come up with ideas for the decorations and help set up the booth. Morgan, our point person did an amazing job leading the team and making sure everything ran smoothly. We made sure the photo booth was decorated with fun items like paper spiders and balloons. On the day of the event, I helped with the setup, took photos for students, and handed out candy after their pictures. I also stayed after the event to help clean up and put everything back in order. My role in the event taught me a lot about working together and being responsible for different tasks.

 

Curricular Competency:
I demonstrated and identified individual accountability while working within a team
This competency connects to my leadership goals.

• Creating a Positive Team Environment: I wanted to make sure everyone felt included in our planning and that everyone’s ideas were heard.
• Improving Listening Skills: I made an effort to really listen to my teammates during our meetings. This helped me understand their ideas and made our planning sessions more effective.
• Prioritizing Responsibilities: When I missed one lunch meeting because I had a UNICEF Club fundraiser, I realized I need to prioritize my leadership duties better. I learned that I should have made time for the team meeting since this course is a priority for me.

Actions Taken:

• Before the Event: I took part in planning meetings and shared my ideas for decorations. I helped with preparing spider decorations and rehearsed before the day. After missing a meeting, I reached out to my teammates to catch up and stayed updated on the plans.
• During the Event: I arrived early to help set up the photo booth. I helped arrange the decorations and got the booth ready for students. As the event went on, I took photos for students, handed out candy, and made sure the event flowed smoothly.
• After the Event: Once the event was over, I helped clean up and make sure everything was put back in its place. This made me realize the importance of finishing what you start and being responsible for the event.

Evidence:

Example 1: I helped decorate the photo booth by putting up paper spiders and balloons. This made the booth look fun and gave it a Halloween vibe.

This shows my involvement in the planning and setup of the event. I helped create an inviting and festive environment for everyone to enjoy.

Example 2: During the event, I took photos for students, managed the line, and handed out candy. I made sure everyone had a good time and kept the booth organized.

This example shows that I took on a leadership role during the event by helping students and keeping everything running smoothly.

Example 3: After the event, I stayed to help clean up the area. I worked with the team to take down the decorations and make sure everything was packed away properly.

By helping with the cleanup, I showed my commitment to the event and ensured that we finished everything as a team.

———————————————————————-

This event taught me how to work well with others and manage my responsibilities. I learned the importance of listening, staying organized, and being accountable for my tasks. The skills I gained from this event will help me in future leadership roles and any team projects I take on.

Being part of this year’s Spirit Assembly was a thrilling experience for me. This time, I was on the stations crew handling the musical chairs game. I was excited walking into the gym. Just a year ago, I was sitting in the audience watching the event unfold. It was fascinating to see how the atmosphere transformed from being a spectator to being part of the action. This year, I was on the other side making the event happen. It felt like a significant change and I wanted to contribute to the fun, knowing how much joy events like this can bring to everyone involved.

My role involved getting everything set up for the game. I had to arrange the chairs, communicate with other crew members, and ensure that everything was in place before the game started. This was my chance to be part of the action and I was eager to make sure everything went smoothly. But as the event went on, I quickly realized that communication would be a challenge. I was comfortable talking with my own team but reaching out to other crews was a bit daunting. There were moments when we needed to quickly share information or ask for help. I found myself navigating through the crowd, trying to find the right people to talk to. Sometimes the message got lost in the hustle and bustle of the event, and I had to remind myself to stay patient and persistent. This taught me how crucial clear communication is in a lively setting like this. I recognized that being proactive in reaching out to others can help prevent confusion.

What really stood out to me during the assembly was the energy in the room. The cheers and laughter were better than last year, filling the gym with a contagious spirit. It was rewarding to see people enjoying themselves and participating wholeheartedly. I took pride in knowing I played a role in creating that positive environment. Even when things didn’t go perfectly, we kept the mood light and fun. Whenever a game didn’t go as planned, my crew and I quickly adapted and cheered everyone up with jokes and encouragement. I learned that being adaptable is a vital part of teamwork. It’s okay to face challenges as long as you keep pushing forward with a positive attitude. Watching everyone come together to support one another reminded me of the importance of community spirit in making events successful.

Throughout the event, I also recognized the importance of collaboration. Each crew member had a role to play, and I saw how our collective efforts came together to make the assembly a success. We shared our ideas and supported one another, creating a sense of unity that made the atmosphere even more enjoyable. Even though my tasks might have seemed small, like organizing chairs and counting down the music, I understood that they contributed to the overall experience. I felt a sense of belonging as we all worked together toward a common goal. It was a powerful lesson in how teamwork can elevate an event and create lasting memories for everyone involved. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces made every effort worthwhile.

Reflecting on this experience, I realize how much I’ve grown in understanding the dynamics of teamwork and leadership. I still have a lot to learn, especially when it comes to reaching out and collaborating with other groups. I want to take these lessons into future events and continue developing my skills. I understand now that leadership is not just about taking charge but also about supporting others and fostering a collaborative environment. The Spirit Assembly was an unforgettable experience for me. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to contributing even more. Each event is a chance to make it better than the last, knowing that every effort counts in creating a positive experience for everyone involved. I can’t wait to see how we can all grow together in the future.

 

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, I want to feel more confident working with my classmates. Teamwork is important and I’ve seen how much more we can accomplish together. I hope to create a positive environment in our group. I also want to become a better listener. When I pay attention to what others say, it makes our discussions richer. I believe that valuing everyone’s input is key, especially during group projects where every idea counts. If I can improve my listening skills, I know I can help make our class a more inclusive place where everyone feels heard. I want my classmates to know that their thoughts are important. By being an active listener, I hope to encourage others to share their ideas freely. Creating a space where everyone feels comfortable speaking up is a priority for me because it fosters creativity and collaboration.

Application of Knowledge:

What I’m learning in this leadership course is going to be helpful in many areas of my life. Just recently we faced a challenge while planning for the club fair. There was a sudden change in our plan and we all had to come together quickly to figure it out. It was stressful at first but we managed to adapt and create a new plan and successfully concluded the fair. This real-life experience showed me how important it is to stay calm and work as a team when things get tough. I know these skills will be valuable in the future whether it’s in a job or just handling everyday challenges. Each time we encounter a setback, I’m learning to see it as an opportunity to grow rather than a problem. The ability to think on my feet and collaborate with others will definitely help me not just in leadership but in life. I believe these skills will be helpful in my future academic and career pursuits, especially as someone who aims to major in medical science. Medical knowledge involves crucial communication skills and organization, as it pertains to handling human lives.

Personal Growth:

In this first month, I can already feel myself growing in ways I didn’t expect. The leadership course has pushed me to develop my critical thinking and teamwork skills. For example, when we were brainstorming ideas for our Halloween event, I was excited to share my thoughts. Working with my classmates showed me how different perspectives lead to better decisions. I’m starting to realize that my voice matters too and I’m becoming more comfortable sharing my thoughts. This is a big deal for me and I want to keep building on this confidence. Every small victory feels significant, and I’m eager to see how much I can grow as I engage in more projects and discussions. I want to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and take on new roles in our activities.

Challenges and Strategies:

I know I’m going to face some challenges as I move forward in this course especially with self-doubt and time management. Sometimes I find myself second-guessing my decisions and that can really slow me down. To tackle this, I plan to seek feedback from my peers and teachers. Their input will help boost my confidence and reassure me that I’m on the right track. I also want to be well-prepared for our meetings and events. Having a clear plan will ease my anxiety and make me feel more secure in what I’m contributing. I also believe that setting specific, achievable goals for each event will help me stay focused and motivated. This way, I can track my progress and celebrate the little milestones along the way. Balancing schoolwork with my leadership responsibilities is another challenge I see ahead. I can get overwhelmed pretty easily and that sometimes leads to procrastination. To manage this, I’m thinking of creating a schedule to keep myself organized. Breaking tasks into smaller steps will make them feel less daunting. I also want to take time each day to reflect on what I’ve accomplished, no matter how small. This way I can stay motivated and remind myself that I’m making progress. I believe that by being intentional about my time management, I can create a routine that works for me. I also plan to find time for relaxation and self-care, so I don’t burn out while juggling everything.