It starts with me

This week we were privileged to hear from Jenet Erickson on leadership in the home and community. It was such an amazing presentation I loved every minute of it because i found the whole thing fascinating and thought provoking!

She addressed so many concerns and issues that are attacking the values of society and the former structure of the home and the family. These problems are things I've seen in my life so far, especially going through high school and now starting into college I can see a larger effect generated by these things. It's hard for me to look at all of these problems and think that there is so much wrong with the world and that there are so many problems, not knowing quite what to do about them because the complexity of it all is too overwhelmingly depressing. However, Dr. Erickson brought up a great point that though one individual can't solve all of these problems, they can focus on one or two. That's when I realized the solving of these problems needs to start with me. I can help prevent technology from degrading my relationships with people by simple things like taking my headphones out when talking to someone, not texting while having real conversations, focusing on the people around me. I can help courtship remain alive and well by taking girls on dates and setting the example of courtship. As I've learned in this class a large part of leadership is example. In my role on RHA I can provide the example for the people around me of doing simple things that render very meaningful effects.

many musings

So, the other night I walked away from home. This is not an experience I would especially recommend to anyone, but it was definitely an eye-opener for me. I had a good opportunity to do some soul searching and really get deep inside myself to discover the root of most of my problems that I have with my parents. It's such a funny thing to leave feeling so right and so justified and like everything is their fault only to realize how wrong you are and how much your parents really care about you and how personal selfishness creates all the problems. Amazing, really, to feel that change inside. I spent two days away and was so glad to come back.

Leadership

So I'm really interested in leadership and positions and stuff. I am planning on doing BYUSA and attending BYU's freshman leadership conference. However, in the meantime, I'm looking for some books on leadership. I have a couple, but if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know!

Summer job

Yeah, so I'm now at the semi-awkward, just graduated high school and looking for full-time work part of my life. It's really funny to be here because I've always thought about being done with high school, and now I am. And I actually have my diploma, which is a funny story and great accomplishment all on its own. Sometime soon I hope I get to start working somewhere and earning a lot of money. That would be very nice to pay for my life and my college.

Reading

Since my life has kinda been slowing down recently I've found a lot more time to read, one of my favorite things, but something that gets shoved aside when I get busy. I read some of the Harry Potter series, I read the last three books of the Pendragon series (I hated the ending, personally), and I read the book Ender's Game. I had forgotten how interesting that book is. Every time I read it I gain a little new perspective, seeing it not only as a story but noticing the statements the author is making about humanity and about the unfortunate changes he is seeing in society. I really like that book, I've decided, especially the ending. I had almost forgotten how great reading was and how much I love it. Sometimes it's really nice to pick up a book and escape for a little bit, gives a nice breather from the hustle and bustle of life.

The end is coming!!!

Ok, so not like the END end, but high school and life as I know it is coming to an end rather quickly and it's a little disconcerting.

This week we had our Masque Club Banquet where I got lots of awards, but also the season for next school year was announced and I was sad that I'd not be doing those shows. Then the presidency for next year was announced and I felt so replaced. I realized that for all intents and purposes, this year is over and it's their game now. It's their turn to preside and to take charge of next year. It hit me that my friend B, the president before myself, probably felt the same way I was feeling so I sent her an email and talked to her. She brought up some great points about loving what you're doing and where you are in life and that even though change is hard, it's good. I'll just keep in mind to remember that.

tee hee hee i did it too! (stick figure family, that is)

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