The Initial Letter
Sophomore year. It is hard to believe that I am already almost halfway done with high school even though the second year has just begun. I am looking forward to the year and having core camp in person was such an amazing experience. I thought that last year, I knew what I was doing, but coming into sophomore year with a whole year of experience, it is a completely new wave of information and responsibilities.
Core Camp this summer was something I had never expected. For the first time, I had actually talked to people who I haven't before, and I came in with a new mindset for sophomore year. I was optimistic, but also coming into this year feeling less introverted while in class, and being more open to making new friendships. This mindset also applies to other classes. While at Core Camp, we established 4 Core Principles that we, as a leadership class, will honor and live up to. The principles are, Remember Our Purpose, Trust in Your Leadership Family, Commitment is Everything, and Positive Attitude and 100% Effort. These principles will be something to stand by and always have in the back of our minds for events, and coming into the beginning of a new "normal" year.
Events this school year are highly anticipated by the student body, town, and leadership class. With my new position as Link Crew and Renaissance Assistant, I am responsible for events such as Freshman orientation which we have already done, and 8th grade day, which is much later in the year. Other than events for my position, which I am planning to do as normal and planned, events in leadership will be quite a bit different. Based on the new circumstances placed on schools and leadership programs, it is a very fine line on what is accepted, and not allowed. We will try to plan rallies, homecoming, and dances as normal with adjustments to the new protocols and rules. I am excited, and more eager to give events this year 100% spirit and effort.
Finally, starting this year as one of the Link Crew and Renaissance assistants, I am so excited. We already had our first event and it went incredibly well. We organized, planned and executed a successful freshman orientation. This event has given me such high expectations for our next event, and it gave me so much more experience that I can use to improve the next event as well. I am looking forward to this year, and really finding A Place in This World. I hope to not only find myself through classes and extra curricular activities, but also in leadership I plan to make a plan, and try to establish what I want to do beyond high school, especially as I get closer to moving out and becoming an adult.
Core Camp this summer was something I had never expected. For the first time, I had actually talked to people who I haven't before, and I came in with a new mindset for sophomore year. I was optimistic, but also coming into this year feeling less introverted while in class, and being more open to making new friendships. This mindset also applies to other classes. While at Core Camp, we established 4 Core Principles that we, as a leadership class, will honor and live up to. The principles are, Remember Our Purpose, Trust in Your Leadership Family, Commitment is Everything, and Positive Attitude and 100% Effort. These principles will be something to stand by and always have in the back of our minds for events, and coming into the beginning of a new "normal" year.
Events this school year are highly anticipated by the student body, town, and leadership class. With my new position as Link Crew and Renaissance Assistant, I am responsible for events such as Freshman orientation which we have already done, and 8th grade day, which is much later in the year. Other than events for my position, which I am planning to do as normal and planned, events in leadership will be quite a bit different. Based on the new circumstances placed on schools and leadership programs, it is a very fine line on what is accepted, and not allowed. We will try to plan rallies, homecoming, and dances as normal with adjustments to the new protocols and rules. I am excited, and more eager to give events this year 100% spirit and effort.
Finally, starting this year as one of the Link Crew and Renaissance assistants, I am so excited. We already had our first event and it went incredibly well. We organized, planned and executed a successful freshman orientation. This event has given me such high expectations for our next event, and it gave me so much more experience that I can use to improve the next event as well. I am looking forward to this year, and really finding A Place in This World. I hope to not only find myself through classes and extra curricular activities, but also in leadership I plan to make a plan, and try to establish what I want to do beyond high school, especially as I get closer to moving out and becoming an adult.
Part One: Favorite Quotes
The first quote is very important to me because it has the idea that people should focus on the positive things in life, instead of being hung up on the bad ones all the time. Being positive will bring you more happiness and closure than being negative all the time will.
I will always try to be someone who makes the world a better place by being kind and being a positive person. The second quote relates to that mindset becuase how you impact people is also impacting the world. One's ability to make people feel better about themselves reflects the person's attitude and their overall character.
I live the final quote becuase I think people worry too much about how their life looks instead of how they feel about it. I've learned to let go of judgement and become more confident with my life and descions without listening to other people's opinions that don't really have any real say in my life at all.
Part Two: Quotes
This first quote to me in regards to leadership means that as a leader, I have to give effort and energy in able to get energy and excitement back from the study body. As leaders, we have to try our best to always give the student body a positive exprience. The energy that we put into events, and the integrity we hold while plannign events that include the student body often match the reactions that we get back from students across campus. Something as simple as putting more energy into an event can change the outcome by making the energy much higher.
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I think that this quote strongly relates to leadership and the leadership program at Ripon High because we don't manage the school. While we are all under lots of stress and pressure by the student body, we still think of the health of the school as a whole. In addition, the leadership program at Ripon High school creates much deeper connections with leadership both personally and within th ecommunity. Keeping leadership at Ripon High open and more student based is one of the most important parts of what we stand for. This statement can lead to the integrity and legacy of the leadership program staying.
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Leadership Programs, especially in high schools have to lead by example. Making people across the school and ensuring that people know they matter makes a much stronger school culture and climate. Students who feel supported are much more likely to respond more positivy for events throughout the school year. Also, as students begin to see a strong leadership program, hopefully students will follow suit and begin to assume more leadership roles and responsibility throughout all different aspects of their lives.
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Part One: Goals
Leadership Goals:
- Successfully get through this year and become the Link Crew and Renaissance Commissioner next year/ Legacy Leader by senior year
- Make more friends this year within the leadership program
Short Term Goals:
- Continue running Track and Cross Country, continue to improve and get faster throughout the year
- Become healthier and develop a healthier mindset relating to health, friends, and life in general, overall just become more confident and outgoing
Long Term Goals:
- Become a doctor, or join the medical field. Narrowing feild of study to OBGYN/ Gynecologic Oncologist
- Travel the world and live in a different country for a part of my life, become more adventerous and travel often as an adult.
- Successfully get through this year and become the Link Crew and Renaissance Commissioner next year/ Legacy Leader by senior year
- Make more friends this year within the leadership program
Short Term Goals:
- Continue running Track and Cross Country, continue to improve and get faster throughout the year
- Become healthier and develop a healthier mindset relating to health, friends, and life in general, overall just become more confident and outgoing
Long Term Goals:
- Become a doctor, or join the medical field. Narrowing feild of study to OBGYN/ Gynecologic Oncologist
- Travel the world and live in a different country for a part of my life, become more adventerous and travel often as an adult.
Part Two: Goals
Leadership Goals:
Successfully get through this year and become the Link Crew and Renaissance Commissioner next year/ Legacy Leader by senior year.
This Leadership was more broad and less measurable in the span of only a year. However, even only having one year to accomplish these goals, I have made great strides in their direction. I have successfully made it to the last quarter of my sophomore year! I still really enjoy my job, and the other commissioners and I have been able to develop faster, more effective ways of organizing and distributing Renaissance supplies to the student body. In addition, I have been accepted into leadership for a third year, this is a stride in the right direction to become a Leagacy Leader by my senior year.
Make more friends this year within the leadership program.
This year, I have definatley fufilled this goal. Last year, iwas much more shy and timid, rather than this year I have chosen to connect with my classmates and make more friendships that I have been able to develop out of leadership as well. I am so happy that this year I have become closer with many people in this class, and I look forward to the next year with many of them!
Short Term Goals:
Continue running Track and Cross Country, continue to improve and get faster throughout the year.
This year, I have definitley fufilled this goal. I continued to run in croiss country and track and I have made major progress. I participated in many invitational meets throughout both seasons. The friendships I have made through running have been unlike any other, I have come to love my teammates, and I am so fortunate to be on such amazing teams through Ripon High School. In additon, I was able to get personal records in both sports and I continue to grow as a runner as the season for track progresses.
Become healthier and develop a healthier mindset relating to health, friends, and life in general, overall just become more confident and outgoing.
My mindset this year has changed drastically than how it was last year, or at the beginning of the year. I have become more confident and outgoing throughout this year. I ahve developed a sense of security within myself that I never thought I could achieve last year at this time. I have found new passions of mine and I truly reinvented my habits and social life. Although I spend more time doing homework ad not necessarily spending time with my friends, I have become more connected to people at school and I have become a more responsible and diligent student.
Long Term Goals:
Become a doctor, or join the medical field. Narrowing feild of study to OBGYN/ Gynecologic Oncologist.
This goal, being such a long term goal is hard to make progress on. However, I am still planning to do my mock interview this school year with a specialist in either oncology or gynecology. I have continued to look at colleges that have promising programs so I can reach my goals after high school.
Travel the world and live in a different country for a part of my life, become more adventerous and travel often as an adult.
As the covid-19 pandemic has slowly begun to fade out of importance within society, I have been able to plan trips with my family and friends. Traveling has always been very important to me, and I have been very happy to be striving toward meeting this goal. As I move ahead to college, I have been looking into living abroad for a few years or semesters and exploring what it takes to manage a non-traditional lifestyle.
Successfully get through this year and become the Link Crew and Renaissance Commissioner next year/ Legacy Leader by senior year.
This Leadership was more broad and less measurable in the span of only a year. However, even only having one year to accomplish these goals, I have made great strides in their direction. I have successfully made it to the last quarter of my sophomore year! I still really enjoy my job, and the other commissioners and I have been able to develop faster, more effective ways of organizing and distributing Renaissance supplies to the student body. In addition, I have been accepted into leadership for a third year, this is a stride in the right direction to become a Leagacy Leader by my senior year.
Make more friends this year within the leadership program.
This year, I have definatley fufilled this goal. Last year, iwas much more shy and timid, rather than this year I have chosen to connect with my classmates and make more friendships that I have been able to develop out of leadership as well. I am so happy that this year I have become closer with many people in this class, and I look forward to the next year with many of them!
Short Term Goals:
Continue running Track and Cross Country, continue to improve and get faster throughout the year.
This year, I have definitley fufilled this goal. I continued to run in croiss country and track and I have made major progress. I participated in many invitational meets throughout both seasons. The friendships I have made through running have been unlike any other, I have come to love my teammates, and I am so fortunate to be on such amazing teams through Ripon High School. In additon, I was able to get personal records in both sports and I continue to grow as a runner as the season for track progresses.
Become healthier and develop a healthier mindset relating to health, friends, and life in general, overall just become more confident and outgoing.
My mindset this year has changed drastically than how it was last year, or at the beginning of the year. I have become more confident and outgoing throughout this year. I ahve developed a sense of security within myself that I never thought I could achieve last year at this time. I have found new passions of mine and I truly reinvented my habits and social life. Although I spend more time doing homework ad not necessarily spending time with my friends, I have become more connected to people at school and I have become a more responsible and diligent student.
Long Term Goals:
Become a doctor, or join the medical field. Narrowing feild of study to OBGYN/ Gynecologic Oncologist.
This goal, being such a long term goal is hard to make progress on. However, I am still planning to do my mock interview this school year with a specialist in either oncology or gynecology. I have continued to look at colleges that have promising programs so I can reach my goals after high school.
Travel the world and live in a different country for a part of my life, become more adventerous and travel often as an adult.
As the covid-19 pandemic has slowly begun to fade out of importance within society, I have been able to plan trips with my family and friends. Traveling has always been very important to me, and I have been very happy to be striving toward meeting this goal. As I move ahead to college, I have been looking into living abroad for a few years or semesters and exploring what it takes to manage a non-traditional lifestyle.
Part One: People Magazine Cover
Part Two: People Magazine Article
Role Model
My biggest role model(s) are my parents. Laura and Rance Skavdahl have been with me from the very beginning of my life, literally. My parents are my biggest role models for too many reasons to list. My parents are incredible people, as parents, spouses, children, and role models. My parents are both teachers, my dad teaches history at Central Valley highschool, and my mom is the Dean of Culture at APEX Aspire Academy in Stockton California. Both my mom and my dad are incredibly dedicated to their work. I admire their strong work ethic and try my best to live up to how dedicated to work they are. Living with my parents for all of my life, I have come to realize that I am incredibly influenced by my parents, as most people are. As I have grown up, my parents have taught me what it means to be a kind person and to have passion for the things that I love. While still being incredibly active and supportive in my life, my parents have let me be independent, and become who I want to be, instead of who they wanted me to be. My mom and dad have been so helpful in teaching me what is right, and how to have a broad vision of the world, instead of a central vision, they have taught me, from the very beginning to be open-minded, and accept everyone for who they are. I am so grateful for everything my parents have given to me and taught me over the course of my life. Finally, I look up to my parents because of their understanding nature. Growing up can be confusing, and emotionally draining. I’m not the greatest at understanding my own emotions, but looking up to my parents and being able to talk to them about concerns helps tremendously. I am thankful that I have been able to look up to my parents for my entire life, and I am glad that they are there as my role models.
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Inner Animal...
Out of the many, many animals, there are in this world, I think that a chameleon or a lizard would best describe my character. Chameleons are widely known for being able to change their colors to match their surroundings. Also, lizards are known for having a personality. In some situations, both socially, and professionally, I match the people energy who are around me. For half of my life, I am a chameleon, trying to blend in, and not stand out. The other half, I am like a lizard, always trying to find the warm areas or happy parts of life, and using my personality to attract like-minded people, and people with similar interests. Lizards can be found to be sociable, creating relationships with other lizards, and activity. I can relate to all of these characteristics. I believe myself to be strong, self-driven, and curious. Based on how I interact with other people usually, I can find myself relating, or carrying similar personality traits to those of a chameleon and lizard. Finally, I consider myself to be a hard worker and a clever thinker. Lizards also harbor these qualities, therefore making us even more similar. From last year, my perspective about myself had changed, last year, I saw myself as an owl, and this year, a lizard. I am more self aware now, and I have been realizing how much I have changed in the past year.
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Part One: The Best Things About Me
Part Two: The Impact of Sounds & Words
A song that I think describes me best is Stay Beautiful, by Taylor Swift. Based on the title, some people may think I’m being self conceded and cocky, but, I didn’t pick it for that reason at all. Throughout the song, Taylor Swift is singing about someone’s character, and them finding themselves for who they are, but staying themselves at the same time. The song is about staying true to yourself and letting life take its course while keeping the same morals and character. I can see myself in this song because I know I will change as I grow and experience life, but I will try my best to “Stay Beautiful”, or keep a small part of who I was always with me. This includes staying friends with people I care about, not losing sight of my goals, making the best decisions for my future, and being empathetic and considerate. I think that this song represents the part of me that will always try to stay kind, understanding, and the person I was raised to be.
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Lyrics:
Cory's eyes are like a jungle He smiles; it's like the radio He whispers songs into my window In words that nobody knows There's pretty girls on every corner They watch him as he's walking home Saying, does he know Will you ever know? You're beautiful Every little piece, love; don't you know? You're really gonna be someone Ask anyone And when you find everything you've looked for I hope your love leads you back to my door Oh, but if it don't, stay beautiful Cory finds another way to be The highlight of my day I'm taking pictures in my mind So I can save them for a rainy day It's hard to make a conversation When he's taking my breath away I should say "hey, by the way You're beautiful Every little piece, love; don't you know? ... |
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You're really gonna be someone Ask anyone And when you find everything you've looked for I hope your love leads you back to my door Oh, but if it don't, stay beautiful If you and I are a story That never gets told If what you are is a daydream I'll never get to hold, at least you'll know You're beautiful Every little piece, love; don't you know? You're really gonna be someone Ask anyone And when you find everything you've looked for I hope your love leads you back to my front door Oh, but if it don't Will you stay beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful? Oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh Oh, but if it don't Stay beautiful Stay beautiful Na, na, na, na, na |
Homecoming Activities Photo gallery
What I Like Best About Being a Member of Leadership
I love being a member of leadership. Leadership has been one of the best experiences I have had while at Ripon High School. I have fortunately had so many memories created while being a member of the Leadership Program. This year, some of my favorite memories have been setting up the float/poster for homecoming with my class, having study buddy night, and oddly, learning how to use a drill with Devin and Spencer.
Decorating the poster and float for homecoming was an adventure to say the least. I remember very vividly that we spent MANY, MANY hours at Ava Broccini's house one Saturday, starting at 10 am and leaving at 5-6 in the evening, just to do it again on Sunday. Although it was exhausting to make many projects and do crafts for a few hours straight, I had so much fun listening to all sorts of music, laughing about anything with the rest of the sophomores, and arm wrestling (anyone who would...). Although the week was SUPER stressful, going to Ava's and getting work done, and having a great time was one of the most rewarding experiences of this year in Leadership by far.
One of my other favorite memories this far into leadership was Study Buddy Night. Being the Link Crew and Renaissance Commissioner Assistant, it was exciting to be able to plan and execute an event run by my position! This event gave me a sense of accomplishment and responsibility that was super unique! The actual event went really well, we had a pretty steady turnout. Having the opportunity to organize an event and enjoy it at the same time was really fun. At Study Buddy Night, I got to bond with my classmates who aren't in leadership, study for finals, and actually enjoy a leadership run event while running it, which I thought was pretty rare!
Finally, my more strange favorite memory was learning to use a drill during homecoming. It was one of the projects Devin, Spencer, and I were "in charge of" for our homecoming float. It was quite an experience, attempting to drill together two planks of wood with a drill and some drill bits. None of us are by any means "handy", but we managed to NOT actually secure the wood together. All we actually did was push the drill off the plank, push it all the way through and fall off the ledge, and use our shoes to help stand up the wood (which didn't work). It was actually difficult to get the wood together, but the process was incredibly funny. I will definitely always laugh about and remember this experience far in the future every time I think about homecoming and whenever I have to use a drill in the future.
Decorating the poster and float for homecoming was an adventure to say the least. I remember very vividly that we spent MANY, MANY hours at Ava Broccini's house one Saturday, starting at 10 am and leaving at 5-6 in the evening, just to do it again on Sunday. Although it was exhausting to make many projects and do crafts for a few hours straight, I had so much fun listening to all sorts of music, laughing about anything with the rest of the sophomores, and arm wrestling (anyone who would...). Although the week was SUPER stressful, going to Ava's and getting work done, and having a great time was one of the most rewarding experiences of this year in Leadership by far.
One of my other favorite memories this far into leadership was Study Buddy Night. Being the Link Crew and Renaissance Commissioner Assistant, it was exciting to be able to plan and execute an event run by my position! This event gave me a sense of accomplishment and responsibility that was super unique! The actual event went really well, we had a pretty steady turnout. Having the opportunity to organize an event and enjoy it at the same time was really fun. At Study Buddy Night, I got to bond with my classmates who aren't in leadership, study for finals, and actually enjoy a leadership run event while running it, which I thought was pretty rare!
Finally, my more strange favorite memory was learning to use a drill during homecoming. It was one of the projects Devin, Spencer, and I were "in charge of" for our homecoming float. It was quite an experience, attempting to drill together two planks of wood with a drill and some drill bits. None of us are by any means "handy", but we managed to NOT actually secure the wood together. All we actually did was push the drill off the plank, push it all the way through and fall off the ledge, and use our shoes to help stand up the wood (which didn't work). It was actually difficult to get the wood together, but the process was incredibly funny. I will definitely always laugh about and remember this experience far in the future every time I think about homecoming and whenever I have to use a drill in the future.
A Reflection of a Peer in Leadership
Ava Brocchini is not only an amazing asset in leadership, but she is also one of my best friends. Ava has done many amazing things for leadership as a whole, the sophomore class, and me individually, I will always be grateful. One of the best examples of Ava's selfless character is when she offered to have the sophomores over to work on homecoming this year. Being new to the program with such a big event, it would have been incredibly easy for Ava to not offer her house, resources, and weekends to help the class. But, despite that, Ava donated her effort and time throughout the week. The sophomore class needed somewhere to work on the projects for homecoming, and Ava was selfless and giving enough to offer her space, which worked perfectly for the projects. The sophomore class, including me, are, and were, so grateful for Ava, and her family's contribution to our class. Other than that, Ava has been an amazing friend that I am very grateful to have made over the last year. Ava is a great lister and always offers the best advice. Ava is caring, and incredibly responsible, which makes her a great member of leadership and an even better friend.
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RHS Pride Photo Gallery
What I Love To Do...
When attempting to answer this question, "What do you love to do?", I was immediately hit with SO MANY answers. Immediately, I thought, spending time with my family and friends, working out, learning new things, traveling, laughing. But, I can't write about all of those, unfortunately. So, three of the biggest ones, working out, traveling, and laughing. My favorite things to do, what I think of when I think of happiness.
Working out has always been a huge part of my life. I was always on the move, playing sports, doing activities, and hiking. However, lately, in addition to being generally how I live, I have developed a new love and passion for working out and making myself the best version of myself I can be. I enjoy going to the gym and getting better. Making progress and pushing myself to do better is one of the most rewarding activities I can personally choose to do. Traveling also came to mind immediately when I thought of what I love to do. Every year, my family and I try to travel somewhere outside of California. Both to get a change of scenery, but also to learn about other ways of life and to become more aware of the world that surrounds us. I would never trade the amazing memories I have made with my family while traveling for anything, even the memories of getting stuck at the airport for HOURS, or the sleep-deprived flights across the country. I love traveling, experiencing new places, and overall becoming a more worldly and interesting person because of it. Finally, laughing. I love laughing. In my opinion, laughter is THE BEST medicine. Whether I am laughing with a friend, with a family member, alone, or at myself, laughter is almost a guaranteed dopamine boost. Personally, as long as I am laughing, I am probably happiest, as long as it’s not laughing at someone else. Time and time again, my experiences have proven that laughter is the best way to better my mood. |
Letter to Parents
Dear Mom and Dad,
Hello, I hope you are doing well. When I picture where I am in my life right now, I almost immediately think of everything you have given me to put me where I am today. From the classes I take and the sports I play to the person I am today and the way I think, I owe it all to you. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for everything you have given me and everything you do for me as I grow older. You have given me the most incredible life. I am so fortunate to live the way we do because of your hard work and passion for our family.
Thank you so much for loving me no matter what happens, and fully supporting me to make the best decisions for my life. I appreciate your honesty, whether it is about my decision about friends or how I choose to live, I can always rely on your unwavering love and support. Thank you for always loving me when it really matters, and being the friend I need when I feel alone. I have made a lot of mistakes over the course of my life, but one thing I can always count on when moving on is the truthful advice from my parents. I know that nothing you say is ever with ill intentions, I am so fortunate to be able to trust you wholeheartedly with everything that happens in my life and know you will be by my side no matter what.
Working full time and creating your own future and life could not have been easy, but I am grateful that you did. Please know that I am so grateful and appreciative of everything you have done, in school, work, and with your families to make our family what it is today. You have created a life for me that is better than anyone I could imagine. Being able to live comfortably and never wondering where you were, or whether or not we would have enough money to pay the bills is one of the things I always thank you for. Even when times got tough, when I was young, I never knew. All I ever grew up seeing was the epidemy of love. I grew up, and still see this every day, people who love each other unconditionally, and people who can work together no matter what problems life throws at you. Thank you so much for being the parents you are and giving me such high standards for myself, and how I see many things in my life. Thank you again, I love you.
Love,
Jenna Skavdahl
Hello, I hope you are doing well. When I picture where I am in my life right now, I almost immediately think of everything you have given me to put me where I am today. From the classes I take and the sports I play to the person I am today and the way I think, I owe it all to you. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for everything you have given me and everything you do for me as I grow older. You have given me the most incredible life. I am so fortunate to live the way we do because of your hard work and passion for our family.
Thank you so much for loving me no matter what happens, and fully supporting me to make the best decisions for my life. I appreciate your honesty, whether it is about my decision about friends or how I choose to live, I can always rely on your unwavering love and support. Thank you for always loving me when it really matters, and being the friend I need when I feel alone. I have made a lot of mistakes over the course of my life, but one thing I can always count on when moving on is the truthful advice from my parents. I know that nothing you say is ever with ill intentions, I am so fortunate to be able to trust you wholeheartedly with everything that happens in my life and know you will be by my side no matter what.
Working full time and creating your own future and life could not have been easy, but I am grateful that you did. Please know that I am so grateful and appreciative of everything you have done, in school, work, and with your families to make our family what it is today. You have created a life for me that is better than anyone I could imagine. Being able to live comfortably and never wondering where you were, or whether or not we would have enough money to pay the bills is one of the things I always thank you for. Even when times got tough, when I was young, I never knew. All I ever grew up seeing was the epidemy of love. I grew up, and still see this every day, people who love each other unconditionally, and people who can work together no matter what problems life throws at you. Thank you so much for being the parents you are and giving me such high standards for myself, and how I see many things in my life. Thank you again, I love you.
Love,
Jenna Skavdahl
Your True Legacy General Advice
Dear future Renaissance and Link Crew coordinators,
I am so excited that you will be in this position! This job is so rewarding, but such a great job to have as well.
At the beginning of last year, I wish I had known that you will have to spend lots of time in the summer preparing for everything you do with this posistion. You will have to prepare link crew training days, 8th grade orientation for the freshmen, and back to school night. This job requires lots of dedication and persistance in able to get this job done effectively. Be prepared to spend time organizing and taking care of many different forms of inventory. I also wish I had known that there are ways to organize responces to google forms more effectively. By saving it, many of the responces will be in a much better format for organizing renaissance supplies for everyone. One last thing that I wish I had known was that we are able to put the renaissance supplies for each student in their 4th period teacher's box. This is located in the attendance office, and is much more convient rather than interrupting every classroom 1-3 times in a week.
Next year, I would suggest keeping track of when study buddy nights are and planning ahead. Utilize the other Link Crew members and make sure that they have high attendance rates for events throughout the school year. For Study Buddy nights, repare ahead and contact teachers you want to have there earlier than the night before. Communication is key with this posistion, so make sure you are professional ad understanding when interacting with teachers and students about link crew and renaissance. Emailing angry students can be difficult, but always be thorough and sincere when communicating, not everyone will understand what you do and even if it is stressful, they won't always understand.
Be aware of some of the challenges that might be presented. Many people will be angry with you if there are even small mistakes, but as long as everything gets done on time and is organized, you are doing great!
If you have any other questions or need further advice, feel free to ask me and let me know, I would be happy to help at anytime!
Sincerely,
Jenna Skavdahl
I am so excited that you will be in this position! This job is so rewarding, but such a great job to have as well.
At the beginning of last year, I wish I had known that you will have to spend lots of time in the summer preparing for everything you do with this posistion. You will have to prepare link crew training days, 8th grade orientation for the freshmen, and back to school night. This job requires lots of dedication and persistance in able to get this job done effectively. Be prepared to spend time organizing and taking care of many different forms of inventory. I also wish I had known that there are ways to organize responces to google forms more effectively. By saving it, many of the responces will be in a much better format for organizing renaissance supplies for everyone. One last thing that I wish I had known was that we are able to put the renaissance supplies for each student in their 4th period teacher's box. This is located in the attendance office, and is much more convient rather than interrupting every classroom 1-3 times in a week.
Next year, I would suggest keeping track of when study buddy nights are and planning ahead. Utilize the other Link Crew members and make sure that they have high attendance rates for events throughout the school year. For Study Buddy nights, repare ahead and contact teachers you want to have there earlier than the night before. Communication is key with this posistion, so make sure you are professional ad understanding when interacting with teachers and students about link crew and renaissance. Emailing angry students can be difficult, but always be thorough and sincere when communicating, not everyone will understand what you do and even if it is stressful, they won't always understand.
Be aware of some of the challenges that might be presented. Many people will be angry with you if there are even small mistakes, but as long as everything gets done on time and is organized, you are doing great!
If you have any other questions or need further advice, feel free to ask me and let me know, I would be happy to help at anytime!
Sincerely,
Jenna Skavdahl
Do's and Don'ts List
DO's
- Plan ahead and get assignments done early. Late work isn't accepted, so make sure you manage your time well and get it done! - Make sure you have all the supplies needed for Renaissance BEFORE the quarter forms go out to avoid any shortages. - Be on time to events and before school activities. - Contribute ideas, but make sure everyone is on the same page for events and projects! - Ask for help using the rank and support system set up at the beginning of the year. - Become friends with your mentorship partner, they will/can become some of your best friends:). |
DON'Ts
- Procrastinate. If you stall and wait on assignments and projects, the only thing to come from it will be frustration and a sloppy project. - Waste class time, use work days to your advantage and get work done while you can. - Wait to fill out POs when you need materials, get them done ASAP for best results. - Forget to write thank you cards for everyone involved, remember to keep track of people who help and assist with events! |
The Contact List
Jill Mortensen - Activities Director of Ripon High School
[email protected]
209-599-4287
301 N. Acacia Ave
Ripon, CA 95366
Uber Prints- Custom T-Shirts
[email protected]
1-866-440-8237
115 Ruth Dr.
Athens, GA 30601
(link crew t-shirts)
Vista Print- Custom Prints
https://www.vistaprint.com
No public Email
1-866-207-4955
No Public Address
(Renaissance Red/Gold Cards)
Ann Pendleton- Sophomore Class Advisor
[email protected]
(209) 541-4020
301 N. Acacia Ave
Ripon, CA 95366
Keith Rangel- Principal of Ripon High School
[email protected]
No public Cell Phone Number
301 N. Acacia Ave
Ripon, CA 95366
[email protected]
209-599-4287
301 N. Acacia Ave
Ripon, CA 95366
Uber Prints- Custom T-Shirts
[email protected]
1-866-440-8237
115 Ruth Dr.
Athens, GA 30601
(link crew t-shirts)
Vista Print- Custom Prints
https://www.vistaprint.com
No public Email
1-866-207-4955
No Public Address
(Renaissance Red/Gold Cards)
Ann Pendleton- Sophomore Class Advisor
[email protected]
(209) 541-4020
301 N. Acacia Ave
Ripon, CA 95366
Keith Rangel- Principal of Ripon High School
[email protected]
No public Cell Phone Number
301 N. Acacia Ave
Ripon, CA 95366
The Professional
One aspect of professional development that I have enjoyed in which we have discussed so far in this year was creating an online presence and an online portfolio/website. I have learned so much from creating the website and organizing a portfolio professionally. Having a portfolio online is so helpful for future employers. Because of this opportunity, I have been able to organize my online presence and create a more professional way of orgainizing projects.
Another form of professionalism that I have enjoyed professionally has been learning about how to write a resume and cover letter. Before taking leadership, I didn’t know what to include in a resume or cover letter. Now, because of these experiences, I am more prepared for a real job, and feel much more confident that I can present myself professionally to future employers. I am able to write consicely, and only include what is important to the specific job for which I am applying.
Another form of professionalism that I have enjoyed professionally has been learning about how to write a resume and cover letter. Before taking leadership, I didn’t know what to include in a resume or cover letter. Now, because of these experiences, I am more prepared for a real job, and feel much more confident that I can present myself professionally to future employers. I am able to write consicely, and only include what is important to the specific job for which I am applying.
Change
My sophomore year of leadership has taught me so many valuable lessons about frustration, management, and other important leadership skills. This year has been a struggle due to so many “new” events for half the class, and lack of awareness has shown throughout the year. However, personally, I have struggled with delegating tasks to people when I need help. I don’t like to admit when I need assistance with anything, so delegating can be fairly challenging. With my position being Link Crew and Renaissance, there is lots of work that must be done, and I had to learn to “lean on” others and delegate some work.
For example, during the second quarter when finals passes were going out, many people were quite impatient with me and the rest of the Link Crew and Renaissance Commissioners. We all understood the dire want for sufficient “awards” because finals were slowly approaching. After a while of people asking and angry emails, I felt incredibly overwhelmed and upset. After a while however, I worked with the team and other members of the class to fufill the requirements of the job and the student body.
One change that I think would better the leadership class is a class calendar, or something similar to one. I remember last year, we had a class schedule, or calendar for everyone to upload their work schedules, and other obligations. I think that reimplementing this style of organization would benefit the class for future years. This would make it easier for everyone to understand everyone else’s lives and obligations. Furthermore, it would make organizing different meeting and events much easier for separate teams or the whole class in general.
Personally, knowing what everyone else has to do would help me know when I could best reach people and communicate more effectively. Also, as a class, having one joined calendar would help build deeper understanding of how busy everyone else is. People could become more trusting of their classmates and create a better sense of time knowing others’ schedules and that everyone else knows theirs.
For example, during the second quarter when finals passes were going out, many people were quite impatient with me and the rest of the Link Crew and Renaissance Commissioners. We all understood the dire want for sufficient “awards” because finals were slowly approaching. After a while of people asking and angry emails, I felt incredibly overwhelmed and upset. After a while however, I worked with the team and other members of the class to fufill the requirements of the job and the student body.
One change that I think would better the leadership class is a class calendar, or something similar to one. I remember last year, we had a class schedule, or calendar for everyone to upload their work schedules, and other obligations. I think that reimplementing this style of organization would benefit the class for future years. This would make it easier for everyone to understand everyone else’s lives and obligations. Furthermore, it would make organizing different meeting and events much easier for separate teams or the whole class in general.
Personally, knowing what everyone else has to do would help me know when I could best reach people and communicate more effectively. Also, as a class, having one joined calendar would help build deeper understanding of how busy everyone else is. People could become more trusting of their classmates and create a better sense of time knowing others’ schedules and that everyone else knows theirs.
The Ideal Leader
At Ripon High School, leaders are held to high expectations. Expectations hold students to a certain standard that improves the school in many ways. I think that leaders should be responsible, kind with their actions and words, and involved. In addition, I think that leaders shoudld truly care about the school, and their role within the class. We all have a purpose for why we are in this class, messing around and failing to work for your class is not one of them. Leaders should be willing to make sacrafices for the class and maintain a hard work ethic throughout the school year. Students within the leadership program should lead by example, and set high expectations for themselves and their peers within the class. Students who are diligent, open minded, involved, kind, and time oriented would be perfect for this class and its rigor. Most students don't know how much work goes into being in a class like leadership.
I also think that leaders should be responsible in and out of school. Making descions outside of school and within the community is also very important, and students should represent the program in and out of school. Similar to being responsible within the community, I think that students should be accountable for keeping their grades high and maintaining a stong grade point average. Acedemic success and communication has a lot to do with success as a leader. Finally, I think that having general people and social skills is very important to have while in the Ripon High School program. Being able to openly talk with teachers, other students, and administrators is very important for the success of the program. Events that involve the entire school could not function without the cooperation fromother educations and staff at the high school.
This should go without saying, but unnacceptable behavior within the leadership program should include comsuming any substance that can impair one's judgement, bullying or harrassment of other students in the student body, and discrimination against another student, teacher, or peer for any reason.
I also think that leaders should be responsible in and out of school. Making descions outside of school and within the community is also very important, and students should represent the program in and out of school. Similar to being responsible within the community, I think that students should be accountable for keeping their grades high and maintaining a stong grade point average. Acedemic success and communication has a lot to do with success as a leader. Finally, I think that having general people and social skills is very important to have while in the Ripon High School program. Being able to openly talk with teachers, other students, and administrators is very important for the success of the program. Events that involve the entire school could not function without the cooperation fromother educations and staff at the high school.
This should go without saying, but unnacceptable behavior within the leadership program should include comsuming any substance that can impair one's judgement, bullying or harrassment of other students in the student body, and discrimination against another student, teacher, or peer for any reason.
You
Driven.
Your Projects/Multiple Pages
8th_grade_day_procedure_form_2022.pdf.download | |
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2nd Quarter Evaluation 2021-22 | |
File Size: | 678 kb |
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Purchase Order Study Buddy 2022 | |
File Size: | 3856 kb |
File Type: | jpg |
renaissance_budget.pdf | |
File Size: | 610 kb |
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ASB Mtg. Sept/Oct Minutes 2021 | |
File Size: | 63 kb |
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jenna_skavdahl_-_formal_asb_mtg_january.pdf | |
File Size: | 43 kb |
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Announcement Form | |
File Size: | 2928 kb |
File Type: | jpg |
Study Buddy Night Post 2021 | |
File Size: | 2403 kb |
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