The Initial Letter- Section 1
Wow!! Senior year... Being at this point in my life is so surreal. I barely feel as if I have been in high school. That being said, it is real, and I am ready to serve as a role model for the leadership class and the rest of the high school. Going into this school year, I am excited to help students in leadership become the best version of themselves while still managing my time and staying on top of school, leadership, sports, and my personal life, all while applying and hopefully getting accepted into many colleges. Core camp was such an amazing experience. I had so, so much fun bonding as a class, discovering who everyone in the class truly is, and being able to feel boundless with my position and with this leadership class. From the opportunity of getting to go to Core camp, I was also able to practice many valuable skills that I will be using in Leadership such as facilitative leadership, situational leadership, and adapting to situations to better everyone if a unfortunate situation arises. This year, I want to be able to help those who need assistance as they are just beginning leadership or high school. From Core camp, I was able to learn about situational leadership. I now understand that I was once lost and overwhelmed, but people who were older than me were willing to put in the extra time and effort to make sure I was ready to move on and become stronger as a leader. I hope to be one of those people for our class as many students are new to leadership and will need lots of guidance. Life is filled with changes, challenges, and triumphs which is what I will learn to accept this year and adapt to as well. This year is going to be one like no other. I have never had a role so big in leadership. I will use this pressure as motivation to do my best as I know the class will look to me in times of trouble, as will Morty. This is a lot to handle, but, I think that with the right planning and preparation before the year kicks into full gear, the class will be successful moving forward. Finally, this year also will hold many life changes. Within the next year, I will know where I am going to live for the next four years of my life, I will graduate high school, be ready to move out (saying goodbye to my childhood home), and become a legal adult. This is all so much to think about and take on. With the right mindset throughout the year, this will be okay and I will adapt to do what I think is right for myself and my family. Expressing gratitude every step of the way will be the best way to live in the moment and appreciate my last year in Ripon, California. I am so excited for this year and everything the future will hold, with that, I am ready to support those who need me, give all of my effort to Ripon High and my family, and continue to grow as a person and help others do the same.
Part 1: Favorite Quotes- Section 2
I really like this quote because I agree with it wholeheartedly. Life is meant to be lived. Living comes with changes and adapting to changes. Change is what keeps life interesting. By accepting that change is inevitable people would be able to live in the moment so much more and be okay with the way their life is going. Being stuck in the past is no way to live, which is something I learned last year. I have been able to let things go and grow as a person so much more when I internalized the message in this quote. We must keep going, no matter what happens, because the future is where life is.
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Ah, this quote. I strive to live by this. Despite taking chances being scary, I agree that this is the best way to go. Even if you are disappointed by what you find out or try, knowing what is right around the corner is always better than being stuck wondering what could've been for your whole life. Taking that extra step and putting yourself out there is something that seems so daunting but after we practice this a little, the edge is taken off and you are able to make so many more memories and seize opportunities you might not have known you had right in front of you.
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Life is so short. We all have different ways of learning this, but one thing is true, it is short. In interviews with elderly people who are on their deathbeds, they are asked what they would have done differently. Their answers vary but one common answer is always not to waste time and do what makes you happy. I want to live life with no regrets, that means not wasting my time of things that don't serve myself or anybody else. I want to live my life to the fullest, which means experiencing every moment in its fullest capacity and loving every moment of this beautiful, terrifying, amazing life.
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Part 2: Quotes- Section 3
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” - Theodore Roosevelt
A year will never be perfect. This year was not perfect. There were definitely things that I could have done better, that this class could have done better, and that we all need to improve on personally. With that being said, I am confident that this class did what we could, with what we had, and where we were. I think that this quote relates to my effort that I put in this year because I did try my best. If there were things that went wrong, I did my best to fix them. If situations arose, I tried to adapt and help the class as I could. I took on new responsibilities, managed the class as best I could, and put in effort in every single event. Even if something wasn't perfect, I did try to help the people involved and ensure that the leadership program put together something we could support the student body with. To me, this quote means being the vest version of yourself, or the program, so that no matter what happens, you can at least say that you tried your best. I am happy with the effort I put forth this year. I showed up early, stayed late, and I truly care about this class. This quote can impact the future of this class because it is important that people make the most of their situation and do their best. This simple statement or quote can make a tremendous impact on the lives of others and this leadership program. As we put on events and work to support the student body, if we always try to do our best, the student body will be best supported. For example, this year, we saw that when people try their best and use their resources, beautiful events are put on the and the student body is engaged. When events are put together poorly or without full team cooperation, we see them falter and the student body also recognizes that. Hopefully next year's class will work together and put on great events with what they have! As long as we do what we can, and only what we can, the leadership program can flourish, undoubtedly.
A year will never be perfect. This year was not perfect. There were definitely things that I could have done better, that this class could have done better, and that we all need to improve on personally. With that being said, I am confident that this class did what we could, with what we had, and where we were. I think that this quote relates to my effort that I put in this year because I did try my best. If there were things that went wrong, I did my best to fix them. If situations arose, I tried to adapt and help the class as I could. I took on new responsibilities, managed the class as best I could, and put in effort in every single event. Even if something wasn't perfect, I did try to help the people involved and ensure that the leadership program put together something we could support the student body with. To me, this quote means being the vest version of yourself, or the program, so that no matter what happens, you can at least say that you tried your best. I am happy with the effort I put forth this year. I showed up early, stayed late, and I truly care about this class. This quote can impact the future of this class because it is important that people make the most of their situation and do their best. This simple statement or quote can make a tremendous impact on the lives of others and this leadership program. As we put on events and work to support the student body, if we always try to do our best, the student body will be best supported. For example, this year, we saw that when people try their best and use their resources, beautiful events are put on the and the student body is engaged. When events are put together poorly or without full team cooperation, we see them falter and the student body also recognizes that. Hopefully next year's class will work together and put on great events with what they have! As long as we do what we can, and only what we can, the leadership program can flourish, undoubtedly.
Part 1: Goals- Section 4
2 Leadership Goals:
1. Check the website every day and let Morty know in advance if I will have to miss class for any reason. (practice good communication skills)
2. Get 100% on a procedure form. (Devin would disagree but I want to try this year as I know it can be done!!)
2 Short Term Life Goals:
1. Get into a college that I want to go to, this includes University of Michigan, ASU Barretts Honors College, UC Santa Barbara, or San Diego State. (etc.)
2. Push myself to get a high GPA and do well on my AP exams in May.
2 Long Term Goals:
1. Have a community of friends and family that is positive, exciting, and loving.
2. Live passionately and not compromise my moral character for anybody or anything.
1. Check the website every day and let Morty know in advance if I will have to miss class for any reason. (practice good communication skills)
2. Get 100% on a procedure form. (Devin would disagree but I want to try this year as I know it can be done!!)
2 Short Term Life Goals:
1. Get into a college that I want to go to, this includes University of Michigan, ASU Barretts Honors College, UC Santa Barbara, or San Diego State. (etc.)
2. Push myself to get a high GPA and do well on my AP exams in May.
2 Long Term Goals:
1. Have a community of friends and family that is positive, exciting, and loving.
2. Live passionately and not compromise my moral character for anybody or anything.
Part 2: Goals- Section 5
2 Leadership Goals: (see above)
1. I have tried my best to work on this goal. In all cases, I have communicated with Morty, even if it was terrifying. I have let her know if I will be gone or absent for any reason. I have also checked the agenda, maybe not every day, but there hasn't been a time I was blind sided by the agenda or what we were doing in class. This was an effective goal because it made me develop skills and benefitted the class as a whole so that I could be honest and create strong communication skills throughout the year.
2. YES! During homecoming I completed the coronation procedure form! It did get 100%. I was very surprised but very grateful for the score I received. I learned that being thorough was an important factor. So is time management, organization, and taking photos!
2 Short Term Life Goals: (see above)
1. Thankfully, yes, this did happen. I am incredibly grateful to have gotten into the Barrett Honors College at ASU. I also was fortunate to apply and get into a separate program which led me to officially commit to Arizona State University. I am very happy with my decision and I cannot wait to start a new chapter in Tempe, Arizona!
2. I haven't taken any AP Exams yet. However, I did end up with 2 Bs on my semester report card... This is not what I wanted to have happen. However, I know it is okay and I am still going to college. I pushed myself this year and I took classes I knew would be difficult and weren't my strong suit. For example, one of those Bs was in AP Spanish. I wasn't expecting to take this class so I think that a B is acceptable. Spanish has never been my strongest subject, so I am happy I am still trying and working on passing the exam in May when the time comes.
2 Long Term Life Goals: (see above)
1. My community of friends and family is very strong. I could not be more grateful for the life I have. I am very happy with all of my friends and family. I love them all very much and they have been such amazing people throughout my entire life. I hope I can continue to be someone they can trust and see as a friend, just as they are to me. When I go to college, I will keep in mind the phrase I learned in Girl Scouts, "Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold, a circle is round, it has no end, that's how long I want to be your friend."
2. Passion, passion, passion. This ended up being the theme (one of many) of my elder project! I still believe that following our passions is very important and something that truly inspires happiness, which we know doesn't come from the world around us, but from the world inside of us. I continue to work toward this goal every day and I think that it is always a work in progress.
1. I have tried my best to work on this goal. In all cases, I have communicated with Morty, even if it was terrifying. I have let her know if I will be gone or absent for any reason. I have also checked the agenda, maybe not every day, but there hasn't been a time I was blind sided by the agenda or what we were doing in class. This was an effective goal because it made me develop skills and benefitted the class as a whole so that I could be honest and create strong communication skills throughout the year.
2. YES! During homecoming I completed the coronation procedure form! It did get 100%. I was very surprised but very grateful for the score I received. I learned that being thorough was an important factor. So is time management, organization, and taking photos!
2 Short Term Life Goals: (see above)
1. Thankfully, yes, this did happen. I am incredibly grateful to have gotten into the Barrett Honors College at ASU. I also was fortunate to apply and get into a separate program which led me to officially commit to Arizona State University. I am very happy with my decision and I cannot wait to start a new chapter in Tempe, Arizona!
2. I haven't taken any AP Exams yet. However, I did end up with 2 Bs on my semester report card... This is not what I wanted to have happen. However, I know it is okay and I am still going to college. I pushed myself this year and I took classes I knew would be difficult and weren't my strong suit. For example, one of those Bs was in AP Spanish. I wasn't expecting to take this class so I think that a B is acceptable. Spanish has never been my strongest subject, so I am happy I am still trying and working on passing the exam in May when the time comes.
2 Long Term Life Goals: (see above)
1. My community of friends and family is very strong. I could not be more grateful for the life I have. I am very happy with all of my friends and family. I love them all very much and they have been such amazing people throughout my entire life. I hope I can continue to be someone they can trust and see as a friend, just as they are to me. When I go to college, I will keep in mind the phrase I learned in Girl Scouts, "Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold, a circle is round, it has no end, that's how long I want to be your friend."
2. Passion, passion, passion. This ended up being the theme (one of many) of my elder project! I still believe that following our passions is very important and something that truly inspires happiness, which we know doesn't come from the world around us, but from the world inside of us. I continue to work toward this goal every day and I think that it is always a work in progress.
Part 1: Magazine Cover- Section 6
Part 2: Magazine Article- Section 7
Written in the future:
Today, we interviewed Jenna Skavdahl about her career, hobbies, and life. Retired lawyer, Jenna, welcomed us into her home and gave us an interview today. Jenna Skavdahl is now 70 years old and still leads an active life for herself, her family, and her community. Skavdahl served as a lawyer for over 30 years after attending University of Michigan for her undergraduate and law degree. Her goal as a lawyer was to bring justice back to the justice system. She represented her clients with power and grace and was sure to fall on the right side of history. She worked very hard and was able to pay off her student debt and have a wonderful career. On top of her career, she was able to spend plenty of time with her family and friends throughout her years and was sure to enjoy every moment of her life before retirement. When asked about her time in college, she said her favorite parts were “going to every football game, studying, and making memories with her best friends.” She enjoys being surrounded by people who are positive and bring light to her life, which still being a light for others.
In her free time throughout her life thus far, she has always enjoyed running. Skavdahl ran cross country and track all 4 years of high school. She says running not only helps her physical health but also her mental health and helped her develop some of the best friendships she has had in her life. To this day, she runs nearly every day and enjoys being in nature while running. Additionally, Skavdahl enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, and spending time with those who she loves. When Jenna was 17, her parents took her to every state in America. This had been a goal for their family ever since she was 6 weeks old. When completed, she took some time to reflect and appreciate those experiences. As she graduated college, she decided to set a new goal of going to every National Park. She recently accomplished this goal as well. Her appreciation of nature started young, in fifth grade thanks to her 5th grade teacher, her parents, and her grandfather that all helped her learn more about environmental literacy. At the age of 50, she decided to start a group that helps work toward cleaning up the environment. Her group meets once per month at a different location to clean areas of parks, public spaces, and beaches in hopes of improving the lives of animals and people.
Finally, Skavdahl noted that she has enjoyed her life so far. As she has hit the age of 70, she has become more health conscious. She still exercises every day, eats healthy, and does more of the things she loves because it helps her keep her youthful spirit. She says today if she is not with her family or friends, she listens to music and dances around the house, reminiscing on her life and all the amazing things she was able to do. She also still travels and does everything she loves to do. Skavdahl is looking forward to a trip around the world with her family soon. She will be exploring and traveling to celebrate her 70th birthday! As she is retired, she still looks forward to traveling. To finish off the interview, Skavdahl left us with this quote, “I am grateful for every moment of my life, every person I have met, and every experience that has helped me become who I am today. I will never stop showing gratitude for people in my life and the people I am yet to meet as my life continues. I will always give back and try to make other people a little happier than they were before.”
Today, we interviewed Jenna Skavdahl about her career, hobbies, and life. Retired lawyer, Jenna, welcomed us into her home and gave us an interview today. Jenna Skavdahl is now 70 years old and still leads an active life for herself, her family, and her community. Skavdahl served as a lawyer for over 30 years after attending University of Michigan for her undergraduate and law degree. Her goal as a lawyer was to bring justice back to the justice system. She represented her clients with power and grace and was sure to fall on the right side of history. She worked very hard and was able to pay off her student debt and have a wonderful career. On top of her career, she was able to spend plenty of time with her family and friends throughout her years and was sure to enjoy every moment of her life before retirement. When asked about her time in college, she said her favorite parts were “going to every football game, studying, and making memories with her best friends.” She enjoys being surrounded by people who are positive and bring light to her life, which still being a light for others.
In her free time throughout her life thus far, she has always enjoyed running. Skavdahl ran cross country and track all 4 years of high school. She says running not only helps her physical health but also her mental health and helped her develop some of the best friendships she has had in her life. To this day, she runs nearly every day and enjoys being in nature while running. Additionally, Skavdahl enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, and spending time with those who she loves. When Jenna was 17, her parents took her to every state in America. This had been a goal for their family ever since she was 6 weeks old. When completed, she took some time to reflect and appreciate those experiences. As she graduated college, she decided to set a new goal of going to every National Park. She recently accomplished this goal as well. Her appreciation of nature started young, in fifth grade thanks to her 5th grade teacher, her parents, and her grandfather that all helped her learn more about environmental literacy. At the age of 50, she decided to start a group that helps work toward cleaning up the environment. Her group meets once per month at a different location to clean areas of parks, public spaces, and beaches in hopes of improving the lives of animals and people.
Finally, Skavdahl noted that she has enjoyed her life so far. As she has hit the age of 70, she has become more health conscious. She still exercises every day, eats healthy, and does more of the things she loves because it helps her keep her youthful spirit. She says today if she is not with her family or friends, she listens to music and dances around the house, reminiscing on her life and all the amazing things she was able to do. She also still travels and does everything she loves to do. Skavdahl is looking forward to a trip around the world with her family soon. She will be exploring and traveling to celebrate her 70th birthday! As she is retired, she still looks forward to traveling. To finish off the interview, Skavdahl left us with this quote, “I am grateful for every moment of my life, every person I have met, and every experience that has helped me become who I am today. I will never stop showing gratitude for people in my life and the people I am yet to meet as my life continues. I will always give back and try to make other people a little happier than they were before.”
Role Model- Section 8
My dad has been one of my biggest role models for my entire life. He and my mom have been the best role models I could ever ask for. He has helped shape me into the person I am today and I am beyond grateful for him and everything he does. My dad, from a very early age, has always been so involved and loving. From coaching every sports team we were on, to helping me with history homework, my dad has always been right by my side. My dad is my biggest fan and I am so grateful for him.
My dad and I have quite a lot in common. From birth, people always thought we looked alike. Now that I have gotten past the stage of disagreeing, I see that it is something I am proud of. We both have broken noses (by different causes) and we both have insane calves. We have agreed that our calves are our favorite part of our bodies. Additionally, my dad is so funny. Even though most people roll their eyes at his jokes, I find him hilarious. I could spend hours laughing with my dad and making jokes with him. My dad and I also love history. I got it from him, but we both enjoy learning about US history. I could also talk to him about that for hours. For our family, my dad is the biggest supporter. He makes an effort to go to every sporting event, organizes family trips so we can learn and explore, and always tries his best to get everyone involved. My dad is known by his friends and family to care very deeply about everything he does. This could not be more true. He is so involved with everything he does. He is a very loved teacher and cares about his students like I wish more teachers would. With college applications being open now, my dad has been so helpful. He has done so much research and taken me to so many schools all so that he can help me make the best decision for my future. He is so generous with his time and energy, I wish I was more like my dad. I love him more than anything and I really hope he knows how much I love and appreciate him for who he is. |
Inner Animal- Section 9
iAccording to a test I took online, my personality is most like a bear's. Now thinking about this, I can see why it would fit my personality. The test says that the bear is a balance of kind and protective, open and welcoming but also cautious, and organized. I think that these are all things I hope to be. Bears tend to be responsible and protective which is also what I try to do. In my own life, I take precaution so I am always making good choices and being smart with my life and my friends/family. Bears are also very strong, which I think is important in being a leader and a person. Having moral, mental, and physical strength is all important to me. I am honored that the website would label me as a bear because I think that bears are very respected within nature and by humans. One part that I might not agree with is the hibernation, taking months off at a time. I usually like to be active and always busy, but I do value independence and taking small breaks to rest. Finally, bears live in nature and forests, which I value. Being one among nature has always been important to me, so I resonate with a bear in that sense. I will continue to learn and grow and see if a bear describes me as I go through college and life.
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Part 1- The Best Things About Me- Section 10
Part 2- The Impact of Sound & Words- Section 11
We're all bored
We're all so tired of everything We wait for trains that just aren't coming We show off our different scarlet letters Trust me, mine is better We're so young But we're on the road to ruin We play dumb but we know exactly what we're doin' We cry tears of mascara in the bathroom Honey, life is just a classroom (Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah) 'Cause baby, I could build a castle Out of all the bricks they threw at me And every day is like a battle But every night with us is like a dream Baby, we're the new romantics Come on, come along with me Heartbreak is the national anthem We sing it proudly We are too busy dancing To get knocked off our feet Baby, we're the new romantics The best people in life are free We're all here The lights and noise are blinding We hang back It's all in the timing It's poker He can't see it in my face But I'm about to play my Ace (ah) We need love But all we want is danger We team up Then switch sides like a record changer The rumors are terrible and cruel But honey, most of them are true (Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah) |
'Cause baby, I could build a castle
Out of all the bricks they threw at me And every day is like a battle But every night with us is like a dream Baby, we're the new romantics Come on, come along with me Heartbreak is the national anthem We sing it proudly We are too busy dancing To get knocked off our feet Baby, we're the new romantics The best people in life are free Oh-oh (Oh, oh, oh-oh, oh) So, come on, come along with me (Oh, oh, oh-oh, oh) The best people in life are free (Oh, oh, oh-oh, oh) Please take my hand and Please take me dancing, and Please leave me stranded It's so romantic (it's so romantic) (Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah) Oh, 'cause baby, I could build a castle Out of all the bricks they threw at me And every day is like a battle (oh-oh) But every night with us is like a dream 'Cause baby, I could build a castle (castle) Out of all the bricks they threw at me And every day is like a battle But every night with us is like a dream Baby, we're the new romantics Come on, come along with me Heartbreak is the national anthem We sing it proudly We are too busy dancing To get knocked off our feet Baby, we're the new romantics The best people in life are free |
The song, "New Romantics," resonates with me because it captured the fun, youth, and energy of being 17. Right now, I am in a great spot in my life and I am not afraid to appreciate it and embrace it. I love my friends, school, family, and having the security of high school. I am applying for colleges and feeling ready to leave. At the same time, I am appreciative of who I am, who I have in my life, and everything that I have been fortunate enough to experience. This song captures the energy and life of being young with the future waiting to unfold. The song also describes how fun life is. Meeting new people, redefining "romantics", singing proudly, and being free as people. At any age, we should find ways in life to be free and fun, this song helps me do just that.
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Homecoming Activities Photo Gallery- Section 12
What I Like Best About Being a Member of Leadership- Section 13
Leadership this year has been something I will absolutely remember. I have so many positive memories this year. With that, three of my favorite memories have been hanging out in Morty's room before school and during lunch, organizing homecoming coronation, and cleaning up the Homecoming Parade with Alizeh.
Throughout this year, I have been able to spend a lot more time with Morty and my friends in her new classroom. I really enjoy my time in here, whether we're just hanging out or having a meeting. My friends are mostly all from leadership, so when we all spend time in her office, I enjoy the time and appreciate the company that her office offers me and so many others in our class. Her class has become a safe space for me that I am eternally grateful for.
Organizing coronation for homecoming has been one of my favorite memories ever. I loved being able to set up something so special for the school and community. While this week was incredibly stressful and took months of planning, it was very nice to have so much support from the class and staff/students. Additionally, the fact that Devin and Lucia won King and Queen made me very happy and I felt so proud of two of my really good friends. The moment was very sweet and filled with love and spirit!
Finally, cleaning up homecoming in the back of the parade with Alizeh was so much fun! The whole week of homecoming was building up to that moment and I was so happy to be cleaning up, finishing out the week strong and caring for the environment! Also, being in the company of Alizeh is never something I take for granted. Many people that day had caused me stress, so it was nice to have someone I can count on to be with me for the parade. Everyone watching the parade was pleased with how it was going and I was very grateful for such positive feedback and attitude from our community!
Throughout this year, I have been able to spend a lot more time with Morty and my friends in her new classroom. I really enjoy my time in here, whether we're just hanging out or having a meeting. My friends are mostly all from leadership, so when we all spend time in her office, I enjoy the time and appreciate the company that her office offers me and so many others in our class. Her class has become a safe space for me that I am eternally grateful for.
Organizing coronation for homecoming has been one of my favorite memories ever. I loved being able to set up something so special for the school and community. While this week was incredibly stressful and took months of planning, it was very nice to have so much support from the class and staff/students. Additionally, the fact that Devin and Lucia won King and Queen made me very happy and I felt so proud of two of my really good friends. The moment was very sweet and filled with love and spirit!
Finally, cleaning up homecoming in the back of the parade with Alizeh was so much fun! The whole week of homecoming was building up to that moment and I was so happy to be cleaning up, finishing out the week strong and caring for the environment! Also, being in the company of Alizeh is never something I take for granted. Many people that day had caused me stress, so it was nice to have someone I can count on to be with me for the parade. Everyone watching the parade was pleased with how it was going and I was very grateful for such positive feedback and attitude from our community!
A Reflection of a Peer in Leadership- Section 14
This year is Alizeh Ali's second year in leadership. In just two short years, she has shown an incredible amount of dedication and commitment to the leadership program. She is passionate, well spoken, and incredibly effective in everything she does. This year, in addition to doing a great job as board member and representing RHS on the School Board, she has gone above and beyond to bring back student senate. Bringing such a program is no easy task. Alizeh has worked tirelessly to bring back this program for the student body. She has been working on this since last year and she has worked very hard to have her vision play out the way she intends. Not only has she been in charge of this program, she has also contributed heavily by being one of the founders of the Livestream team. On top of all this, she takes 6 AP classes and excels in every single one of them. She takes no days off and is always applying herself to become the best version of herself she can be. Alizeh is one of the smartest, most talented people I know and I don't say that frequently. Not only is she an excellent student leader, she is an amazing friend as well. Alizeh is my person, we can bond over nearly anything and she is always the first person to notice if something is off or not right. We have spent countless hours talking and working together. She will not settle for less and expects the best out of everybody, ensuring that they constantly improve and do their best. She is very helpful to everybody. Alizeh is an amazing person and I cannot wait to see what she does in the future, no matter what, she will change the world for the better wherever she goes.
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RHS Pride Photo Gallery- Section 15
What I Love To-Do- Section 16
Traveling is one of my favorite things to do! My family and I have been traveling ever since I was born and it had led me to learn so many new things, meet new people, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around me! I have fallen in love with learning new facts, experiencing new cultures, and managing time and money while out and about.
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Running has given me a community unlike any other! My cross country and track have been two consistent, positive activities in my life for the past 4 years and I am so grateful for the group of friends and support I have gained from this sport. Runners are so uplifting and kind. I love running for the health benefits, the mental relief, and the teammates and friendships.
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Leadership! This group is able to transform lives, the community, and our school, I am so grateful to be involved in it. I love the people in this class, the projects we do, and the idea of being involved in something bigger than myself. I am thankful that I was able to make so many memories, be involved in community service, and learn valuable skills.
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Letter to Parents- Section 17
Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you so much for everything. Saying everything may sound like a generalization or something that is not specific enough. But when I say everything, I mean every minute we have spent together, all the advice, support, love, sacrifices, and material things you have given me. I am so grateful to have you both as mentors and as guides throughout my life. You have been the most amazing parents anyone could ever ask for and I am forever grateful for you both. I have realized over the years that Brett and I are the lucky ones. We have parents that love us eternally, care for us, understand us, and do not fight with us over the things we don't need to be fighting about.
I am greatful you have raised me to be the person I am today and taught me so much. With college coming up, I am realizing that I am ready to go. I thought I would be terrified or not feel prepared, but everything you have given to me has helped in making me ready to live away from you. This may be sad, I admit, it is not my favorite thing to think about, but it is what is best, and I thank you for making the sacrifices you had to in order to make sure this step would be successful.
The time we spend together is always appreciated. Whether its running errands, eating dinner together, or just being in the same room while I am doing homework, I love the time we are able to be together. Our family is so interesting and there is never a dull moment. Whether Dad is eating spinach with his hands, Mom is making jokes, or Brett is doing Tik Tok dances, I cherish our time together and this time has shaped me. You have worked so hard to provide us with the life we have and I will always be grateful for that. We have everything we could ever ask for and then some. You both work so hard and love each other, which is something that not many people have in this life. You are the best role models. Thank you for teaching me about communication, love, work, school, time, life, relationships, and how to have fun, all while raising me to be kind, mindful, and aware. Thank you for talking to me even when you are tired, discussing my future, and always giving me a hug when its just been one of those days.
I love you, thank you so much for being the people you are:).
Sincerely,
Jenna Skavdahl
Thank you so much for everything. Saying everything may sound like a generalization or something that is not specific enough. But when I say everything, I mean every minute we have spent together, all the advice, support, love, sacrifices, and material things you have given me. I am so grateful to have you both as mentors and as guides throughout my life. You have been the most amazing parents anyone could ever ask for and I am forever grateful for you both. I have realized over the years that Brett and I are the lucky ones. We have parents that love us eternally, care for us, understand us, and do not fight with us over the things we don't need to be fighting about.
I am greatful you have raised me to be the person I am today and taught me so much. With college coming up, I am realizing that I am ready to go. I thought I would be terrified or not feel prepared, but everything you have given to me has helped in making me ready to live away from you. This may be sad, I admit, it is not my favorite thing to think about, but it is what is best, and I thank you for making the sacrifices you had to in order to make sure this step would be successful.
The time we spend together is always appreciated. Whether its running errands, eating dinner together, or just being in the same room while I am doing homework, I love the time we are able to be together. Our family is so interesting and there is never a dull moment. Whether Dad is eating spinach with his hands, Mom is making jokes, or Brett is doing Tik Tok dances, I cherish our time together and this time has shaped me. You have worked so hard to provide us with the life we have and I will always be grateful for that. We have everything we could ever ask for and then some. You both work so hard and love each other, which is something that not many people have in this life. You are the best role models. Thank you for teaching me about communication, love, work, school, time, life, relationships, and how to have fun, all while raising me to be kind, mindful, and aware. Thank you for talking to me even when you are tired, discussing my future, and always giving me a hug when its just been one of those days.
I love you, thank you so much for being the people you are:).
Sincerely,
Jenna Skavdahl
Your True Legacy, General Advice, The Letter- Section 18
Dear Sofia,
I realize that I have written this letter to you every year of high school!! We have taken the exact same steps in leadership and I am so proud of you for choosing to become ASB president! I can't think of anyone better than you to lead this class and fulfill this role! With how much you do already, I know you will stay organized with all of your responsibilities and deadlines. Keeping track of paperwork and work you collect is incredibly important too, but you already know that:). When things get stressful, remember that it is okay to take a moment for yourself and take a deep breath. This class hopefully will be easier for you to keep track of, with fewer members, but you will still have to keep people on track and remind them when it is time to work. Especially with your team in ASB, with all the love in the world, you still have a lot to do and I hope that the team holds the same importance for this class that you do! Try to make connections with everyone, even if it is simple, it's still good to let people know you care and you understand that they are trying their best. Compassion is the best way to deal with frustration, this takes time though. Something I wish I had known was that everything is going to be your fault, even if it is not. People will say they didn't get the reminder even though it's in a text, that is your fault somehow. I found myself apologizing for people not knowing how to do their job. That is just part of the job though but it is definitely something to be aware of. You will totally kill it this next year and I have no doubt in the world that you will run one of the smoothest, most productive years yet! I love you, good luck!
Sincerely,
Jenna Skavdahl
I realize that I have written this letter to you every year of high school!! We have taken the exact same steps in leadership and I am so proud of you for choosing to become ASB president! I can't think of anyone better than you to lead this class and fulfill this role! With how much you do already, I know you will stay organized with all of your responsibilities and deadlines. Keeping track of paperwork and work you collect is incredibly important too, but you already know that:). When things get stressful, remember that it is okay to take a moment for yourself and take a deep breath. This class hopefully will be easier for you to keep track of, with fewer members, but you will still have to keep people on track and remind them when it is time to work. Especially with your team in ASB, with all the love in the world, you still have a lot to do and I hope that the team holds the same importance for this class that you do! Try to make connections with everyone, even if it is simple, it's still good to let people know you care and you understand that they are trying their best. Compassion is the best way to deal with frustration, this takes time though. Something I wish I had known was that everything is going to be your fault, even if it is not. People will say they didn't get the reminder even though it's in a text, that is your fault somehow. I found myself apologizing for people not knowing how to do their job. That is just part of the job though but it is definitely something to be aware of. You will totally kill it this next year and I have no doubt in the world that you will run one of the smoothest, most productive years yet! I love you, good luck!
Sincerely,
Jenna Skavdahl
Do's and Don'ts List- Section 19
Do:
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Don't:
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The Contact List- Section 20
Jill Mortensen
Advisor
Phone: (209)-541-6907
Email: [email protected]
Frances Taylor
Stitch By Design
Phone: (209)-596-2920
Email: [email protected]
Christina Fatzer
Cafeteria Contact
Email: [email protected]
Anderson's
Coronation supplies
Phone: 1-800-338-3346
Website: https://www.andersons.com/
Laura Ochoa
Coronation Advisor
Phone: (209)-596-6389
Email: [email protected]
Advisor
Phone: (209)-541-6907
Email: [email protected]
Frances Taylor
Stitch By Design
Phone: (209)-596-2920
Email: [email protected]
Christina Fatzer
Cafeteria Contact
Email: [email protected]
Anderson's
Coronation supplies
Phone: 1-800-338-3346
Website: https://www.andersons.com/
Laura Ochoa
Coronation Advisor
Phone: (209)-596-6389
Email: [email protected]
The Professional- Section 21
One aspect of professional development I enjoyed this year was the unit we did on Active Listening. In my position, I have really had to work on this and it has become a skill I consciously think about. We learned about body language, processing what other people are saying, and working to come to a common conclusion when listening and working with other people. When we went over this as a class, I found it very valuable for class discussions, conversations professionally, and understanding one another as a class. Since the initial discussion though, I have found that I continue to revisit the lesson in my head. I have used this skill when talking with my classmates and listening to discussion. For example, if one of my classmates asks me a question, I make an effort to put down what I am working on, make eye contact with them, and nod along with their question so they know I am giving them 100% of my attention. This helps them feel more respected and it helps me fully understand what they are asking and give them my best advice or help. This also helps me during class discussions in understanding where the class is and how the people who share are feeling. When I listen and take a step back from speaking, I can internalize how everybody is doing and work to solve some problems after the discussion concludes.
Another part of professional development that I have enjoyed this year is Mock Interviews. This is a process that takes a while to work on but it goes through the stages of researching professionals, creating cover letters and resumes, and working on professional interview conduct. This year, I decided to interview someone who works in communications. In doing my mock interview, I learned that I might not want to go into communications and rather work in a less “flashy/image based” industry. Not only did I learn more about the entire field, but I also got lots of feedback from the interviewer about skills for the interview, resume, and cover letter. She gave me feedback about my interview and specific questions I answered which was very helpful. She also told me what to put/what not to put on my resume. Even though we have presenters in class who help with this information, it was very nice to get a second opinion about what should/shouldn’t go there for certain jobs. This entire experience is very valuable to me and I appreciate all of the time Morty puts into creating this event. Over the years, not one interview has been the same and I appreciate the wide variety of opportunities I have had.
Another part of professional development that I have enjoyed this year is Mock Interviews. This is a process that takes a while to work on but it goes through the stages of researching professionals, creating cover letters and resumes, and working on professional interview conduct. This year, I decided to interview someone who works in communications. In doing my mock interview, I learned that I might not want to go into communications and rather work in a less “flashy/image based” industry. Not only did I learn more about the entire field, but I also got lots of feedback from the interviewer about skills for the interview, resume, and cover letter. She gave me feedback about my interview and specific questions I answered which was very helpful. She also told me what to put/what not to put on my resume. Even though we have presenters in class who help with this information, it was very nice to get a second opinion about what should/shouldn’t go there for certain jobs. This entire experience is very valuable to me and I appreciate all of the time Morty puts into creating this event. Over the years, not one interview has been the same and I appreciate the wide variety of opportunities I have had.
Change- Section 22
This year has been so amazing. It has been one of the best experiences I have had in my life and I have learned so much about what it means to be a leader, specific skills, and about life/school/people. I am so grateful for this opportunity and I would not have wanted to spend this year with a different group of people! With that being said, it was not perfect. I admit, some of this is my fault, but I am not totally responsible for all of the mistakes that were made. One thing I think this class could have done better at is having awareness, care, and accountability. I do think that this class started out strong. But now that it is spring, people have begun to fall off. I'm not sure where exactly the change started, but it is very relevant today. I can’t assume responsibility for people not caring, but I have tried my best to understand where people are coming from and either encourage them to do their best or simply pick up their slack.
Additionally, I think that being ASB President puts different expectations on you than in other positions. For example, I had to communicate with people differently in this position. For example, during the first evaluation season, I had some tough conversations with people about their grade. I learned that everyone learns differently and I had to take some different approaches for certain people. This conflict helped me grow as a professional and taught me many valuable lessons. In some cases, I had to put my friendships aside and reflect on how individuals had been doing in leadership, no matter what our personal relationship was like. This was difficult, but it got easier. It is much easier to separate these relationships than I thought. It was hard not letting leadership frustrations not impact personal relationships!
One change I would like to suggest for next year’s class is making a seating chart. This year we struggled a bit with classroom management, especially being in the classroom. If this is still the case for next year, I think that walking into the year with a seating chart would help establish more order in the classroom and would help people understand that class time is a chance to work, not social hour. Freshman and sophomore year having a seating chart really helped me meet people I normally wouldn’t talk to, which is also very beneficial.
Additionally, I think that being ASB President puts different expectations on you than in other positions. For example, I had to communicate with people differently in this position. For example, during the first evaluation season, I had some tough conversations with people about their grade. I learned that everyone learns differently and I had to take some different approaches for certain people. This conflict helped me grow as a professional and taught me many valuable lessons. In some cases, I had to put my friendships aside and reflect on how individuals had been doing in leadership, no matter what our personal relationship was like. This was difficult, but it got easier. It is much easier to separate these relationships than I thought. It was hard not letting leadership frustrations not impact personal relationships!
One change I would like to suggest for next year’s class is making a seating chart. This year we struggled a bit with classroom management, especially being in the classroom. If this is still the case for next year, I think that walking into the year with a seating chart would help establish more order in the classroom and would help people understand that class time is a chance to work, not social hour. Freshman and sophomore year having a seating chart really helped me meet people I normally wouldn’t talk to, which is also very beneficial.
The Ideal Leader- Section 23
The ideal leader in my eyes is someone who puts service first, honors their commitments, and someone who is themselves while working to better the world and people around them. In leadership, we have a constitution that sets the standard for how leaders should behave while representing our program. It is important that students respect these expectations as their actions reflect them and the program as a whole. Personally, I think that doing drugs, partying excessivley, and not respecting others is a huge red flag and should be avoided. Aside from behavior, being able to prioritize service is something all leaders should do. Being a servant leader should be the goal of eveyrone in a position of power. If we aren’t serving those around us who trust us, then what are we doing? Being able to put others above yourself is key in stepping back and enhancing the lives of others.
Additionally, it is crucial that leaders work to make the world a better place while working in their own unique style. The school we attend or our friends are not the only people who can be impacted positively by our program. We can enhance our impact by extending our reach to our community and by focusing on world issues. Even if we may not do this, it is still crucial that leaders keep their scope wide and thing about ways to better serve a wider population of people.
Finally, leaders who honor their committments are leaders who are ideal. If leaders can’t make it to their own events on time with passion for what they are doing, then they have let down their peers and community. People should be able to put their effort into their events, not let them go and allow someone else to pick up the slack. If people can’t do what is asked of them, they don’t deserve to be in a position to lead. I understand when people mess up, but if it happens more than once or twice, they shoud take it upon themselves to rethink why they are signed up to lead when they cannot follow through.
Additionally, it is crucial that leaders work to make the world a better place while working in their own unique style. The school we attend or our friends are not the only people who can be impacted positively by our program. We can enhance our impact by extending our reach to our community and by focusing on world issues. Even if we may not do this, it is still crucial that leaders keep their scope wide and thing about ways to better serve a wider population of people.
Finally, leaders who honor their committments are leaders who are ideal. If leaders can’t make it to their own events on time with passion for what they are doing, then they have let down their peers and community. People should be able to put their effort into their events, not let them go and allow someone else to pick up the slack. If people can’t do what is asked of them, they don’t deserve to be in a position to lead. I understand when people mess up, but if it happens more than once or twice, they shoud take it upon themselves to rethink why they are signed up to lead when they cannot follow through.
You- Section 24
Passionate.
Your Projects (Multiple Pages)
hoco_coronation_2023.pdf | |
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