Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Common Book Convocation

A couple of weeks ago, I went to the Common Book Convocation. I thought it was very interesting. I am delighted to meet Tom Piazza, the author of City of Refuge.


I got the book late, because I didn't receive it during my orientation, and I was barely able to finish it in time for the convocation. I wish I had more time to sit down and read it because it was a very interesting book, and when Mr. Piazza spoke about it, things were much more interesting. I was also very happy to meet him.


Metting Tom Piazza helped me become more determined to become an author. I hope to someday write novels like Mr. Piazza does.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

I Am Growing as a Leader

How do you lead yourself? That is, how have the speakers and readings influenced the way you are leading your life and thinking about leadership? Reflect on the influences of the speakers and readings on what you think, say, and do each day. What are some of the leadership lessons you have learned and that you are applying in your own life?

 Well, here are my answers to these questions:

I lead myself with a positive attitude. I look at everything with the 'glass half full' perspective, and I think that this helps a lot as a leader. I have noticed that I have gotten more confident in the things I say and do, and I have noticed that I have became more outgoing. Truth is, I think I have become more comfortable with myself. I think that leadership is extremely important. And, I didn't think that I was a leader, but now, I know that I am a leader.

Someone who really stood out to me was one of our first speakers. I remember her first name: Chasity. I remember the feeling she gave me when she was speaking. She helped me feel confident. I didn't have much confidence when I was in high school, or even my first year in college at UT.  Now, I hold my head high when I walk down the sidewalks, and I put forth my ideas and comments when I have them. I learned to take care of myself. I make sure I eat right, I exercise and I sleep enough to wake up feeling refreshed. Many of our speakers mentioned "Be aggressive, but not abrasive." I think I have been more aggressive than I was, but I know I definitely have not been abrasive.

Well, the semester is almost over, and I can't wait to see further change in myself, and possibly my classmates as we dive into the last stretch of the fall semester.