The beginning of this year is filled with a lot of emotions for me. Specifically, excitement. Thus far my high school experience has consisted of two years affected by Covid. This year being my real full first year of high school is very stressful because I feel like I have a lot of makeup for. As a junior, I feel like I have a lot of new opportunities and experiences that I can experience this year. This year is going to be filled with several opportunities that I can either take advantage of or shy away from. It is my goal to get involved with as many aspects of my junior year and not be afraid to put myself out there. As a public relations coordinator, I want to think of new ways to publicize events. I want to use my creative abilities to assist my fellow classmates to properly publicize events. I am excited to be able to experience this year as a normal high school year. I am glad that finally after two years we can go to a school dance inside, not worry about masks, and not have kids get quarantined every other day. As leadership students, it is our job to encourage participation in two classes that have no clue of the potential of this school year. We have 3 classes now that don’t know how high school is supposed to go and it is the leadership's job to be an advocate and excessively promote events and activities. I am nervous that as juniors, we aren’t equipped to be upperclassmen. The kids in my grade are still very immature and they don’t have the urge to participate. We don’t know how to be upperclassmen because we haven't experienced school like that. It concerns me that my grade won’t know how to be an example to the grades below us.
Portfolio 2 Favorite Quotes
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change” Wayne Dyer I like this quote a lot because I feel like life is all perspective. If we choose to look at something a different way, what we’re looking at will change. Life is all about perspective and we get to choose the perspective we want to have. This has impacted my life because I’ve had a poor mindset before and I’ve seen how it impacted my life and relationships. “Failure is not the opposite of success, it is part of success” I really like this quote because a lot of the time we (as students) see failure as the opposite of success. I was always taught that a mistake isn’t a mistake if you learn from it. I think more emphasis should be put on the fact that mistakes are okay and growth comes from mistakes. “Success is not final, Failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts” Many get caught up when they are succeeding. Many tend to forget where they came from and how they got there. I think it is important to stay humble and understand that success is not forever and anything can happen or change. On the other hand, failure isn’t permanent either. If you aren’t successful, that doesn’t mean you never will be. You have to work hard to become successful and that is what truly matters. Portfolio #3 Part II-Quote I have always liked the quote “It’s just a bad day, not a bad life”. I think this is applicable to leadership because bad days are a given. Things don’t work out, plans change, ideas are executed, people let you down, and overall things don’t deliver sometimes. This is just a part of life. Bad days are just as important as good days because it shows who you are as a person by how you respond to these “bad days”. You can choose to let that affect you when you wake up in the morning the next day, or use it as motivation to make that day better than the last. As leaders it is our responsibility to motivate others to participate in what we want them to participate in. We have to be the example. If I wake up on the Friday of Homecoming and I’m hating life, that energy is going to spread to others. Bad things happen, but it's how you deal with them shows what kind of leader and person you are. It’s just a bad day, not a bad life. Get over it and use it as motivation to make the next day better than the last. You can’t let people letting you down ruin your day because you aren’t in control of other people's actions. You can control the effort and attitude that you give, no one else's. It’s your days and your life and you’re in control of it.
Portfolio 4 Goals
Two goals I have for leadership is to be a legacy leader and complete four years in the leadership program. Another one of my goals is to leave an impact on the leadership program. This impact includes being someone that is reliable and light-hearted. I want people to remember me as someone that gets things done but also can lighten the mood and make people laugh. Two short term goals for my life are to graduate high school with a 4.0 all four years and go to a good college. I have a lot of goals for my future but I want to get a job that I actually enjoy and that I wouldn’t mind going to everyday. I want to love my job and also make a living from it. Lastly I want to be able to give back through my job and be able to incorporate my hobbies into my job. Portfolio #5 Reflection of Goals (6 total) One of my goals I set for myself, not only at the beginning of this year, but at the beginning of high school was to be a legacy leader in the program. I can happily say that I have gotten into the leadership program for my senior year and I will be a legacy leader. It is really exciting to say that because for the last three years that has just been a goal and now it is a reality. I’m proud of myself for sticking with this and dedicating myself to something for all four years. I am glad that I have the opportunity to contribute to my school and community for four years through the work and projects of the ASB program. Another goal I set for myself was to leave my legacy on the school and the leadership class. As I am approaching the end of my junior year, I still need to fulfill this goal throughout my senior year. I said I wanted to be someone that is reliable and light-hearted and I feel like I have successfully accomplished that. I’m not your cookie cutter leadership kid, I don’t take AP classes, I’m not in the running to be valedictorian, but I do apply myself to several activities at RHS. I have played three sports since my freshman year, have been a part of many clubs, and again, a part of the leadership team since freshman year. I would not be wanted for any of these roles and positions if I wasn’t reliable. Nobody wants an unreliable teammate on the field, or someone that isn’t going to do their portion of the project. I would like to think that if someone gives me a task, I won’t say no, and I will do it with full effort. I don’t like letting people down and I want others to feel like they can come to me and I will complete something without any doubt. Being light-hearted is always something I have been good at. I’m good at making people laugh or smile, make or take a joke, and overall bring positivity to an environment. I don’t take things too seriously and that is my way of making people feel comfortable around me. The rest of my goals are more long term but I am going to share what I have done this year to work towards these goals. One of the short term goals is to graduate with a 4.0. This seemed very realistic after my sophomore year and at the beginning of junior year. Health problems and other things have definitely affected me and I kind of realized what my goals were for all of high school and college. I’m not going to completely bend over backwards to get a 4.0+ GPA because I have other things that are important to me like sports, activities, friends, and more. Grades are important to me because I want to go to college but I’m not trying to go to UCLA or anything crazy. I would rather sacrifice having a 4.3 for a 3.8 to be involved in three sports, leadership, hangout with friends, and not be stressed out all of the time. I am working with the time I have free and I do my best on my homework and whatever grade I get from doing my best, I’m okay with that. My other short term goal was to go to a good college. As I am approaching the end of my junior year I can say that I am about 85% confident in my abilities to go to a college of my choice. I have pretty good grades, I am involved in leadership, I play three sports, and I am involved in clubs. I think that all of these factors will help me get into a good college even though my GPA is sadly no longer a 4.0. It took me a long time to be okay with that and it still bothers me sometimes. Grades are so competitive and my parents aren’t overly pushing me to have a 4.0 so I’m not sure why I’m stressing that much. Whatever colleges I get into are what is meant to be and I shouldn’t be embarrassed to not have a 4.0 when I apply myself to so many other things. My long term goals are to find a job that I actually like and to be able to incorporate my hobbies into my job. Being in leadership has given me a lot of opportunities to explore different career pathways and find the ones that could be of potential interest. I would like to be able to coach something if I chose to teach somewhere and be able to incorporate my hobbies into my job.
Katie Rhodes has big plans at only the age of sixteen. She plans to graduate high school and attend a 4-year university. At said university, Katie plans to study psychology and become a school psychologist. At the high school, Katie also plans to coach, whether it be softball or soccer, Katie wants to be involved in her school's athletics. Her goal would be to come back to Ripon High and work and coach at her alma mater. She also owns a yoga studio and practices in her free time. She has three sons, all of which attend Ripon High. She loves RHS and the Ripon community. She is working daily to make her school, home, and any atmosphere she enters a more positive place. She actively goes to the gym and works towards her fitness goals. She is a busy woman. At RHS, Katie plans to help students become the best versions of themselves and help them with anything they need. With her busy schedule, she is often tired and in need of some personal time. Katie is working on a book that will “probably never be finished” she says but is a good distraction from life and her busy schedule. This book consists of a how-to of just about anything. Katie says “I have always been creative and have always loved working on art projects”. In her book, she talks about the ways to incorporate childhood and youth into adulthood. She talks about how being crafty comes in handy in the future and many of her random talents have proven to be helpful. Katie Rhodes really does it all and seems to have a grip on how to handle her busy life.
Portfolio 12 Hoco Photos
Portfolio #13 What I like best about being a part of leadership? I like being a part of the leadership team because it gives me the opportunity to put on great events and activities to contribute to the high school experience. It is fun to be a part of the activities that are remembered in the yearbook or be a part of the big high school events like dances and homecoming. The leadership program does a lot for the student body and staff and I think the work that we do is great. On the personal side, leadership focuses a lot on self improvement and professional development. Over the last three years, I have gotten the chance to get to know myself better, work on myself, and develop professional skills that most 17 year-olds don’t have yet. Applying for a job, public speaking, and professionalism are things that no longer scare me because leadership has prepared me for them. Through leadership, I have made some of my best friends. I know that if I hadn’t applied my freshman year that I would not be where I am today. The relationships, connections, and family-like atmosphere makes all the leadership bubbles worth it. I love living the high school experience and planning dances, decorating floats, building people up, encouraging participation, and being a part of class activities makes being a part of leadership so worth it. I love the things that the program does for staff, students, and the community. I love being a part of a class with similar goals and aspirations. I love being able to work on myself and develop professionally. I love being able to make lifelong connections and friendships. I love the busy schedules and demands that keep me busy, but are so worth it when we see the final product. I love being able to serve for my class and school and be involved in my school's events.
Portfolio #14 A reflection of a peer in leadership I know this person is probably going to get a lot of recognition during this assignment, but I truly believe he deserves it. Mina, Mina, Mina. Mina has a positive, inviting, inclusive, energetic, and encouraging spirit about him. He takes the time to reach out to people, ask questions, check up, and somehow always make you laugh. Mina never fails to be himself or shine in some way, shape, or form. He always seems so happy and is always striving to get everyone in that same state of mind. He asks questions and always makes sure everyone is okay. He knows the perfect times to work and the perfect times to joke around. The sophomore officer team is lucky to have him and should be proud that he is their publicity officer. He did so amazingly with the formal publicity and truly takes his time on all of his tasks. Mina makes me want to be a happier and more inviting person. I haven’t met a single person who doesn’t like Mina and he should definitely keep up his hard work. I was having a rough day. I was looking rough, no makeup, bun, sweatpants, the whole nine yards. I walked into leadership and Mina didn’t even say anything he just came up to me and hugged me. He then said “are you okay goofy”. No one had asked me what was wrong all day and I just needed to vent. When Mina asked that it made my day because that is all I wanted anyone to ask me all day. I told him kind of what was wrong and then of course he told me a joke to make me feel better. He sat by me that day and made fun of me until I was smiling again. Bottomline is that Mina saw that something was wrong and didn’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions. He made me feel so much better just by being his goofy self.
Portfolio #15
The Letter-General Advice Hello, My name is Katie Rhodes and I was one of the 2022/2023 Public Relations Coordinators. This job can be tricky because sometimes you don’t know your place or role. It is really subjective to what Morty or the ASB team needs done at that moment. You could go weeks without a specific job or have something that needs to be done everyday. I think something I wish I would’ve done is asking for more work or asking others if they need help. The cool part about leadership is that everyone can help if they aren’t currently working on something. I did help fellow juniors but I think I could've been more helpful to other classmates when I wasn’t working on something. Don’t be afraid to ask Morty or the ASB Pres. if they need help with anything. Maybe they say no, maybe they say yes. Morty and the ASB Pres. like seeing people go above and beyond with their job and looking to help others. Being lazy and doing nothing during the class will get you in trouble with Morty and your classmates. It is frustrating when you are working hard on something and you see a bunch of people goofing off when they could be helping you. Another thing I would suggest is thoroughly doing Morty’s assignments. Morty loves thoroughness and when you have a job that is subjective, it is expected that your work is done well. Considering we do have a lot of free time, you will be given less grace. As a leader you should already want to produce quality work but if you aren’t super busy, that should be your next focus. DEADLINES DEADLINES DEADLINES!! Morty absolutely hates when deadlines aren’t met. If you are delegating something and someone doesn’t do their job, you can’t do your job. It’s the same thing with Morty. She can’t do her job if you don’t do yours. Not to mention, Morty’s assignments and professional development are for our benefit, not hers. You are only hurting yourself if you don’t complete tasks well and on time. One tip I would suggest is having team bonding. Your grade will grow together as the year goes by but it is important to minimize the drama and have good relationships with your fellow classmates. You don’t have to all be best friends but being civil and able to work together is very crucial. Lastly, I would suggest writing everything down. I am not forgetful but I do have a lot on my plate and writing things done is very helpful. Use your phone to set reminders and even communicate with your class group chats, giving each other reminders about upcoming events. Leadership demands a lot, school demands a lot, and sports demands a lot, so you have to find a system that works for you. On the flip side, just make sure to have fun. High school is supposed to be fun and leadership is supposed to be fun. Don’t stress yourself out too much. Be involved, be kind, and have a good year because I promise you it will go by fast.
Portfolio 19-DO's and DON'TS Do communicate well with your classmates, advisor, and Morty Don’t procrastinate on assignments or events Do support other groups on campus Don’t waste work days Do dress up for every spirit day Don’t make excuses Do publicize everything thoroughly Don’t poorly represent the program Do keep important pieces of paper for the last portfolio Don’t avoid conflicts, deal with them
Portfolio 20-Contact List
Wendy Staurt Nothing Bundt Cakes ADDRESS. 2100 Standiford Ave,Ste E17-18. Modesto, CA 95350 [email protected] Robert Mayfield [email protected] Ripon High School Vince Hobbs [email protected] Ripon School Board
Portfolio 21-The Professional-I have developed a lot of professional skills in the last three years. My positions have varied but they have encompassed very similar skills required and skilled obtained. Public speaking has been very important these last few years. I started out high school completely terrified of speaking in front of my peers. Through the various activities we have done in the program, I now feel confident in my ability to speak well in front of an audience. We do an annual speech that consists of very diverse topics. The point is to get comfortable with speaking in front of peers, not the actual speech topic itself. This gives us the opportunity to speak to people much older and much younger, as the years progress. I have valued this skill because to apply for two of the positions I have held, required giving a speech in front of my class. I was not afraid and was very confident in my abilities to deliver a quality speech. Another topic we have focused on is cover letters and resumes. Not only are we taught how to write both of these documents, but the activities we participate in give us topics to write about. Most of my resume consists of leadership events and skills that I have gained in the last three years. I have used these skills many times since learning how to write them. I have written a resume and cover letter for every interview I have had. I would not have felt confident in my abilities without the lessons we have been taught on these topics. Being able to write a quality resume and cover letter gives you that edge that other people might not have brought to the table. Many people will be impressed with your ability to write these documents at such a young age and your skills will only get stronger from here.
Portfolio 22-Change- I think my class has had internal issues since the beginning. Of course people are going to procrastinate, things won’t work out, people won’t follow through, that’s inevitable. Through all those issues, we should be a team. Selfishness, immaturity, entitlement, and drama won’t accomplish anything. I have been a part of the problem, I think we all have, but some have chosen to be bigger than the problems and work on how bettering ourselves will make the team better as a whole. This goes back to our core principle “we start with you”. You can’t help the team if you aren’t helping yourself. You have to work on being a good leader and a good person to be able to contribute something valuable to a team. I am very proud of the leaders we are becoming. A lot of us have improved so much from our freshmen year. We have built trust and I think that everyone has gotten so much more mature. We have been working as a team and not as individuals wanting to shine on their own. I think for future classes it is important to remember that everyone has their own responsibilities and it's okay to ask for help. You are not weak if you need help. Selfishness can ruin a class and program and I think it is important to know what your goals are and remember that everyone wants to achieve the same thing. Nothing in this class is supposed to be executed individually, it takes everyone doing their part to create something amazing. With that being said, everyone has to do their part. It’s not fair to put off your work and make your classmates have to pick up your slack. Everyone is supposed to work together and that doesn’t involve letting people down. As a leader, one of the most important qualities is being dependable. If someone is concerned that you won’t complete a task, you won’t get any more tasks given to you and no one will want to work with you. Lastly, taking responsibility is crucial in leadership roles. If you mess up, own it, and do better next time. No one wants to sit there and listen to you make excuses for why you didn’t do your job. The funny thing about ASB is you chose to apply and spent time doing so. You knew what you were getting yourself into and there shouldn’t be any excuse, YOU wanted to be here. Just take accountability for your actions and no one will get mad at you. Mistakes are going to happen, they are expected. But, If you start to blame others for YOUR mistakes, that’s when you are going to create problems internally. You won’t be able to produce amazing events and activities if you have internal problems within your team. Everyone needs to do their part and everything will run smoothly. Katie Rhodes Leadership Portfolio 23&24
Portfolio 23 The Ideal Leader The Leadership Program at RHS has a lot of expectations. Our job as leaders is to not only plan and execute events but to be a role model for the expected behavior, attitude, and effort given at RHS. This means that if there is a spirit day (not just leadership organized ones), that we participate. We have to support other groups on campus even if it means dressing up for events that we didn’t plan. Abiding by classroom expectations not only in leadership class is what is expected from leadership kids. We must behave in all classes, by listening, following instructions, and doing OUR OWN work. Following that is the meeting deadlines. Meeting deadlines is crucial because Morty doesn’t take late work but it is also important in other classes as well. The community knows us because of photos, attending events, etc. When we are out of school we are still expected to act accordingly. We have to represent ASB and RHS and that means when we are out and about in the community as well. Another important trait is reliability. As a leader, things are thrown at you out of the blue and you have to be trusted to complete it. No one wants to remind you to do it several times and you have to be on top of your work and make sure everything gets done. Lastly, being kind is the standard. If leadership kids are mean, no one will want to attend our events, dress up for our spirit days, or want to be kind either. Again we are the role models on campus and we are supposed to be the cream of the crop. It is natural to fall short in some of the other areas, but working hard to get better at them and simply being kind will get you a lot further than you think. No one wants to work with someone who is mean and that’s not the image we want for the Leadership program or for RHS.