Once an ELP, Always an ELP

I couldn't imagine being in a class other than this one.  At first I was nervous knowing there were going to be other students have the passion for leading and that our personalities would be different.  I was and still am amazed that one class brought all of us together not just as a s community, but as a family.  I never felt this accepted by others since I was in elementary school.  I wish all of my classes were like this.  Because I'm not just learning from the lessons through lectures, but the activities and interactions with everyone helped EMERGE me into the lessons.

Out of all of the weeks and activities we did, my favorite was doing the cross the line activity.  I have always wanted to do that activity, because I am never vulnerable toward any one, not even my family.  And being able to learn about other people's lives and experiences made me proud for knowing them.  Before this activity, I was scared being open toward others, because I fear the judgement and criticism from others.  But now I know I should never be afraid, because I know there will be someone out there who will support and comfort me.  And that's how I feel about this class.  I have grown from a shy whisperer to a open mic being able to pose my view and opinions.  There were some points during the quarter were I felt so emotional that I almost cried, because like I said I never been in a class with this much moral support for everyone.  Now I know that I should let my guard down and take those risk that would help me identify who I am and what I am capable of doing.

I would say the final project brings out more of what I am capable of doing.  Once I heard that assignment, I frozen in fear because this project provide serious planning.  On the other hand, I never knew how enjoyable I was creating the theme and activities for the retreat.  I have never been on a retreat, but everyone else in my group have either been on a retreat or camp, so I felt relieved and fascinated with the ideas and experiences they had.  Although we did have moments of stress and mini break downs, we were able to forget about the issues and resolve them.  In order to lessen the tension toward the project and others, we volunteered to tackle the parts we are comfortable with.  I am still shocked to witness the process we have done since the first time we met as a group.  After planning this, I really want to go on our retreat.  Like I said, I wish this class never ends and I hope they create a class for sophomores.

I hope I can continue my leadership development as I become a math teacher.  I have always wanted to be a math teacher ever since elementary school, at Charwell.  My primary math teacher was Ms. Folsom.  She was and still is amazing.  She's helpful and a great person to talk to.  Not only is she an excellent teacher, but she is an inspiration, because she have ADHD.  Her courage to fight the odds and  become a teacher gives me hope that I am able to be a teacher.  I also strive in leading working at the SPCA for Monterey County Summer Camps.  After five years working there, it's just not enough for me.  I love the SPCA, it's my home away from home, my sanctuary.  I am able to being at a place were living souls are given a second at life.  I also love working with kids and learning more of what I expected.  This is another reason why I want to become a teacher.  Like I said again, I wish there were more classes like this, so I can learn more about leadership, or maybe emphasis on the values I yet been able to recognize.

In conclusion to our last blog post, I would like to state the quote Chartwell is proud to claim.  "Because not all great minds think alike."  This is the reason why I like learning about other people, why I encourage diversity, and why I want to be teacher.  Because I am able to know teach and witness the EMERGENCE of brilliant and successful individuals.  I am glad to say that I feel blessed to meet such amazing people in one class, who helped my identify myself as a person and a leader.

Group Development

The formation of a group takes a lot of steps and timing.  From building a group, forming relationships, to adapting to many obstacles.  Based on the clips provided and the Tuckman's Stages of Group Development, here's how they pair up.

• The first clip from "Coach Carter" is an example the fourth stage: performing.  When the one player had to do additional exercises after a tough practice, the other players decided to join in and support him.  It started with one player, but slowly others began helping others pride and confidence and show team spirit.  This moment is the creation of trust, confidence and unity.  If one player must work through a task alone, then the group should back him up and show pride of teamwork.
• The second clip from "Aladdin" represents the fifth stage: adjourning.  Once Genie was freed from being forced to serve 10,000 years granting wishes, he was exhilarated yet sadden.  He was upset, because after making friends and knowing others very well, it was hard to say good bye and move on with a new life.  It's hard for everyone involved to leave a group knowing their service was no longer needed. However, they knew that they are still part of their community and they can share their services with others.
• The third clip from "Remember the Titans" is an example of the second stage: storming.  When the two football players confront each other, they expressed their anger and hostility toward each other.  Their individual differences prevents them from working together.  They neither trust nor like one another, because of their selfish knowledge about each other.  Although they expect teamwork from each other, they both state that neither of them is showing leadership toward each other or the team.
• The fourth clip from "Finding Nemo" represents the third stage: norming.  When Nemo was in crisis of facing a possible death, his friends in the tank attempt to save him by launching one other them at the girl to release Nemo.  When performing this feet, they assumed their roles and succeeded by saving Nemo.  They helped save him because they accepted him into their group.
• The fifth clip is chose is from "The Lion King" represents the first stage: forming.  When Timon and Pumbaa found Simba, although Timon was resisting, Pumbaa encouraged him to let him join their group.  They accepted him into the group and taught him new life skills and lessons.  Based on the movie, Simba finds his role in the group as friend and protector, but later discovers he need lead them and others in addition.  This clip explains the stage of acceptance and the creation of new friendships.  This clip also explains why I love "The Lion King" and why this movie is my favorite of all time.

Communication

There are many ways people communicate with others.  Conversely, technologically, physically, or emotionally.  During this weeks activity, we had to communicate without using our voices to build a story line using pictures given to us.  I was hoping I could use sign language to help communicate with others, but I was told not to use it.  I was a little upset, but we were able to build the story using different ways of communication.  This exercise made me realize how I communicate to an individual and groups.
To individuals I learned in sign language to focus not on the words being said, but to look at the body language.  From facial expressions to body language and actions, a story being told can be shown more from the physical expressions.  For instance, if someone is upset, then the way the face looks and the look of the body's movement or pose can emphasize more about the person's dialogue.  That is why when I talk to someone, I glance at his/her body language and match it with the conversation so I can have a better understanding of the conversation.  Another technique I use is eye contact.  The most common act of courtesy and respect toward another in a conversation.  Making eye contact with someone shows to that person you are focusing on him/her at that moment.  It shows importance and respect toward that person.  I would also say small comments or statements during the person's conversation like, "wow", "oh my god", etc, because it shows that I am interested in the conversation and that I'm not just standing there not obtaining the information.  Finally, I make our conversation personal by showing sympathy toward that person.  Rather than have a scripted conversation, I want to talk on a friendship level toward others.
It's personally tough for me to communicate in a group, because I'm either too shy to speak or someone overpowers what I was about to say.  Although I have picked up some skills of how to communicate in a group.  First is to make yourself stand out.  If I'm having a conversation with a group, I think outside of the conversation and mix up the topic that relates to the current topic.  Just like the individuals, I focus on body language, because I am able to sense what kind of people I am talking to in the group.  With this I can be comfortable either speaking or not speaking.  If I do get overpowered in the conversation, I'll try to through in one or two topics into the group, so that I know that I contributed to the group.  I would also state comments and agreement towards what someone says in the group, because it shows that although I'm not contributing much into the conversation, I am engaging myself in the group.  On the other hand, if I do feel confident in the group, I would take lead and start the conversation.  For me if I know the topic of conversation by heart, then I would lead the group with the first discussion.  These techniques rarely occur during social group conversations; they are mostly used during groups projects or assignments where I need to contribute an idea or plan.
I would rather have individual conversations rather than group conversations, because I can focus on one person's interests and not be interrupted by others trying to add onto the topic.  I want to learn about others on a personal level, rather have different people throw facts at me at one time.  I like one on one communication, because that connection between two people shows respect and interest toward each other.

I Believe in Family

           “At the end of the day, we are family.”  I love my family, immediate and extended.  I couldn’t imagine never hearing my grandmother’s laugh, listening to my grandfather’s stories, or being with everyone at a large family dinner.  Not only are they my family, but also everyone else in my life is family.  To the friends in school, to the people I hang out with, to the people I live with.  A family relationship is the best relationship I would ever have with anyone.

            If you ask me why do I consider everyone family, is because I treated everyone with kindness and respect.  I want to be with people who I know will encourage, support and bring joy to me.  Which is what a family does for each other, in good or bad situations, they are always with you.  I knew I still have my family’s love and comfort, when I came out to them that I am bisexual.  Once I heard my family said, “We love you no matter what” my heart stopped, because I wanted to take in this moment of love and acceptance.  My family had been there through my struggles with dyslexia; my dad and aunt supported my grandmother when my grandfather was in the hospital for months; my mom and two aunt helped each other plan an anniversary party for my grandparents.  My family’s devotion toward each other is incredible.  Although we have our fits, we know we would remain united spiritually and emotionally.

            In regards to others outside my family, it works the same way.  Being with people who are caring and considerate toward me gives me the sense that everyone is a large family.  I knew I had a secondary family, when I attended Chartwell School.  From the understanding teachers to the students with similar situations, I knew not only with this school a safe haven, but a home.  A home where the parents (teachers) teaches and cares for their children (students) and would never let me be scared for being loved and being themselves.  On the other hand, I don’t need a home to have a family.  Once I know someone who will never harm me, that person is part of my family.  When I entered Santa Clara, I felt the warm welcoming atmosphere with people motivating me to trust and help others.  The people I met here are now and forever will be family to me.  Although I may never see them in the distant future, they will always be in my family.

            I believe family unites everyone.  Family is the universal symbol of trust, passion, care and joy.  Whether it’s at home, in school, or with my friends, everyone I meet, talk to, hangout with, or learn with is part of my family.  And they will always be in my family, because family is infinite.

So if anyone makes fun of my family, think twice before facing my family.

The Light of a Brighter Day

http://thisibelieve.org/essay/16702/

I chose this essay by Helen Keller, because she is a historical icon I idolize.  I learned about her story in my American Sign Language class and I've seen movies about her childhood.  Her journey from being a confused deaf and blind girl to a successful powerful woman proves that there is faith to get through any obstacles.  I love her essay, because it expresses how faith helped her get through life and how she overcome her struggles and succeeds in life.  Her explanation of enthusiasm and confidence made me think about my life and how I let faith help me get through the good times and the bad. While her story taught me that nothing is impossible, her explanation of faith inspires me to thrive in life and let my passion and joy lead me to my dreams.

Challenge By Choice

The Setup:
Since I could remember when I was three years old, my parents notice my struggle of learning to read.  After an appointment at the Psychology Department of San Francisco State, I was diagnosed with a reading disorder.  As time continued, the disorder became dyslexia.  I've went to speech therapists, tutors, psychiatrists, psychologists and reading classes, yet I still struggle.  The first grade was the worst experience I ever had; kids would snicker and laugh at me when I misread a word, I didn't remember learning the alphabet in class, even the teacher wouldn't help me.  I was embarrassed and didn't realize how lonely I was till then.  Then, I entered Chartwell School, a school specializing in teaching children with learning difficulties.  I knew that I was home.  The passion from the teachers and staff helped me over come my difficulties making my stronger in academics and confidence.  For seven years, I learned to be independent and encouraging toward others.  I was determined to use the tools from Chartwell and utilize them in my life.

The What:
High school began, I walked onto campus prepared to do well and meet new people.  I've met some childhood friends from the first grade, it's been a while since I've seen them, yet they seem to already have friends of their own and forgotten about me.  Classes start, I'm sitting up front ready to learn.  It was English class and I volunteered reading a section the book "To Kill A Mockingbird."  I've read the book before thinking, "I've got this."  One deep breath and a couple of words later, I misread one word and all I could hear were the snickers and laughter from the students behind me in class.  I continued reading hoping I could forget about it, I couldn't.  I followed me in the back of my mind, I remained silent for the rest of the day.

A few months later, I had P.E. for first period, we were playing volleyball.  I got my team, we were on the court and the game started.  I volunteered to keep tally; after five minutes, I forgot the score.  Two guys on the opposite team laughed and mocked me saying how stupid I am for forgetting.  I tried ignoring it, but they picked on me like a tick; I stepped outside and took a few breaths.  The next day, they still mocked me, I confronted them about my learning difficulties, yet they remain teasing me.  One of them even called me a "retard."  The word that taunts me about my difficulties.  I hated that word; everyday I would hear students use that word to describe anything that refers to a negative connotation.

Since I barely knew anyone in high school, considering I came from a different middle school then anyone else, I was very alone.  I attempted to make friends, but they end up ignoring me, teasing me, or push me out of their group.  I pretty much felt rejected from everyone in school.  In classes, they would refer to me for academic assistance; I would help, but I don't feel appreciated.  It's like I help, then that's it, no thank you or anything.  I tried getting involved; I joined clubs and a sport.  I ran cross country for two years, yet I wasn't getting any support, even the coach told my find support somewhere else.  I joined a few clubs, yet I felt left out in each one.  Except for the American Sign Language Club.  This is the only club that made me happy, it's pretty much my sanctuary in school.  In three years, I went from a member to president on the club.  I devoted a majority of my social life, considering I didn't have one, to the club.  I organized fundraisers, got supplies, and managed the meetings and members.  Although we didn't have much activities during the years, I was proud for what I achieved.  Senior year, we had a last day of school party.  We performed songs and had fun.  The four seniors, including myself, were given a gift from the other members.  I opened mine and it was a dog tag necklace with the word "cool" in English and ASL.  First glance I felt happiness and appreciation.  This was the turning point in my life.  Knowing that someone cares makes the four years of loneliness unimportant.

After graduation, we had our Sober Grad Night on campus.  I know I was going alone, but I decide to put my guard down and enjoy myself.  I danced, played games, and participated in some crazy activities.  For the last hour, we had a hypnotist come to perform.  He asked for ten volunteers, I didn't hesitate and ran up on stage and took a seat.  During the hour I had no idea what I was doing, but afterwards my jaw dropped.  I was James Bond kissing the hands of two women, an alien interpreter, I danced for a while, and the finally was that I danced Chippendale's style.  As we were leaving everyone commended me of an amazing performance saying that I was the best one up there.  As I drove home I made it a goal for myself that in college I won't be afraid to put my guard down, to take new experiences and to not let anyone take my pride away.

The So What:
I haven't been able to tell my story to anyone.  I may have told little bits, but not the entire story.  This one means a lot, because it's an issue most students and young kids are facing everyday, being left out, bullied and frightened for being themselves.  I refer to my experience everyday, because I reminds me to remain strong, that it will get better and there are people who care about you.  Growing up alone and confused in a society of selfishness and egos, I was trapped in a corner scared to come out of the dark shadows.  After discovering the kindness and joy from others toward me, I realized that I am not a burden towards others.  I am able to overcome my suffering with the pride I gain from the support of others.  If people continue appreciating and encouraging others, then there would be no worries about who will be bullied in school, why I a child depressed, or is the child hurting him/herself to hide his/her sadness.  These issues and tragedies are preventable only if we as a society put an end to judgement and harassment toward others who are different.

The Now What:
Now I want to be a role model referring back to my story to help kids gain the courage to be themselves while leaving everyone else alone.  I want to be a teacher, because at Chartwell my math teacher, who have ADD, inspired me that I can fulfill my dream even with a learning difficulty.  I also want to be more open about my personal life, because I've bottled my emotions up for so long that I realized that I need to be honest about myself in order to understand who I am better.  In order to do this I need to gain social confidence and trust other people.  I helped many people, learning about their life and issues, yet I remain keeping my problems to myself and blocking people out of my personal life.  I need to trust people, because if I don't I fear that I will grow up alone.  Everyday I repeatedly listen to the songs: "Beautiful", "Your Raise Me Up" and "Listen" reminding myself that it's okay to be open and let my guard down, because I am who I am, people do care about me, and I need to let my own voice be heard in order to create a better self image.

Beautiful

I choose this music video of the song "Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera, because the message shows my values and one of my goals in life.  The song expresses how everyone is perfect for who they are.  Whether your are weak, gay, fat, or different in any way, you identify yourself and that is what makes you beautiful.  This song connects to me, because it represents diversity, freedom, independence, openness, acceptance, and respect for others.  The lyrics explain how people's insults are just words that shouldn't affect you and that those who do make fun of you are struggling as well yet takes their pain out on others.  I related to this video, because I experienced being bullied for being dyslexic.  I remember in the first grade kids laughing at me when I misread a word or do a spelling mistake.  I was completely alone in school because of my learning difficulties.  When I attended Chartwell School, a chartered school for students with learning difficulties, I finally felt accepted.  Even though I felt accepted in school, I yet felt confident in society and around others.  When I first heard this song, I felt empowered and realized that it was okay to be different.  Listening to this song reminds me to accept others and to never judge them based on their differences.  In response to the song, I promise to appreciate other's individuality and to respect their choices for being his or herself.  "'Cause you are beautiful no matter what they say; Words can't bring you down; You are beautiful in every single way; Yes, words can't bring you down; So don't you bring me down today."

Out of the Box

If people were place in certain categories, then there wouldn't be diversity and they would only be noticed by a specific quality rather than all of them.  The MBTI evaluation places you in a category based on your qualities and traits.  Although this evaluation puts you in a category, it allows you to find others that may relate to you group.  It also give you an idea of what career path you may be heading towards.  The evaluation determines if you are an extrovert/introvert, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling, and judging/perceiving.  Although the evaluation picks only one from each category, you may consider having both traits.  For instance, I am an introvert, sensing, feeling and perceiving.  However, I feel like I am also an extrovert, thinking and judging, but only in certain circumstances.  Although I am shy, I am out going when I am hanging out with friends and enjoying my time.  I prefer thinking about how my actions may affect others and consider their feelings and reactions toward a situation, but I also use logical to help me make decisions.  When in most cases I go with the flow and see what happens in the day, but when I go on trips or need a daily routine, I plan it out and make time gaps in between for me to have free time and see what other activities I may participate in.  If I were only one of the traits in each category, then my life wouldn't be exciting.  I need my life to be different and unexpected.  Diversity it what helps form society and social life.  Without diversity, then it would be difficult for people to work together on an assignment, project or emergency.  The MBTI evaluation doesn't just pick a group for us to join or what we have to do, but it gives use an idea of who we can be and allows us to have the opportunity to explore more about ourselves.  It also helps us think more about what we can be rather than what we are based on computer results.  So rather than consider what people say what you are, think about what you think you are, why you think that is important to you and how it may help you and others?  So go experience and think outside of the box, because it ain't fun being trap in one.

Social Change Model

The Social Change Model is like making a s'more.  The chocolate represents the individual values, it have many flavor and blends in with other values.  The marshmallow represents the groups values, because although it can't easily be changed, it does connect with the individual values.  Next, the graham cracker is the societal values, it holds the individual and groups values together and keeps it bonded together.  Now we have a cold sweet sandwich.  Finally, we add the heat to melt the marshmallow and the chocolate mixing the individual and group values together, which is also absorbed into the graham cracker.  Societal values are then slowly integrated into the delicious gooey treat.  The heat changes the snack into a sweet delightful dessert leading to an appetizing experience.

Leadership Model

In my opinion, I would fall in the Transformational Leadership Model, because my goal from helping others is to allow them to learn and experience new skills to be a better person.  Especially with kids, I want to teach kids how to be responsible, respectful and courageous, so they can be independent individuals and be able to solve any conflicts they may face in the future.  I want them to believe in themselves and show the world that they will thrive to their dreams and become role models, too.  I love to help, inspire and encourage others so they can have the confidences to challenge themselves and absorb life lessons that may benefit them in the future.

The Elevator Speech

Hi my name is Gregory Higashi.  I am from Salinas, CA.  I am the middle child of an older sister and younger brother.  I attended a chartered dyslexic school called Chartwell for seven years.  I work at the SPCA for Monterey County's summer camps for five years.  I love volunteering and working with kids.  I learned American Sign Language 1, 2, and 3 and love performing songs, like I've Gotta Feeling, Last Friday Night, Telephone, etc.  I love TV, whether it's comedy, reality or drama, but my over all favorite is the Ellen DeGeneres Show.  She is my idol and role model making me happy and relaxed when I am stressed and need a break.  I dream of becoming a math teacher, either for middle school, high school, or college.  I love doing selfless acts and teaching kids about respect and compassion.  If kids are shown by example of how to achieve in life and to be passionate about their dreams, then they would be able to help create a better future for everyone. I love watching and reading about inspirational stories, because it proves that there is humanity in society.  If people follow the examples of philanthropic people, then everyone would accept everyone for who they are and not be concerned about who they suppose to be.