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.