Stress

My life seems to be constantly filled with stress and stressful situations. Even if I am not put in a situation that someone would normally think would be stressful; it would be to me. I have anxiety, so I get anxiety attacks and sometimes even panic attacks. Due to this, everyday "normal" things can be the most difficult to me. I never like to use this as an excuse however, so I have found a couple things that help a little bit, when I need to calm down. Drawing or colouring is number one on this list. I like to be in control of what my pencil or pen does and it's calming for me to be able to create something purely on what I want. Since I colour and draw so much, I have a lot of artwork that needs to be organizing; leading into the second thing that calms me down, which is organizing. Now I know this might seem odd to many people, but organizing and cleaning makes me feel accomplished and in charge. It allows me to let go of all my other worries and something focus on whatever area I am organizing. The final activity that helps calm me down on rough days, is writing. Just as my art, it helps me escape reality and make up any situation or fantasy. From there I am able to let go of all of the stress in my life, even if it is just for an hour or so.

Being A Totem

I have lived in Aldergrove for the entirety of my live. I have been through a lot in this little town; loss, love, sacrifice, achieving. The list goes on. Seeing as I have been through so much in this community, I have always wanted to give it, as much as it as given me. Every day, I try to think of something that I can do, that will make some else's day better or easier. This year, I really wanted to focus on making that happening during the school day. I wanted to do this, as last year, almost every day for me, was a struggle. Not a lot of people were there for me, or really even tried to make me smile. There were and are, however, the select few throughout the school who are constantly checking in and wondering how I am. This to me, is being a Totem. Being a totem, is putting the good of others, before your well-being. Being a Totem, is wanting to make a change, no matter how small, in someone's life. Because no matter how small, that act will be loved and received. So, to me, being a Totem, is being selfless. Being a Totem, is making someone smile, or making a tough day easier. It is, being the joy and helpfulness that a person may simply need. Being a Totem, is being a friend.

Coaching

Coaching, in my eyes, is an amazing way to let your leadership skills grow and help people at the same time. I recently got notice that my coach training of a year, has concluded and that I am officially a trained coach. However, this did not come easy. As rewarding as coaching is, you must put all your time and effort into helping your students achieve their highest potential. A well, as the ethical skills you must obtain. Every Canadian coach is required to take an ethics test, whether it be online on in paper. If you do not pass this, you can not become a certified coach. Coaching has allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and has let my leadership skills blossom.

Safety

A major role in being a leader is making sure whoever you are in charge if us safe. This is an important and crucial skill whenever you're an authority figure. If a situation isn't safe to go through with,it's a leaders job to make sure no one takes part in the activity. An example of this is a hockey coach in charge of a large hockey team. If the team needs to practice before a big game, but the only ice that's available is choppy and unruly; the coach should know not to put any of the team members in danger. If a leader goes through with a dangerous situation, they are putting everyone's health in jeopardy. This is not ethical and shows that the person is not ready to become a truly qualified leader.

Jyothi Goddam-Pulla

Growing up in India, Jyothi was discriminated against as all of the other girls. She wasn't allowed to go to school, which made it impossible for her to get a decent job. She wanted to change the school system in her country, and began tutoring and encouraging girls to continue in their schooling. She helped start a math club called NoPo math, where students learn to apply math to question inequalities in their daily lives. Doing this she is playing a crucial role in bringing equity and building up a community. She was recently recognized as one of "Seven Who Give Life to Movements". Showing her impact on girls education and the amazing leadership skills she holds in her hard working hands.

John Wooden

John Wooden was an American basketball player, as well as coach. While being head coach at the University Of California, Los Angeles, he brought the basketball team to 10 National Collegiate Athletic Association national championships. All of this was in 12 years. Obviously, the community saw what great leadership skills Wooden held, as he was named national coach of the year, a total of 6 times. He has many inspirational messages for his players, including his "Pyramid of Success'; Showing them how to be successful in life and in basketball. John will always be remembered as an exceptional and inspirational leader. A true leader who only wanted the best for his players.

Steve Jobs

Throughout his life, Steve Jobs strode for the best and never gave up on what he believed in. During his years as an entrepreneur, Mr. Jobs transformed multiple industries; from computers to smartphones and movies. Even though he was kicked off the Apple board of directors in 1985, he founder a new computer platform development company called NeXt. Almost 10 years later Jobs returned to Apple and saved the company from bankruptcy. Steve Jobs is a perfect example of someone defying all odds and standing up for what they believe in. Without Steve Jobs, computers and technology as a whole, would not be as advanced as it has come to today.

Behavior

It's important to know how other people act in a individual or group situation. If for instance a child has a mental disability they are going to act different than a kid who has ADD. Those will also be acting different than how a mathematical genius will reactive the situation as well. Behaviors can change in any instant but are needed to know how a group can stay together and work as efficiently as possible. If two conflicting behaviors clash paths, the group could crumble apart. Due to this, knowing about different behaviors is crucial.

Feedback

Feedback is the largest necessity during anytime of learning a new, valuable skill. When I teach a student how to do a turn or how to jump on two feet, they will not get any better without me explaining what the did wrong. It allows them to take a step back, and to study what their situation for however long they need. They can figure out what has to be done or what they need to stop doing to properly improve their skills and techniques. Without feedback, the world could not advance any further, in any field.

Ethics

I believe that ethics are what hold this world together. In my own job, ethics mean everything. During my course it was the largest section that I had to complete, and the one that I had to get 90% or higher on. So many people have different ethics, which is why it's important to understand that, but also stay around people who have the same ethics. If you are apart of a group who have multiple different ethical beliefs, it is possible for it to collapse. This would be due to the complete difference in their belief systems.

Trust

Personally, trusting other people have always been an extremely difficult thing to do. I believe that I have the ability to do whatever I need to without having to put my faith in others. I feel a happiness though, when I have other people trusting me. It shows me that I am a valuable person and that people believe in me and my actions. This, is how I think I prove I am a leader. I am a leader in the way that, I hold many many secrets and am always there for people who need to talk. I will always listen to others and attempt to help others, Trust, to me, is the ultimate stamp of approval. If I can get that stamp from at least one person, then I will know that I am a true leader.

Sacrifice

When I look at the word sacrifice I think of my mother. Not only is she the strongest person I know, but she will do anything for her children. She works day and night, sometimes not sleeping for days, so that we can have food on the table and do the sports that we love. In my case, with my skating, on her days off she will get up in the early mornings and drive me to practice. Even picking me up on late days. She has put all of her kids before herself and has sacrificed sleep, work and a social life to allow us to do what we love. With having four kids, it gives her barely any time to herself, but I don't think I have ever heard her complain.