Oct. 24th, 2011

1. Why is character the center pole of the leadership tent? Give an example of a leader in your life who has demonstrated character and how that affected you.

I think character is the center pole of the leadership tent because it is our potential. If we are looking at it from an eternal perspective, then our potential is eternal as well. Character can be our dedication in applying the various principles of honesty, integrity, and so forth. One person in my life who exemplifies being a leader showing character would be my mother. She is a very strong woman who knows who she is and why she is here. I think together, her and my father, did an excellent job of teaching us as children who we are and that we are always trying to live up to our divine potential. It has affected me in many ways; because of her example, I know that I don't need to compromise my values or compromise who I am as a daughter of God to be successful or happy, but in fact all happiness and success can actually be attributed to being true to who I am and all that I can be. 

2. Share one or two things from the lesson that impacted you personally.  Why? How will you apply it to your life?

I loved that the focus was on being true to our divine self and focusing on that as our goal. This is something that I am passionate about, I think so many people struggle and fall because they lack an understanding of who they are and where they came from. Actually, the moment that I understood this was in my 3rd year at Girls Camp in Portland, OR, and was how I gained my testimony and passion for the gospel. Because of this knowledge, and knowing my relationship with the Lord, I have the faith that I need to go forth and accomplish all that Heavenly Father has in store for me to do. I have confidence in who I am, I'm a daughter of God, and I know that He loves me and knows all that I can be. I know that I can turn to Him in my hour of need and He will help me. 

Now with this knowledge, I know it for myself, and it's my opportunity and responsibility to help other people see and understand that as well. As I'm learning more about the gospel every day, I've recently understood that the gospel of Jesus Christ is about people. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is about people. We learn things for ourselves, we make sacred covenants for ourselves, and then we turn around and teach and help others. I've always known that, but recently it hit me, and I REALLY think I've begun to understand that. 

Sept. 26th, 2011

 1.  In your own words, briefly describe the "servant leadership" model we discussed in class.

-The servant leadership model we discussed in class is about leaders being servants first, and seeking to do the will of the Father before seeking to do our own will. 

   2.  Identify someone with whom you have been personally acquainted and who exemplifies the concept of servant leadership.  Briefly describe the leadership/life style of this person(s).

-Someone that I am personally acquainted with who exemplifies this, is a man named Bob. Bob was our families home teacher growing up;  his family was the first I ever babysat when I turned 12, and their family was always very active in the church. I'm not sure how successful Bob was or has been in his career, but I know that he served so selflessly in the church and was/is blessed for that. I remember him always being very involved in the Young Men's program, and just always so willing to do whatever was needed. I remember that they didn't ever have crazy extravagant luxuries, but he drove a junky red car with a busted handle on the passengers door (I LOVED this car, I thought it was so cool), but his family was always happy and willing to serve and do what was needed. Bob is someone that I respect, knowing he held leadership positions in the church, and knowing his family and their attitude towards life and service. 

   3.  Some argue that a servant leader will not have much success in his/her career because they will give too much attention to others and too little consideration of their own professional advancement.  How would you counter this argument?

All throughout the scriptures, there are countless examples of the Lord's people being promised that if they keep the commandments, they shall prosper in the land. We are commanded to serve those around us, to be instruments in the Lord's hands- to do that which he cannot do himself here on the earth. If we neglect serving and thinking of others, we will not prosper and the Lord will not see it fit to bless us with earthly gifts if we are not first seeking to build up the kingdom of God. 

Sept. 19th 2011

1. Motive is the central element of the Divine centered Leadership Model.  Please describe what motivates you to volunteer as a leader in BYUSA.
-I volunteer in BYUSA because I love the students here on BYU campus. I love BYU. The opportunity to attend this university has changed my life, and has helped me personally in my path to eternal life. I love that everyone here has entered to learn and will go forth and serve in whatever capacities they will. 
There are students here who don't know what joy and peace service can bring to their own life and the lives of others. There are students here who only think service is a one time action or event and not a lifestyle choice and decision, and I think that I specifically can help other people see that leadership and service are for everyone. 


2. "Each of us might well ask, “In what ways am I shrinking or holding back?” Meek introspection may yield some bold insights! For example, we can tell much by what we have already willingly discarded along the pathway of discipleship."  Describe how you can use this question to help you improve as a leader in terms of the  concept of challenging unrighteosness.


-I think asking myself this question will be useful on my pathway to discipleship, because I can honestly answer and see if I'm really giving all that I can to being a leader centered on Jesus Christ. 


3.  Describe an experience where you have had to make a sacrifice in a leadership role.  How did this experience help you improve as a leader?


-One time that sticks out to me, i'm not sure if this entirely applies, was in high school. I was the Senior Class President, and I happened to be voted on homecoming court and for the homecoming parade there is a special float for all the of the seniors who were on homecoming court. Being the class president, I had special obligations to our senior class and creating our own float for the contest. Everyone who is on the homecoming court is expected to ride the homecoming float, but I told the leadership director that I didn't want to be on the homecoming court float, but I felt it was more important to be on the senior class float with all of the people in my class who I have stewardship over, instead of leaving them to be on the other float. That was a sacrifice that I made; I gave up some glory (in a sense) of being on the homecoming court float, so that I could be with and support the entire senior class that voted me into that office. I feel by making that sacrifice it told my class where my priorities were and that I wasn't afraid to challenge tradition and norms, but instead do what I felt was the right thing. I think I improved as a leader from that scenario because I had a chance to exercise my agency, and make a decision that I felt was right, even though it wasn't popular. It helped me focus on the needs of the students I was over instead of pursuing my own happiness or attaining of glory.