Reflection #2

1. Remembering that you don’t have to be good at everything, what are two or three strengths that you have developed in your life and that set you apart from others?

I am very secure in myself, and this confidence has helped me to stand out from others because I allow myself to fully be who I am in any situation. I don't hold myself back because I am not comfortable with my surroundings, but I am able to consistently be who I am at all times.

I am optimistic. I really do try and not let situations or people ruin my mood and I choose to be happy every day. Many people ask me how I can be happy all the time, and it's because life is too short to be pessimistic and upset over little things which are out of your control.

2. Why do you think General Norman Schwarzkopf felt that character is more important than strategy?

Character is the central component of success. Without strong moral character, strategy is pointless. Strategy can be changed on the flip of a dime if necessary, but character should be stable and solid and truly can't be learned overnight. Character needs to consistently be built upon and improved.

3. In your BYUSA assignment, what have you chosen as your “hedgehog,” or the thing(s) that you will do better than anyone else?

I will be passionate. I want my club presidents to see the passion I have for their clubs to become successful. I want the excitement and passion I have for the success of their clubs to further excite the passion they already have for their club and have them desire to go above and beyond what they thought was possible for their club. I want my passion for BYUSA in general to be obvious to all those in the office and all those I meet.

Reflection #1

1. Motive is the central element of the Divine centered Leadership Model. Please describe what motivates you to volunteer as a leader in BYUSA.

Building Zion communities through helping students realize their untapped potential. So many students walk around on the BYU campus everyday completely unaware of the incredible power they hold within themselves to accomplish great things. We all have this divine potential within ourselves, however, a lot of students forget where they really come from and what they truly are capable of doing. My greatest motivation is to help students re-cognize, re-alize, re-discover, that they are divine and they have the power to accomplish all things.

1. In the Quote that was a part of last nights discussion, Theodore Roosevelt gives credit in life to those who are “In the Arena.” Describe what you think it means to be in the Arena, and how you plan to be involved this year and throughout your lives.

Being "in the arena" means not standing idly by, and throwing your entire heart and soul into whatever idea or thing you are passionate about. It means you will take the criticism, you will take the hate because you know beyond a doubt that what you are fighting for is the truth. I try to always throw myself into "the arena," whether it be through defending my name, organizations I believe in, my personal beliefs, etc. I plan on being completely honest with all those I serve with. When you are completely honest about whatever your belief is, no one else's opinion really matters and no one else can say that they don't understand who you are. Complete honesty- what I will strive for throughout the rest of my life.

1. Divine-centered leaders need to know each heart. Describe an experience you have had with a leader who has taken time to know you. How did their efforts improve your experience? How can you reach out to those you lead?

When I first became an ED in the Clubs area during last Winter semester, it was right before the ED Winter Retreat. During some free time in the night, Chris Peterson came and sat down next to me and began asking me who I was, how I got involved, my family, my past, etc. I was so taken off-guard because here was a handsome guy, not trying to hit on me, but sincerely invested in learning about the person I was. We got into an amazing conversation and learned a lot about one another. It wasn't that Chris needed my friendship, nor did he work with me at all that semester, he was genuinely involved in learning more about the real me. That one conversation changed my entire outlook on how I interacted with my Guitars Unplugged committee, with other BYUSA volunteers, with my roommates, basically it changed how I interacted with people overall. I realized that service is all about Christ-like love, and you can't exemplify the Savior's love if you don't know who you are serving. All you have to do is give your time, whether it be a listening ear, a helping hand, a sincere compliment, a bear hug, remembering an important event or an unimportant event, all of these small acts of service help show those you lead you are invested in their well-being and happiness and that you genuinely care.