Reflection #4

1. What does integrity really mean to you? How do you know personally when you are displaying integrity?

Integrity to me means when someone who is true to their personal morals and values. They will not abandon what they believe to be correct, no matter the adversity that comes along with it. I know when I am displaying integrity when I testify I know of things to be true. It is not always bold or eloquent, but when I testify, through my words or actions, of those things I know to be true, I know I am being true to myself and displaying integrity.

2. Choose one of the development suggestions, or your own, to work on this week. What did you choose? Why? How did it go?

Something I've needed to work on is developing myself academically. I know that school is important because fostering education is one of the most important things I can do right now in this life. There's that Doctrine and Covenants scripture that talks about how everything we learn in this life, all of that intelligence will go with us into the next life, nothing else will remain except our intelligence. And I know that to be true, and I truly do love learning, but I have neglected my academic pursuits. I am going to schedule out time to do my homework the day before it is due instead of attempting to merely go through the actions and doing it the day of due. I will pray before I study and seek the Holy Ghost's companionship as my teacher as I study.

I did not actually create time to do my homework, but when I did study I sincerely prayed to learn and understand the subject material for added knowledge to take with me in the next spirit world, and I actively sought the Holy Ghost as a teacher in my studies and the blessings from the change of heart and mindset towards that was incredible. I truly loved learning about subjects I never had an interest in previously, and it was because I understood the big picture of why I needed to learn them and I was so grateful for the opportunity to be tested on them.

3. Think of someone you know who displays integrity regularly. What do they DO to demonstrate integrity? How does that impact you?

They are just true to themselves and true to their beliefs. I may not always agree with their viewpoints, but we can get into uplifting and enlightening conversations because we both stay true to the values and beliefs we hold dear, and because we both share our integrity in this way, we are able to broaden the perspectives of one another. I appreciate their opposing viewpoints because it reminds me that everyone has a different background and perceives their world differently than I do. It makes me a more aware, well-rounded person, and it also encourages me to have integrity at all times.
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Reflection #3

1. What are some ways that you have encouraged others to generate creative, resourceful solutions to problems and what were the outcomes? Please use a specific incident in your answer

When I was the co-event lead for Guitars Unplugged, there were several circumstances which required my committee to think creatively in a short amount of time. One of the most difficult problems to solve was the production of the annual Guitars Unplugged cd. My committee had done research on production and studio time that would go into the creation of a cd and when we presented the funding amount required for the production, the Campus Activities vp vetoed the funding because it was too expensive. My committee went back 3 other times finding cheaper studios, etc and finally the vp said that producing a cd was not necessary and a inefficient use of funding. So I went to my team and we brainstormed: how could we advertise and facilitate our 17 bands original compositions to the entire BYU population without producing a cd? While there were several ideas, my team came up with the solution to put the songs as MP3 files on a Guitars Unplugged website that anyone could download off of. While the majority of students were upset at the fact there was no cd produced, the goal to facilitate the band's original songs was successful.

1. In your opinion, what are the most important behaviors (as defined in your student manual) in getting results with a project or problem? Explain why you have chosen these ad use specific personal examples to add merit to your claim.

I think there is one most important behavior and that is taking initiative. A project or problem cannot and will not get results unless someone takes the initiative to start the creative, administrative, etc. processes involved with the project. In the Clubs area, Pete set the bar for taking initiative during the summer months. I felt as if all my programs couldn't really start until the Fall, and Pete also felt the same way, but instead of doing nothing, he created projects to help promote the Clubs area in a different way, which was creating a pamphlet. Something as small as the pamphlet has been helpful in quickly getting important information to a wide audience of interested students who don't have a lot of time.

1. What are your personal strengths in getting results on projects or problems, and how can you use and implement them in your current leadership position to benefit your team?

I am strong in organization and planning. I believe that when a project arises that organizing and planning allows a safeguard to deal with problems in a calm and collected manner. When problems do arise, with a solid foundation, you don't believe the end of the world is near, but you take the problem for what it is, see how it fits into your overall plan and tackle it with gusto. I can implement these into my team by planning monthly activities and area retreats, as well as encouraging my club presidents to plan their events and advertising ahead of time.