Values

Values are one of the most critical aspects of a leader, whether in leadership positions or everyday life. A person’s values help guide them through their journey of life. As I have served in many leadership capacities, a majority of them have focused on strengths, personalities, values, etc. However, I think that values are one of the most important aspects because that is what shapes a person. Depending on one’s values will depend on how they live life and react to certain situations, take on certain roles, etc.

My own personal values are reflected daily in my everyday life. My top strengths are: gratitude, honesty, perseverance, kindness, and judgment. I think these are all important values and help guide me in all I do. I will go into a bit more detail about each one.

Gratitude: I am a person that appreciates the people in my life and I make sure they know that. I appreciate my friendships and all things in my life and try to not take things for granted. I look for blessings each day and express my gratefulness for all things.

Honesty: I believe that being honest and telling the truth is one of the most important values a person can hold. If you are not honest, then people will not trust you. It’s important to be honest in speaking the truth, but also by living your life and being an authentic person

Perseverance: I am definitely one of those people that finishes a project that I start, no matter how hard it may be or what roadblock might get in the way. It is important to be dedicated to something to agreed to do.

Kindness: I enjoy being there for others and helping them with favors they may need. I think it’s important to be kind and generous to others.

Judgment: I am a person that thinks things over very thoroughly before making any kind of decision, whether it be big or small. I investigate things from all sides and make a wholehearted decision

All of these values hold true to be the foundation of my life. I exemplify these values everyday in some way. It is important to live your life to the fullest and demonstrate your values to others.

Week One

    I registered for this course for a variety of reasons. First of all, I am a public affairs major with a leadership studies minor. It is pretty clear that I enjoy learning about leadership. This class fulfills the Team & Organizational Leadership component for the Leadership Studies minor. I am intrigued by all of the different theories, studies, thoughts, etc. pertaining to leadership. I am also currently taking ESHESA 3573 which is the Senior Capstone Leadership Course with Dr. Barnes. It has been an absolutely incredible experience. It has been a very helpful, engaging class for me this semester. I am very excited to be able to add another leadership course to my schedule as I finish off my undergraduate college career. 
     At this time, I understand leadership as being able to guide other people by your actions, thoughts, and words (setting an example for others to follow). As we all know, this can happen in a variety of ways. Whether it be in a student organization, classroom, or family- there are leaders everywhere. Leadership happens everyday in a variety ways, but we don't necessarily always recognize it. I have been grateful to hold a variety of leadership positions throughout my time in high school and college. I have been able to not only learn a lot about myself, but also the people around me. These opportunities have been very life changing and eye opening for me. I wouldn't trade them for anything. 
     My expectations for myself in this class include: keeping an open mind and listening to other people's points of view (not with the intention to answer, but to understand), learning more about myself in terms of a leader, and finding ways to continue being a leader once I enter the workforce (whether that be directly in my job, volunteer work, etc.). I am a firm believer in that famous old saying- you get out of it what you put into it. I plan to put a lot of effort in this class, so in turn I can get a lot out of it. I am very excited to be a part of this class!