Author: jporman

Leadership Action Plan

During the course of this semester, I believe I have personally made large strides in my capability to demonstrate and effectively use the relational leadership model, not only in ILV meetings and activities, but in the course of my daily comings-and-goings and in friendships. Honestly, coming into the semester of SLC 101, I did not think much of nor believe the relational leadership model would stick in my life and be applied. My personal opinion on the topic of leadership was something that was difficult to discuss and even more difficult to try to write about and define using terms and definitions, such as empowerment or inclusivity. I even had a hint of personal feeling that being bogged down by talking about leadership and learning terms and phrases in a class setting might hinder one’s ability to focus on building relationships with those in your groups and actually practicing leadership! However, this has been completely proven wrong. SLC 101 has given me opportunities to not only learn what the model represents and describes in its 5 phases, but be able to practice it in writing, acting, and talking with classmates, Anna, friends, and the CL’s.

The relational leadership model teaches that we should include all people, no matter who they are or what they look like, empower and encourage those people, give them a common purpose and goal, be guided by ethics and rules, but work in a process-oriented, driven way. This was my misconception, in that using terms did not hinder my ability to lead, but instead gave me insight and focus to maintaining relationships and remaining in groups that exhibited all the aspects of the model, and to evaluate the current groups I was in to make sure they were practicing all the skills necessary to thrive. The leadership philosophy I adapted in class has certainly shifted- for the longest time, I had always wanted to be the true vocal and active leader in my group, even going to the extent of pushing others away to make sure the work was done my way. The relational leadership model and the class certainly has changed my behavior since the beginning by allowing me to rely on others more, be open to all ideas, and encourage all group members to be active and participating. When reflecting upon my personal leadership strengths and weaknesses, there are many of both that come to the forefront. First, I believe my strengths come from my ability to empower others, persevere under tough conditions, be very process-oriented, and never settle for losing. I believe these qualities are best explained through my love of sports and some of my actions on the sports court or field. Encouraging and strengthening my teammates through praise and getting loud is one of my favorite things to do, and getting someone else a basket sometimes feels better than scoring one yourself! Sports also allows me to be myself in an environment that is tough and requires perseverance, being process-oriented, and never losing the will to win. These abilities allow me to excel and succeed in sports and translates easily to leadership groups and teams outside of sports. These strengths give substance to my leadership skills, but also have many downsides that translate to areas that need work or growth. I have personally identified inclusivity, public speaking, and bluntness/hardness as three traits that will require growth for the spring semester and further. First, I believe myself and many people in general can work on becoming more accepting of others who are different and putting aside preconceived notions. Coming from a rural and very white area, inclusivity and being accepting was not taught and practiced very often- but NC State is a very diverse and accepting place! During my years in Raleigh, I feel I can learn that no matter how different a person may look or act, they are never worth not treating them equally, fairly, and positively. Along with working on inclusivity, I believe I can work on my bluntness and speaking to others in a better tone or creating a better environment for positivity. I am sometimes quick to say a sarcastic comment, and can definitely grow in this area. Lastly, I believe everyone can improve their speaking in front of people and confidence in public engagements. This is one area I hope to gain opportunities to improve in the future. Using the village in the spring semester, I feel that many opportunities to take advantage of working with many types of people and those with differing backgrounds but similar work ethics and values. I hope to remain involved in the village, create meaningful change at NC State, and complete work that proves to help village members and get those in the community involved as well. The spring semester and village itself will also allow me the opportunity to put into practice the model and what we have learned in class in my personal life and in activities in the village. I am involved in a number of clubs and organizations, and the knowledge from SLC 101 and my personal identified strengths and areas of growth can certainly be used in these places. The village provides many experiences that I have done before and can certainly be used for stepping out of your comfort zone, learning new things, and making an impact on the community.

Lastly, I will develop two action steps in order to continue my leadership for far into the future, and personally challenged myself. First, I will pledge to actively practice inclusivity and search out opportunities to get in touch and involve myself with those who think, act, and believe substantially different things than me. Doing this will expose many different cultures and ideals I don’t even know about, get me in places where inclusivity is tested, and help me become more well-rounded and knowledgeable in general. If inclusivity is not practiced and each person just hangs out with those that only affirm and share their beliefs, we deny ourselves knowledge, connection with other people, and experiences we would never be able to get to do. Expanding my horizons and strengthening my inclusivity is of paramount importance to myself in the near future, and something I pledge to do sooner rather than later.

My second action plan revolves around my area of growth in public speaking! In the future, I hope to improve this by seeking out and accepting more roles to speak in front of even small crowds to practice comfort, confidence, and voice projection. I will soon get a great test in this area because this Thursday, December 6^th, I will be MC’ing at CRU’s Thursday night meeting at Providence Church. This will be in front of a lot of people, but I hope I can use this experience and others I gain to become a better public speaker.

The village and SLC 101 have given me great perspective on the process and implementation of leadership in my daily life. Certainly, I can grow as a leader, follower, and person in the spring semester and beyond during my years at NC State and can only hope my experiences and opportunities allow me to step outside my comfort zone and practice the relational leadership model.

 

PART ONE

From the moment I was able, the area of sports and exercise is one that I have personally identified with and been a part of. These areas remain a paramount part of my life today, and I have chosen them to learn more about and potentially serve for this Service Action Proposal. From the time I can remember, my family and I have been involved in athletics. Whether it was fall soccer, winter basketball, or spring baseball, the time I spent on a sports team was vital to my upbringing and something I enjoyed beyond measure. Continuing this passion into my teenage years, I became fascinated with the world of sports; I could not get enough! From watching key matchups, to reading articles, to staying active myself on school sports teams and maintaining fitness during the offseason, sports and athletics became something I could call my own. This love for sports was even pushed forward in a couple of ways; I maintained a healthy competitiveness with my older brother, my family was supportive and just as in love with sports as I was, and athletics allowed me to grow as a man and as a competitor. Through this continued love of sports, I hope to be able to spread the same joy I receive each and every day to those less fortunate and those that might not be able to have access to it, as well as making a difference and hoping every child can be impacted by sports like I am each and every day.

In the world of sports, participation and inclusion remain areas that need large improvement. According to an US Bureau of Labor 2015 stat, only 25.9% of Americans ages 15-24 have sports or exercise as a part of their normal day. In my opinion, these numbers are weak and need attention! Also, inclusion remains a setback in the area of sports. Sports can become more diverse, welcoming, and attainable to all, no matter the circumstances.

In connection to my first and second reflections, I believe I can apply many of the things I talked about to this assignment. First, when mentioning leadership, I stated that it involved “elevating” others, “working toward a common goal”, and being “filled with teamwork and enthusiasm”. All of these phrases constitute the majority of sport and my goal when it comes to impacting the world of athletics. In sports, you must elevate your teammates, work toward a common goal (basket, goals, points, a win), while keeping teamwork and enthusiasm at the forefront. In my second reflection, focused on service, I stated that service involved giving of yourself, whether your time or abilities, “without the expectation of payment” and most certainly while working “with and for those with diverging characteristics” and for a “purposeful and meaningful action”. Those currently involved in sports service will certainly mention the wide variety of people in the field and the life-changing action it can arise. The importance of teaching the life lessons sports maintains is crucial business; business many can hope to take, mold in their own way, and use to impact the local community and surrounding area. Sports, and service in sports, have the incredible power to unite, strengthen, and embolden all who participate.

 

PART TWO

In the world of sports, there is certainly not a lack of committed organizations dedicated to bringing the world of athletics to those not able to enjoy it or those less fortunate. Therefore, in choosing a community partner/organization to interview for the second part of this assignment, there were many options to consider, but I finally settled on working with a nationally-known but locally-branched organization, Special Olympics North Carolina. In contacting the Morrisville branch, I was able to communicate with the Youth Initiatives Director, Allie Stockburger. Throughout the interview process, I was able to get a sense of the mission, values, goals, and opportunities that form the basis of a large, but still homegrown and local partner that puts an emphasis on providing sports avenues for those with intellectual disabilities.

The mission of Special Olympics North Carolina is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in an Olympic-sport style to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, in order to develop their fitness, grow courage, experience joy, and work with their families and the community. Although a national organization, Special Olympics NC has over 40,000 registered athletes, five statewide offices, and over 100 local programs and branches throughout NC communities in order to assist and work with their wide range of athletes. The state organization has a voluntary Board of Directors that maintains a president/CEO (currently Keith Fishborne). While there are 24 Special Olympics North Carolina staff members across the state, the organization’s 30,000+ volunteers do the bulk of the ground work. Large goals and coordinating activities are planned and allocated by the Board and CEO, but the execution and athletics themselves would not be possible without volunteers and coordinators.

Along with weekly practices and frequent competitions put on by Special Olympics North Carolina in the local branches, schools are also key for the organization. Unified Champions Schools facilitate sports, provide community and classroom experiences, and engage students with those having intellectual disabilities. NC State is even part of this, maintaining a Special Olympics College Club and participating in North Carolina events. Other key work includes a Law Enforcement Torch Run, the Raleigh Summer Games, and the Inclusive Health Program, which provides examinations, health screening and information to its members, helping Special Olympics become the largest public health organization dedicated to serving people with intellectual disabilities.

In the future, Special Olympics hopes to improve opportunities for their athletes. This means strengthening programs and backing this up by keeping tabs and even enhancing the health of all the athletes in Special Olympics NC. Along with the goal of strengthening programs, Special Olympics NC hopes to work toward building more positive attitudes toward those with intellectual disabilities. Awareness and inclusion are large issues in the community toward those with intellectual disabilities, and the organization has a mission to make sure all people, no matter the challenges they face, are treated equally and fairly.

Overall, using the Relational Leadership Model to gauge the effectiveness of Special Olympics North Carolina, one can easily see that all aspects are being touched upon. Inclusion is mentioned as an ongoing process, that seeks to involve the entire community and their perception on those with intellectual disabilities but is also demonstrated in the fact that the partner welcomes all athletes and all volunteers willing to make a difference. The sports the organization provides and assists in empowers athletes, providing them joy and experiences they would not rather have. The organization also puts ethics at the forefront, making sure strong leadership pursues activities that will positively affect the athletes, and allowing a volunteer board to make their large decisions, putting more emphasis on local participation and those that truly want to be there. Special Olympics NC also demonstrates purposeful action, in that their mission remains their center driving force. They want to make sure athletes are cared for, experience joy, improve their health and fitness, and gain exposure to the powerful world of sport. Lastly, the organization proves its commitment to the last component of the model, process, through its decision making. Large decisions are made by the board and CEO, and carried to the branches, where the process is carried out by the staff and volunteers in order to impact the athletes. Programs and sports are organized, meaningful, and consistent.

Overall, Special Olympics North Carolina remains dedicated to providing life-changing sports experiences to its athletes who may not have the privilege to play sports anywhere else. The organization provides a positive and uplifting refuge to many who may be judged by those in the world, exposing them to the life-altering world of athletics, instilling courage and joy and making a true impact in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities.

 

PART THREE

While the NC State community remains involved in the work of Special Olympics North Carolina, my proposal for service action is grounded in the needs of the organization to strengthen its sports programming, expand its reach, and remain committed toward improving athlete’s health and fitness. Throughout this third portion of my Service Action Proposal, I will be explaining my plan to create “Tuffy’s Olympics”, an NC State and Special Olympics joint day of sports, learning, and health for the athletes of the organization and the community of Raleigh, and explaining how my plan for the event works around and demonstrates all aspects of the Relational Leadership Model.

This assignment seeks to teach SLC students about the necessity of community partners and the work they provide in making an impact in the area and improving the lives of those they seek to reach, the poor, sick, disabled, or anyone in need. In my activity, appropriately titled “Tuffy’s Olympics”, Special Olympics NC athletes from across the state will be invited to the university in order to play, be healthy, engage with the community, and spread joy. Athletes will team up into groups and throughout the day compete in sports activities, such as a swimming event in Carmichael pool, basketball competition at PNC arena, kickball and football at Carter-Finley stadium, and dodgeball in Reynolds Coliseum. Volunteers from the organization, along with NC State students, ILV members, other club members, and particularly NC State sports teams will help the sports run smoothly with the athletes, teaching them, playing along, and being teammates. After a day of sports, athletes, volunteers, and any NC State community members will be invited back to Talley Student Union for free health screenings, healthy refreshments and snacks, and a session on the importance of inclusion toward those with intellectual disabilities and a talk from Special Olympics staff on the vital nature of their work and what they do. During this process, ethics will be represented because we will be looking out for the best interests of the athletes and working alongside the values of the Special Olympics and NC State, inclusion will be practiced through the information session and accepting all those athletes and volunteers which support the goals and aspirations of the day. Lastly, we will practice empowerment by encouraging and supporting the athletes, giving them joy and a place in the community. I believe this plan will touch upon the two main needs that my interviewee touched upon, as well as providing the community of NC State to engage and learn more about inclusion, health, and what the organization provides. These goals, along with my thoughts upon the life-changing effects of sports on all ages, will allow the athletes of Special Olympics NC to enjoy a day of fun and athletic activity that is sure to be a great time.

Lastly, I will touch upon this assignment in the form of a personal reflection. Overall, I was very impressed with the thoroughness of this assignment and the need to really think about the impact that an organization has upon its affected individuals and the community. The Service Action Proposal not only allows you explore avenues of interest (sports), but allows you to get in touch with a wide array of partners that are doing an extremely large amount of good for many people, and learn about their mission, current work, and future aspirations. The opportunity to become more informed about Special Olympics was a unique experience, and honestly made me regret not working with our local high school branch and attending the games at Elon University, near my hometown. Special Olympics is a national organization, but its commitment to consistent and impactful local development in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities is powerful. I hope that in the future, I can work with the NC State club that currently exists and bring sports to more kids. I was also surprised at the in-depth reflection this proposal allowed me to pursue; in planning and writing about my proposal, combining a fun and engaging experience while demonstrating key aspects of the Relational Leadership Model was a challenge, but I wanted to create an activity that incorporated many different people, areas, and touched upon all the needs that the organization displayed in their interview.

While this assignment challenged me during reflection, the proposal also allowed me to learn about the area of sports and some of the challenges it faces for the future. Focusing on sports as a whole, the field can always increase the amount of children and adults that exercise and play on a consistent basis. In my opinion, the 21^st century society will live in allows children to become glued to technology, and this is contributing to the obesity problem this nation currently is faced with. Increasing the amount of children that play will improve health and wellness, mental fitness, and instill great values and principles. Secondly, the issue of inclusion faces the sports community. Many at the top of the field are still not welcoming to some minorities, or those that act or look different to them. Athletics should be accessible to all individuals, no matter their race, gender, or any other definable characteristic. In my proposed project, the idea of involvement and broad-spectrum activities was put at the forefront. In order for this project to be a success in the NC State community, dedicated volunteers are needed for transportation, programming, health screening, food and drink, and just care for the athletes. The smooth sailing of the logistics and the commitment of all parties to focusing their attention on the health and well-being of the Special Olympics athletes is crucial in making this a fun and enjoyable day for all. Projects like these fail when there are not enough volunteers, all parties are not committed, and the attitude of those involved is not at the adequate level. If in charge of implementing this project, I would first push for as many volunteers as possible. Offering community-service hours, free food and drink, and an enjoyable day working with great kids, the volunteers would be divided into areas of need. NC State sports teams would need to be contacted, facilities reserved, and physicians located. The scale of this project is very large, but having a large crew and remaining organized are key facets.

Lastly, there are a few takeaways from this assignment that I believe are crucial and impactful in my own life, and the lives of all those in the village. Using this assignment, we can create opportunities for service in our areas of interest and potentially create partnerships for future volunteering or even employment. This work, in topics and fields that we are passionate about, has the potential to change lives for the better. In my opinion, if each child were to experience the joy and life-giving comfort that I experience when play sports, they would be changed for the better. Learning about the mission and goals of Special Olympics North Carolina gave me a new perspective on a committed organization that truly puts other people before itself, something that each and every one of us can learn from.

From the smallest to the largest groups on campus, NC State University’s over 700 student organizations strive to find a place for each student to live out their passions and connect with similar students, or even expose students to those completely different than them. During my time at NC State so far, the student organization that has impacted and pushed me forward the most has been Campus Crusade for Christ, or Cru. Cru is a bible and Christ centered ministry focused on sharing the life-changing Gospel to everyone. Cru is a ministry that welcomes all who attend and is itself a very diverse organization, while holding to core Christian beliefs and concepts. Offering a weekly, large-group meeting (worship/speaker) on Thursday nights, as well as small group bible studies in each campus dorm, Cru is committed to making sure each student has a place they feel comfortable. Along with these meetings, Cru offers summer mission trips, retreats, social events, and even sports opportunities. Overall, Cru’s mission and goals can be described through its motto, “Win, Build, Send”. Cru wishes to win people to Christ, build up strong Christian students, and send out believers with a vision to impact the world. My exposure to this organization began even before I arrived on campus, through my older brother, who is a current senior at NC State. Our family has always focused on a relationship with Christ as a whole and individually, and my brother attending NC State and becoming deeply involved with Cru allowed me to gain exposure to his friends, activities, and learning through Cru. From the moment I experienced some of what my brother was involved in at State and Cru, I knew it was the place for me, and I ultimately ended up in Raleigh. While I have been a member of the Pack and Cru for only a short time, I can easily say that Cru has become my favorite part of college and a ministry I look forward to becoming involved in during my next few years on campus.

The organization and function of Cru, when analyzed, can easily be framed into the relational leadership model. First, Cru maintains a solid and steady purpose in each in everything they do. Working to keep Christ and the truth of the bible at the heart of messages, worship, and student interaction, Cru is transparent and honest. The art of winning people to Christ and getting the word out about the Gospel is the core belief and purpose in any true Christian’s life. Secondly, Cru practices inclusivity through actively encouraging all students to attend and listen at events, even if they do not agree with their theological perspective. This inclusivity means that not just those who can recite bible verses or have a personal relationship with Christ are allowed to participate, but welcoming all not matter their background or beliefs. Next, Cru embodies the empowerment aspect of the model through its building up of students, teaching of the word, and discipleship programs. Students are taught directly from the word, encouraged with weekly messages, and invited to meet with older students and staff members (disciples) during the week for accountability and fellowship. Cru maintains ethical standards by adhering to student organization rules on campus, practicing the work of Christ in building up others, pushing students to practice love and pursue God’s path for them. Lastly, Cru embodies the process aspect of the relational leadership model through the path it takes to affect college student’s lives and win people to Christ. In talking with many of the Cru staff and interns I have become friends with, Cru focuses on not directly setting kids up with Christ. Rather, an indirect approach and process is used. Students are invited to join a bible study, attend a social event, or just play spikeball or volleyball and meet new people. The community and fellowship created may spark a conversation about Christ, or may just encourage that person to come back for more fellowship. Cru is not concerned with just shoving the Word into your face, but just becoming friends with you and seeing where Christ takes the relationship.

From my own experience and the stories and experiences from my brother, I have personally seen the power and effectiveness of Cru, even on a large campus like NC State. Cru has allowed me to have a Christ-based ministry I can call home, new friends that have the same goals, aspirations, and likes as myself, and given me the opportunity to take a look into my own spiritual life and begin to change my habits and behaviors for the better. I was very impressed in seeing the planning that goes on for events, the extent of prayer and thought that goes into everything done, and the true focus they put on meeting with students and being active components of their life during college, a time when many go astray and tend to drift from a spiritual relationship with Christ. Overall, I would not change anything related to my interactions with Cru so far into college. Cru is a great organization, and I can’t wait for many more fun times, events and exploring how the NC State Cru branch uses the relational leadership model to impact college student’s lives!

From the smallest to the largest groups on campus, NC State University’s over 700 student organizations strive to find a place for each student to live out their passions and connect with similar students, or even expose students to those completely different than them. During my time at NC State so far, the student organization that has impacted and pushed me forward the most has been Campus Crusade for Christ, or Cru. Cru is a bible and Christ centered ministry focused on sharing the life-changing Gospel to everyone. Cru is a ministry that welcomes all who attend and is itself a very diverse organization, while holding to core Christian beliefs and concepts. Offering a weekly, large-group meeting (worship/speaker) on Thursday nights, as well as small group bible studies in each campus dorm, Cru is committed to making sure each student has a place they feel comfortable. Along with these meetings, Cru offers summer mission trips, retreats, social events, and even sports opportunities. Overall, Cru’s mission and goals can be described through its motto, “Win, Build, Send”. Cru wishes to win people to Christ, build up strong Christian students, and send out believers with a vision to impact the world. My exposure to this organization began even before I arrived on campus, through my older brother, who is a current senior at NC State. Our family has always focused on a relationship with Christ as a whole and individually, and my brother attending NC State and becoming deeply involved with Cru allowed me to gain exposure to his friends, activities, and learning through Cru. From the moment I experienced some of what my brother was involved in at State and Cru, I knew it was the place for me, and I ultimately ended up in Raleigh. While I have been a member of the Pack and Cru for only a short time, I can easily say that Cru has become my favorite part of college and a ministry I look forward to becoming involved in during my next few years on campus.

The organization and function of Cru, when analyzed, can easily be framed into the relational leadership model. First, Cru maintains a solid and steady purpose in each in everything they do. Working to keep Christ and the truth of the bible at the heart of messages, worship, and student interaction, Cru is transparent and honest. The art of winning people to Christ and getting the word out about the Gospel is the core belief and purpose in any true Christian’s life. Secondly, Cru practices inclusivity through actively encouraging all students to attend and listen at events, even if they do not agree with their theological perspective. This inclusivity means that not just those who can recite bible verses or have a personal relationship with Christ are allowed to participate, but welcoming all not matter their background or beliefs. Next, Cru embodies the empowerment aspect of the model through its building up of students, teaching of the word, and discipleship programs. Students are taught directly from the word, encouraged with weekly messages, and invited to meet with older students and staff members (disciples) during the week for accountability and fellowship. Cru maintains ethical standards by adhering to student organization rules on campus, practicing the work of Christ in building up others, pushing students to practice love and pursue God’s path for them. Lastly, Cru embodies the process aspect of the relational leadership model through the path it takes to affect college student’s lives and win people to Christ. In talking with many of the Cru staff and interns I have become friends with, Cru focuses on not directly setting kids up with Christ. Rather, an indirect approach and process is used. Students are invited to join a bible study, attend a social event, or just play spikeball or volleyball and meet new people. The community and fellowship created may spark a conversation about Christ, or may just encourage that person to come back for more fellowship. Cru is not concerned with just shoving the Word into your face, but just becoming friends with you and seeing where Christ takes the relationship.

From my own experience and the stories and experiences from my brother, I have personally seen the power and effectiveness of Cru, even on a large campus like NC State. Cru has allowed me to have a Christ-based ministry I can call home, new friends that have the same goals, aspirations, and likes as myself, and given me the opportunity to take a look into my own spiritual life and begin to change my habits and behaviors for the better. I was very impressed in seeing the planning that goes on for events, the extent of prayer and thought that goes into everything done, and the true focus they put on meeting with students and being active components of their life during college, a time when many go astray and tend to drift from a spiritual relationship with Christ. Overall, I would not change anything related to my interactions with Cru so far into college. Cru is a great organization, and I can’t wait for many more fun times, events and exploring how the NC State Cru branch uses the relational leadership model to impact college student’s lives!

What does community service mean to you?

The action of giving one’s time and abilities to help and improve others can become one of the most valuable human activities in our world. When I think of service, a definition of denying yourself and the comforts of security, stepping outside of pleasure and self-indulging, and working and giving. This work and give to others, those you may know very well, or not know at all, might be the giving of time to build a shelter or cook a meal, giving money to causes you support, or using physical talent or ability without the expectation of payment. In this way, I have always followed the example and words of Jesus, who preaches that Christians should be the “hands and feet of God” and even look to the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet at the Last Supper. I can remember a sermon I was taught long ago, of this sacrifice Jesus made toward his disciples. A lowly and servant-like act, washing the feet of those who followed his teaching shocked and astounding the 12 men who called him teacher and Rabbi. During my time in high school through community work, I have always used Jesus’s act as a guiding principle, to serve others who are less fortunate or cannot help themselves as if I was washing their feet.

What is the relationship between relational leadership and service?

In my opinion, the idea of service touches on each of the five characteristics of the relational leadership model, but especially relies on three of the principles; becoming inclusive, empowering, and purposeful. The first principle relates to the mindset one must have when approaching service. During the course of your time serving others, one will certainly encounter those who may look, act, speak, and believe differently, and it is important to realize that serving requires working with and for those with divergent characteristics. It is essential to become accepting toward and willing to work with those who have these different ideals. Next, during the course of service, workers will certainly encounter those who may be suffering, lack resources, or just need help. Empowering, whether mentally or physically, is valuable when lifting other up while serving, so that those around you can be filled up and nurtured. Lastly, service must follow a purposeful and meaningful action. Community service must not be done just for the acquired hours, or because it may fit well for a job application, or even because it is the right thing to do. Service must have the right attitude, to help and provide for others.

How does service connect to your purpose as a leader?

During my first reflection piece, I stated that I believed the goal of a leader was to not only propel him or herself forward, but to elevate all those around him, finding their niches and working toward a common, positive goal as a team. A leader should not just strive for personal aspirations but work to attain a goal that challenges and improves all members. In this way, service can be an act that a leader strives for, putting those on his/her team first and attending to their needs. As well as serving the people who work under them, leaders actively serve the community who put them in charge, in a way a senator serves his district and his constituents. Responsible for listening to their needs, striving for improvement in the area, and representing all the people as an example and projection of the area, a leader serves the best interest of the area and pushes for ideas and plans that benefit and do the most good for the most people.

About what areas of community service are you most passionate about?

As a college student today, I can easily sum up my two passions- Jesus and sports. During my time in high school and in the future of college, service and action in community has and will continue to revolve around these two avenues of passion. As a Christian, I believe it is my duty to spread Jesus’s name and be an example of his love. During my high school years, for example, I served as a middle school media and games volunteer on Sunday and Wednesday at my church. Secondly, as a lover of anything athletic and sport-related, I can easily relate, enjoy, and help improve others through athletics. Whether helping a team or event or refereeing, I love to serve and become involved in areas that allow me to enjoy my time and do what I love most.

What kinds of efforts are currently taking place in the community around your areas of passion?

The world of Christianity, as well as athletics, are very engaged and motivated. During my time on campus, I can see that NC State values these two areas and I have already become involved in efforts in service in one area and hope to in the other. The largest student organization on campus, Cru, is one that I have wanted to become involved in ever since my brother, a current senior at NC State, has joined. Cru is active in campus recruitment, leadership through bible studies, and serving the community. During my first month at State, I have attended weekly meetings and small group bible study, as well as a Fall Retreat, and will continue to get more involved in spreading Jesus’s name throughout NC State and creating meaningful service-based relationships. Cru even has outreach and missionary programs in the summer I could get involved in, as well as mentoring and discipleship programs. Community service opportunities are also certainly available in my other passion area, sports, through volunteering on teams, clinic and training work, volunteering at games, and even working at the YMCA or through NC State Wellness and Recreation if pursued. Hopefully, my college schedule will allow me to pursue these opportunities to use my love of athletics and impact the lives of those less fortunate or those that cannot.