#4

I couldn't help but relate this article to the documentary on public education called "Waiting for Superman." The documentary discusses a similar pipeline effect that inadequate public education has on children. It saddens me that something as simple as giving a student a little extra help and time is not practiced more. We need to focus on stopping the pipeline effect closer to it's source--first in the classroom. I was surprised, however, that the zero-tolerance policies and policing of hallways are detrimental to a child's development. I never considered it this way. Throughout my years of public education I always thought it was silly to be at risk of suspension for bringing a pair of scissors to school; this article only confirms how ineffective the strict policies can be.

After watching this video clip I realized that aside from the schooling system there is a lot going on in the personal lives of inner-city African-American boys. External factors like family life and economic standing affect a young black student's mentality. Also, the issue of race affects their impression of school. A boy in the documentary claimed he was in trouble because he's black. It seems like all odds are against inner-city students in regards to them and their education. Another boy in the documentary talked about how there are so many police and security at his school but nothing to learn. Clearly, there are educational inequalities that need to be addressed.

I think the first thing I can do to address the issue of educational inequalities is to be informed and aware of what is going on around me in the public schooling system. By reading articles and watching documentaries about the pipeline effect I am doing so. Next, I'd like to get involved and be a steward to the improvement of public education. I plan to listen and empathize with others who are sharing their experiences and support them. I plan to motivate students to reach out to their peers, mentors, teachers, and/or counselors for their resources and have plans to attend college.

I have high expectations for our first meeting with the high school students. I am very excited to meet them; I want to hear all about them and their aspirations. I also have stories to share about things I've learned over the years and I hope I can offer great advice to them so they can learn from all of our combined experiences. My biggest wish is that the high school students benefit from this program. I want them to come out of this having learned about all the opportunities and resources they have that will help their transitions into college.

#3

"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." -Robert F. Kennedy
This quote is especially relevant to my current leadership goals. A big part of what I'm striving for now is taking that initial step and taking on a leadership role. Making an effort to reach out to others is the first factor of leadership. Before you can achieve anything you must take the initiative to step out of your comfort zone. I am worried that if I take on a big leadership role I might not live up to others' expectations so usually I steer clear of any leader-oriented work. However, I think applying to be a part of STARS leaders is a big step. I dared to fail greatly unaware that this was the only way I could ever achieve greatly.

Social justice is realizing the dignity and rights of every human being, regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion, economic standing, and more. First, it is very important to be aware of your surroundings; you must open your eyes to the treatment of everyone. Once you realize that there is unequal treatment of someone or yourself, it is one's duty to set it right. On an individual basis I strive for fair treatment of others and myself by diminishing stereotypes and prejudices formed by others around me or the media. I am not afraid to speak for an oppressed group regardless of whether I am part of that particular group. I feel a deep connection and empathize with any oppressed group because I am a double minority: of race and gender. When I hear of oppression, whether it be by law or bullying in school, I do my best to be informed about how it can be stopped.

I think the Servant Leadership Workshop gave me a lot of insight on what qualities I already have and others I plan to obtain. I do believe that people are willing to share their ideas with me, knowing that I will listen to them and value their input. I am not over-bearing with my requests and I am committed to helping others grow and develop. However, I can improve my ability to anticipate the future and its consequences and prepare my organization to make a positive difference in the world.

My dream job is one that involves environmental advocacy. This career choice incorporates justice and positive change in human rights and environmental issues. By protecting the environment we protect people that are victims of environmental devastation; those that are denied access to clean water and environmental refugees.

#2

"We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late." -Martin Luther King

This quote emphasizes the urgent need for leadership. We don't ever want to be too late. With oppression and discrimination looming in our global society, we need to step up to the plate and stand for what is right. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for civil rights, particularly those of African-Americans, however this sense of urgency can be applied to the needs of any underpriveleged group. This calling for leaders is what motivates me to improve my leadership skills with the STARS program.

Reading about the e-portfolios showed me how useful they can be. It is a great, organized way to single yourself out from a number of job applicants. Also, e-portfolios offer great reflection time because you can easily map out all your accomplishments; this can help you organize your goals as well.

For me, it's important that leaders serve others because most of the time they are in need of that help. Leaders are a great source of help because they are responsible and should always be willing to lend a helping hand. Leaders ofany particular subject are generally well-educated on that topic and have a strong passion and desire to guide others into a better life.


I am very passionate about the environment as well as other social issues. I care about our future and our surroundings. Being careless about the natural world will only harm future generations and as Martin Luther King Jr. said, "there is such a thing as being too late." Damaging the environment also damages us. Families are displaced by the buildings of dams where they used to live; meanwhile, others are sufferring from freshwater pollution and have no clean drinking water. I know I can make a difference about this; whether it be as small as motivating my friends to recycle or as big as changing environmental policy across the county.

#1

What interests me about the STARS lead program is how they encourage leadership in everybody. This program motivates each and every person to find their voice and lead with a purpose. I value this opportunity to improve my leading skills to a level where I can spread knowledge and awareness to others. I have a passion for the protection and advocacy of the environment, among other things. With the STARS lead program I can further develop this passion not by reading any more science books but by learning how to make a change in the world around me first.

The first meeting was new and exciting for me. I heard about all the upcoming events we could get involved in and I want to participate more! It was interesting to see how we came together as group; who spoke and who kept more to themselves. I hope to get to know everybody much better because everyone's opinion is important.

I believe that leadership is a quality that everybody has inside them. Everyone does it whether they notice it or not. You spread your influence to others in small, unintentional ways each day. By doing a good deed you might inspire another to do the same. Similarly, helping pass a law improving social inequities is an example of leadership that might move others to get involved as well. Being a leader doesn't require a set leadership role; you can strive to lead by setting a good example for others, by encouraging them to stand up for what is right, and by motivating awareness and action for the injustices of the world. By doing these things, you are truly demonstrating great leadership. All forms of leadership are valuable regardless of how many followers you have; rather it's what you stand for as a leader that counts. By the end of the lead program I hope to further develop what I stand for and then some