G.+Narrative+Essay

Here’s to building a better world! I pledge to build a better world buy being more patient with others. I never thought that one weekend could change my life. I went to the 2011 Leadership Workshop and i experienced the change of a lifetime. I learned so much about myself that weekend, and i regret not going in the past. Mrs. Timlin and the counselors made every kid feel special in some way. Leadership Workshop changed me because i learned the decision making process, goal setting, and how to be myself.

The Decision Making Process is very effective and is used to make decisions or solve any problems. In this process there are seven main steps. The steps are identifying the boundaries in the group, defining the problem or issue, developing ideas, discussion and debate, decision and implementation, evaluation, and lastly housekeeping. This process really helped me because I sometimes have a hard time working in a large group. I learned how to listen to others ideas and respect them, I used to cut in and say no that’s a bad idea. I now listen because i know it hurts others feeling when you put them down and everyone in the group is an important member. I also learned how to come to a group consensus, by playing a game called keep/scratch. It is when everyone says there idea and it gets put on a board and then the group discusses all the ideas. Then the group votes and gets a certain amount of keeps until the group is finally left with one idea. This game really helped me when working in a group and i have used it many times since workshop and it really helps my group become more effective.

Another important thing i learned is goal setting. I learned that by setting goals, I am more likely to accomplish them. For me, settings goals keep me motivated and make me more committed to what i’m trying to accomplish. I used to not set goals because i was scared i wouldn’t be able to achieve them. I learned that the reason I couldn’t achieve my goals was because i had my expectations to high, so i started giving up. When i set goals and accomplish them, i feel so good about myself. Setting goals for myself has really helped me with school, extracurricular activities, and even with my friends or family.

The most important thing i learned from workshop was to be myself. I learned that even though you might not look or act like the person that is sitting right next to you, in some way you can be connected to them on some level. I met a lot of new people I would have never even thought about talking talking to before workshop. I used to judge other by there appearance, and if I didn’t like what i saw i did not even talk to them. During workshop I was put in a group with people i did not know. I started talking to them because i had no one else to talk to and i realized that they are just like me. I made so many new REAL friends that i still talk to today. Anytime I see a person I met at workshop make sure to say hi because I experienced a change in my self, by getting to know someone before judging them.

I loved my experience at workshop and once again i regret not going in the past. I learned so much in one weekend, than i ever thought was possible .For me, it was not about hanging out with your friends all weekend, it was about making a change within yourself. I am a better person because of Leadership Workshop, and i would like to thank Mrs.Timlin for encouraging me to go. I will never forget my experience at workshop and will continue to be the person i am today. At Workshop i learned to be me.