The Final Call

Exercise #2:
Over the course of the semester, I have learned how far a simple hello proceeded by an inquiry, can go.


After reading my blog, I have mixed emotions. I am amazed at many of the things I did and the timely fashion in which I completed most of them. I did a lot in just a few weeks. I am a tad disappointed because I feel as though I got lazy around Christmas break and could have pushed myself a little more.

Exercise #3

This semester, I have really pushed myself to do my very best. I have managed my time much better than I have in past years and also grown as a student. Leadership for Change has open my eyes to a myriad of possibilities and opportunities that are right before us if we just take the time to seek. Over the duration of the course, I both heard and witnessed people's dreams and aspirations unfolding. It didn't take much for this to happen yet, change didn't come on its own. We had to be active learners, workers, etc.

For the first time, I have been asked, "What is your dream? Touchstone? Target?"...instead of the usual, "What do you want to be when you grow up? Where do you want to work?" I am a firm believer that the way we both say and phrase things, has a major affect on the way we choose to interpret things. Too often, we are driven by economics and social status rather than how we feel in the depths of our heart and soul.

The three things I liked best about Leadership for Change were the blogs and being able to see my growth and steps toward my goal, the movies (all of them were AWESOME and very INSPIRATIONAL), and how engaging Dr. Rock is when it comes to her students. I also enjoyed the personal interactions with classmates and hearing and understanding their dreams as well as my own.

Aside from the Kill Your TV portion of the course, I cannot think of anything I disliked.

All in all, I think the course was amazing! If I could change one thing, it would probably be to monitor progress a little more in regards to the weekly duty report; possibly showing some proof of accomplishing the task. In closing, I just want to say good luck and blessings to all of my classmates and their future endeavors and thank you Dr. Rock for being such a positive influence in my life.

First Step:

My first step this week is to sell more tickets to my tournament on the 24th of May. Also, I want to spend at least 20 minutes each day to practice. I also want to be 5-7 lbs lighter by the time of my competition. I want to decrease my BMI and increase muscle.

Sunday Meeting:

During my Sunday Meeting, I tried to get things a little more in order for myself to assist with organization and time management. I started by cleaning out my folders and cleaning my room. When things around me are cluttered, my life is cluttered. I made a list of how I could go about making things less hectic for myself:

1. what do I want to do for this week?
2. did I complete what I wanted to get done last week? If so, why or why not?
3. make sure I go about getting things done in a logical and strategic manner. Don't just say I will do something to get credit for getting my assignment done. Try to gear it toward my goal.


Business Meeting:

I actually wasn't able to hold my business meeting this week because my buddy stood me up. I didn't want to choose someone else, because I am a private person (believe it or not) and it was hard enough for me to open up and share things with this person.

"HIIIIII YAAAAHHHH!!!"

   Last week, I took a step toward my goal.  I was approached by a sorority on campus (of which a lot of my friends are members) to lead a self-defense seminar for young women.  It was a major success.  My mother and brother (also martial artists) supported me to the fullest and gave 100% effort while assisting me with the class.  My weekly goal was to enlighten at least one individual about the martial arts and make them a tad more comfortable while walking the streets in today's society.  By the simple fact that I received raved reviews and a number of women who were interested in furthering their martial arts training, I would venture to say that I accomplished the task at hand.  I received countless number of text messages after the event, telling me how great I had done.  People seemed to really enjoy the experience and were very receptive to trying new things.  In fact, even I didn't go to sleep until 3 that morning because I was on  natural "high" from how awesome it was.

   But, it wasn't like this in the beginning.  Surprisingly, I was shaking in my boots with stage fright.  I teach all the time, but this time was different.  For the first time in a long time, I was nervous about teaching.  I feared that the women would not like nor appreciate what was being given.  I feared they would laugh when they saw things foreign to them.  I really wanted to impress these women, and I began to panic.  I started sweating and my voice started to shake when I spoke.  My mind was scrambling and I was out of sorts.  Although I teach young children and some adults three times a week during the school year and everyday over the summer, there are personal reasons as to why this occasion in particular was so different.  

   However, I was eventually able to overcome this fear.  I began to suppress all of the negative things I was thinking about and replaced them with the positive thoughts of endless possibilities and opportunities that could come from the experience.  I said to myself that if I just grabbed the attention of one person, my job was done.  All in all, the event was not perfect, but no one else could have done a better job if I am allowed to toot my own horn (TOOT!!! TOOT!!!)

IT WAS AMAZING!!!

The Read

   Unless it is an entertainment magazine, I rarely pick up a book and just read for leisure.  I find reading to be very boring.  However, I know that it will help me tremendously in he long run.  

   One of my weekly tasks was to read a book over Spring Break.  My end goal is to one day, own a karate school, assisting urban youth with understanding themselves, the quality and value of their lives, character and discipline.  Over these past few weeks, I have found myself stuck, trying to figure out what to do next.  So, I read a book about entrepreneurship; "The Art of the Start."

   One of the most interesting things to me was that each chapter began with "GIST" ("great ideas for starting things"), covering a variety of facets to consider, from identifying your customer base and writing a business plan to establishing partnerships and building brand identity.  From beginning to end each chapter builds on the previous one and I found myself not wanting to put the book down. It's easy to read and understand.  It breaks down things you would need to know from a legal aspect, accounting, public relations, advertising and headhunting alike.  Similar to this class, the author encourages you to have a step by step process and weave a MAT (Milestones, Assumptions and Tasks).  In this, you will find ways to prove your concept, raise capital, and make it appeal to your geared audience.  

   All in all, "The Art of the Start" was a great beginning to the things I hope to accomplish in the near future.

Glenn Keeney
President of the Professional Karate Commission

Master Keeney started studying karate in high school in 1957. "I used to hitchhike from Indiana to Cincinnati every weekend.

The dojo which was opened by Mr. Pickel (Keeney's instructor at the time) in 1966, was purchased by his 3 top students, Jerry Brown, Larry Davenport and Mr. Keeney. By 1969, Mr. Keeney had bought out his partners, and although they helped keep the doors open for many years, Komakai Academy was now his soul responsibility. In 1972 & 1973, Mr. Keeney was rated #1 fighter in the USKA, 1972 & 1973 top ten fighter by Official Karate magazine, 1973 top ten fighter by Professional Karate magazine, 1974 #4 fighter in the U.S. by Black Belt magazine and inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame in 1977. As an administrator, Mr. Keeney helped write the rule book for tournaments in the US Karate Association and was the Rules Chairman for 10 years. He was also a Trias International award holder. As a member of the USKA World Champion Team in 1971 and 1972, he traveled extensively in the US and abroad. The team went undefeated for both Good Will Tours.In the PKA, he served as a judge in the 1974 1st World Championships in Los Angeles, and was the head of their ratings committee for several years.


"I love karate and money, so that was my motivation to stay in business and do the things I needed to do. Maintaining the business wasn't really hard for me. But, there were always people that I felt didn't want to see me succeed. But then I realized, there always will be those types of people around no matter what you do."

Master Keeney is the head of the organization that my karate school is a part of. I wish to one day have my own dojo and also, lead the Professional Karate Commission also.

Lawrence Blakley-Vice President of External Affairs for De La Salle Institute

After speaking to Mr. Blakley, I understood that his initial outlook on life was not one of pleasantry, high hopes, motivation, etc. He was an average, sometimes below average student and more often than not, hated school. His basketball scholarship assisted in the furthering of his education. "I definitely wouldn't have been at Loyola had it not been for my scholarship. In fact, even with my scholarship, I don't really know how I got into any college. To be honest with you, my grades were sub-par for most of my educational career."

Though he did not enjoy school in and of itself, one thing he did enjoy was learning new things and helping other individuals. "I have always receive some sort of self-gratification when I extend myself at the sake of others in need." This must be the reason that his career path has lead him in the direction of External Affairs at De La Salle Institute, consisting of service in the community at the Tolton Center and fundraising and sponsoring different events for different grammar schools around Chicago and its metropolitan area.


Grandmaster John R. Venson-Chief Instructor at Just For Kicks Martial Arts

For this man, the life he leads now has been one he has lead for many years. He is the current CEO and chief instructor of Just For Kicks karate school. He has been a student all his, studying under his father, founder of the karate school. "The decision was pretty much made for me. When my father was no longer able, I was going to take over the family business, no matter what I wanted." To somewhat secure his future, Mr. Venson attended Roosevelt University, majoring in Business Management, after his honarable discharge from the United States Marine Corp. He later began working for the Secret Service and his now a sheriff for the state of Illinois.

Mr. Venson is also one who loves helping others. But his reason is a little more personal. "I went into the service when I was 16 years-old. When most of my friends were going on prom and graduating from high school, I was in Vietnam, fighting for my life. I was very close to death twice, and my knowledge of effective hand to hand combat, was what saved my life. I often told God while I was in War, if he let me live and see my loved ones and American soil again, I promised to guide his children in the right direction. So, I figured I would do it the best way I knew how; through the disciplinary, character and life lessons I learned through karate."

My Contacts

Educator and Community Service Leader:
1. Lawrence Blakley, Vice President of External Affairs at De La Salle Institute and
Number: 312-842-7355

2. Rochelle Harris, Assistant to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Director of Campus Auxiliary Services at the University of Illinois at Chicago

Entrepreneur (karate school)
1. John R. Venson, Chief Instructor of Just For Kicks Karate School
www.justforkicks-karate.com
P.S.....check me out in some of the photos on the website and also check out my Instructors profile (I'm on my way to one of my dreams!!!)
P.S.S...check me out at my next karate tournament, this Sunday, March 1st, at Giorgio's Banquet Hall and Comfort Inn Suites in Orland Park.

Young Actress (Positive-Image for young girls)
1. Casie Walls, actress and student
773-808-8216

Music Producer
1. Frank Miller, student and aspiring music producer
217-390-8766

Personality Type

Type: ENFJ

Popular and sensitive, with outstanding people skills. Externally focused, with real concern for how others think and feel. Usually dislike being alone. They see everything from the human angle, and dislike impersonal analysis. Very effective at managing people issues, and leading group discussions. Interested in serving others, and probably place the needs of others over their own needs.


MY REFLECTION:

As I read the profile analysis, I began to smile. I could not believe how descriptive it was of me. I was ever so shocked to see the accuracy of the explanation. If I had a dollar for everytime someone told me how much of a people person I am, I would be rich. I love to socialize with others. I love participating in community service activities with different organizations at my school. It seems as though my friends always look to me to mediate situations. They tell me that I give good advise. Often times, I am elected and placed into leadership positions where others look to me for guidance.

With recent interaction with my close friends, I asked what that thought to be my greatest strengths and weaknesses. Most of them stated that I have an amazing level of unselfishness; I put the needs of others (mostly family and friends), before those of my own.

Altogether, I found the exercise to be very insightful. Not because I hadn't previously heard these things, but because it fascinates me that a simple questionaire can give such detailed human analysis.

Homework #2 (strengths)

My mother:
#1. What was I like in the first 5 years of my life?
You were very attached to me; shy. You wanted bedtime stories and a song, each and every night. You were inquisitive. You were always digging in something; the toilet, the garbage can, etc. And you would stand on your tippy-toes to see what was on the countertop or other high places to attempt to see those things even though it was almost impossible.

#2. What things did I love, what games did I like to play, what did you think was unique about me?
You loved to ride your bike and your Power Wheels (pink Corvette). You liked to dance and loved music. A unique gift of yours was that you learned to walk by 8 months and potty-trained by one year old. So, your developmental processes happened fairly early.

#3 What did you think I would become when I grew up?
I thought you would become a musician. You banged on every pot, pan, bucket, sink, or whatever you could. If a song was playing, you would pick out the most underlying, minute detail of the song and mimic it; parts that the average person wouldn't pay any attention.

Although the assignment was to only ask friends about my strengths, I decided to do a little more evaluating and soul searching and ask about my weaknesses also.
friend #1
strengths:
You are probably the most selfless person I know. You're very giving. You never give up on someone. No one has to ask and you are always willing to render your services and yourself, fully.
weaknesses:
You muster up your anger. You keep your personal issues i.e. family issues, bottled up inside when you really want to cry.

friend #2
strengths:
You are very determined, strategic, loyal, easy to talk to and sooo fun to be around.
weaknesses:
You're sort of hot-tempered. But, I wouldn't really call it a weakness because most of the people I know are what I would consider, hot-tempered. In fact, I'm a little hot-tempered myself.

friend #3
strengths:
You are highly motivated. You are determined to be great. And you're very educated.
weaknesses:
I think I'm going to have to saaaay....Math...lol. But honestly, you don't allow yourself to be vulnerable and open.

friend #4
strengths:
I think that you interact with other people. You are sooooooo a people person. And a good listener.....sometimes...lol
weaknesses:
If you have any, I can't think of any right now.

friend #5
strengths:
Hmmmmm....I think I would have to say your abnormally large head is your best strength! HEHEHE! But no seriously, I really like how you can talk to absolutely anyone and make them feel comfortable (if you want to...lol jkjk). You're an excellent people person and you're a good listener. You're a very strong woman and knowledgable and might I add, eloquent.

homework #1

1.) Why are you taking Leadership for Change?

Over the course of my first two years here at UIC, my plan for post-collegiate life has been quite ambiguous.  At first I wanted to be a Physical Therapist but after failing Earth and Environmental Science and nervousness of taking Chemistry because of my distaste for math, I decided that wasn't for me.  Then, I decided I wanted to be a teacher. Though I love children and still want to work with urban youth, I realized that I do not want to be in a classroom for 6 hours everyday. So, formal teaching is out also.   I have many gifts and feel I am talented in many areas, but I cannot decide exactly what I want to do with my life.  Hopefully, by the end of this semester, I will at least be a few steps closer to my purpose in life.

2.) What do you hope to get out of this course?

Aside from the aforementioned things,  I hope this course points me in the right direction of an interesting vocation, not just a job.  I hope this class gives me the tools and skills needed to gather all of my talents in order to form one giant ball of meaningful and productive creativity.

3) Who were you as a child?

As a child, I was a pretty average child in most aspects of life.  Although, I was a "tomboy" for most of my youth and still am today i.e. loved playing sports while the other girls jumped "double-dutch" and traded "gel pens."  This can probably be attributed to the fact that I was the only girl, growing up with 4 boys.  I would have to say that I lived through all of my senses.  I was very inquisitive.  I played with everything I could get my hands on or reach, no matter  how dirty: toilet paper and garbage straight from the can.  I watched and listened to my brothers and often times tried to mimic their words and actions.  I wanted to be just like them when I grew up, well....in most ways.  I loved karate and am still a studying martial artist today.  In fact, I dreamed that I would one day become a Power Ranger.  I am definitely still a kid at heart.  I am still very observant, love to play basketball, love teaching and studying karate, and still idolize both of my brothers aside from all vices they may possess.