Texas Leads

While I took leadership in middle school I felt that this person that I am aiming to become cannot exist. In my current position, looking back, I realized that it is pretty amazing how many obstacles I have overcome. This relates once again to the limitations I set on myself. In the words of Margaret Cousins " I know that my memory has rosied over the trepidations and traumas inherent in the human condition." (Pg. 890) This quote speaks to me, re-acknowledging that not everyone was born a leader, but they have taught themselves and practiced such values to become a strong leader. The only reason she was given this opportunity was because her professor "stuck his neck out by nominating a freshman." (Pg. 891) It takes a leap of faith in another person to see results.

One way that had brought me over my anxiety to lead others was by way of community service. I organized my own service acapella choir last summer, and it was indeed a big challenge. However, it felt very good to just to be able to bring joy to others! Similar to Edwin Dorn "I had made a commitment to public service." (pg.934)

Just in a month the 8 of us tour around Austin nursing homes to sing to the elderly. Many of them are very isolated people, because their family had to leave them there. I felt that being able to share my love of music with them was a great.

iLead

A road block I encounter from day to day basis is the lack of proactive-ness. Typically, I will start off doing homework by organizing my thoughts and preparing my list to do. As I start out working on the activities I lose track of my goal, and as Covey describes, "the power to make and keep commitments to ourselves is the essence of developing the basic habits of effectiveness." (Covey, 92) In my case, I just forget that I am on this ladder to effectively completing my list of tasks. From reviewing things we have read by Covey reminds me that it takes a very conscious decision to be effective on a daily basis.




I think it is incredible to realize that there are so many parts and levels to being human. The scientific research on the brain and how our nerves communicate ideas such as emotions is a great reminder of how humans "capacity to act on our thoughts and feelings, and to make things happen, is unmatched by any other species in the world." (Pg.201) "To be human, as well as a leader, we must learn to hone in on the skill of maintaining a balance between "our intellect and our emotions." (pg. 212) It takes persistent practice and patience to be conscious of the ways we can grow as a leader. My main attraction to this UGS course was the hope that one day I will overcome the limits I set on myself and become a better leader.

U.T. Spirit

UT Austin was established in 1883, however it was not until 1916 did Stephen Pinckney "collected $1.00 each from 124 alumni and purchased a Longhorn steer"(pg.157) that would become UT's live mascot.


I find it strange how U.T. Austin's original mascot was a pit bulldog named "Pig" somehow evolved into this Mighty Longhorn. Nevertheless, Bevo the Longhorn is believed to have some sort of majestic power to control the hearts and minds of opposing players and will the Horns to victory. He is the good luck charm as well as the "protective spirit" of the university. I am one small part of this behemoth identity, but no matter where I go this identity I will take with me.

This Summer my family took a trip to Yellowstone National Park, and on one of the hiking trails I encountered UT Austin Alumni wearing their burnt orange baseball caps with pride. Although they were strangers, seeing that familiar longhorn icon made them automatically family. It was really wonderful to walk by and give them a Hook'em, knowing that they would understand it.

Reading about all the previous Bevos is really mind-boggling knowing that the legend and of Bevo still lives on, and that there have been so many other Longhorns that were in the same position as I am now, Freshman. All who have graduated and moved on with there lives, but burnt orange in their blood remains. Afterall, "a thing of beauty will never pass into nothingness" (pg. 167) and I believe that getting an education at such a great and close-knit community is a beautiful thing.

Cited: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bevo_(mascot)

Power Animal.

As someone who has been on the search for the essence of herself, I find myself very spiritually connected with nature as well as animals. I feel that we can find pieces of all the power animals within our nature. For example, this is why every human has both testosterone as well as estrogen, to maintain equilibrium. That is just a thought I came across while just beginning to read about "The Spiritual and Magical Roles of Nature" where the writer says that, "the natural and the supernatural merged and blended." (Pg.111)



When reading along, I reflected on the personal growth I have witnessed in myself. Our spiritual energies are constantly changing just like how we change clothes. This led me to believe that in our day to day interactions with others and encounters with situations, our power animals are a reflection on the energies at that present moment. However, this is just my belief.

The most important idea that I felt had power was when one of the example's power animal Owl reappeared to him and replied to him that "I can not stay while the heart is closed."(pg.116) It reminded me of a recent poem that I wrote about our thoughts and images in our mind. If we strive too hard to attain or become one with the power animal it will not be available for us. Therefore, what should happen is natural reflection of ourselves, and constant awareness of our actions and thoughts and "all the while keeping your mind open to whatever animals might choose to visit you on this journey" (Pg.122) While in my meditation/breathing exercises, I accept whatever thoughts might try to bring chaos to my mind, but realize that there is no need for attachment to the thoughts.

I guess sometimes you just have to be patient until you know which power animal will be right for you! Timing is everything.