STEREOTYPES

Today in class we took a look at the differences between faculty and student body. As we learned through Grace's article, he divides these into different categories. Faculty, student government, student body, and student champions. We were asked in class where we would place these on a totem pole. As one student stated, the totem pole should read Faculty, student champions, student government, lastly student body. Although many may disagree, I couldn't agree more. I feel that student champions have a upper-hand in some situations. Take athletes for example, although they don't need to say much it is their actions that speak louder than words. I feel that a lot of the student body puts the champions on a pedestal above the student government because they are able to see first-hand what the champions do. Whereas, the student government is more behind closed doors. I thought that it was very interesting to learn that part of my tuition money is actually going to the ASMSU. To be honest, I really don't have to much knowledge on what they do for me and my fellow students.

Another activity we did in class was being assigned a member of one of these categories and drawing their stereotypical self. I thought it was very amusing how most of the drawings were dead on. I feel that stereotyping is something that is never going to die out. Even though it is something that as a society we talk about diminishing, I think if anything is going to get worse, especially with all the new shows on television and the people we read about in magazines.

Leadership.

This week in class we learned about the different approaches of leadership. Leadership is defined in simplest forms, but is made up of many differnt components to form the true definition. I find this class to be very interesting, and although I only chose this class because it was "reccomended," I'm glad I ended up taking it. I think that this class gives students to not only learn material but about themselves as well. This class as broadened my horizon on leadership. I always enjoy having a small class like this, its refreshing, since there are almost 600 students in other classes. It gives students' the opportunity to break out of their shell and to engage in conversation. I find it helpful listening to other students' inputs on leadership and their outlook on it.

We were asked to right a reflection on someone that you personally know that you find to be a leader.
I wrote:

Someone that I personally know that I consider a truly exceptional leader was my high school speech class teacher, Mrs. Tar. I have always felt that I have the confidence and ability to do a great job with public speaking, nerves always seem to get in the way however. Mrs. Tar was able to lead a classroom and have words of encouragment to motivate students to do their best work. She incorporated fun and exciting to apporach public speaking. She challenged me in many ways, but gave me that extra push in exceeding something that I found to be very difficult.