Personally as Seniors most of us feel a nonchalant climate around us due to the fact that we all agree that we just want to graduate. When you spend four years in a school that is transitioning throughout each year you tend to feel lethargic about being here. The climate changes just about every year but this year we all collectively feel ecstatic to move onto things other than being in high school. Although we have had many great opportunities presented to us throughout the years, we are all glad to be moving onto a new chapter in our lives. Even though we're leaving it would be nice to see a few changes at the school. Diversity would be the change that is most desirable since the school's community seems mostly segregated. All the students who take ap classes only reside with other students who take ap classes and vice versa. This leaves the school community as a mostly segregated place since certain people don't feel welcomed in different areas of their own school. Although our school is indeed a very diverse, that doesn't mean that we truly have different diverse groups. The graduation rate has significantly increased and we have been deemed a "gold ribbon school" so for us as students to treat our peers as if they are below us is unforgivable because every cog in the system helps make the clock go round.

Mid-Term Blog

   The year so far has come and gone and with it so have we all gotten older, a little wiser, and are, at this moment, probably pretty sick of finals. For this final blog entry of our first semester your class is responsible for answering the following question:

"How is moral around you? How are you feeling?"

   Please remember that this question must be answered as a representative of your class. Discuss this question among your group to get a really good idea of what the "climate" is like. You must also decide what your frame will be for this question. Is this how your Leadership class feels? Leadership on its whole feels? Your entire class in the entire school? Good luck, make sure it is at least 2 paragraphs minimum and please ask clarifying questions if necessary.
Be honest too, for it makes the blog even better.

My Fictional Hero

Optimus Prime from the Transformer Movies

"You may lose faith in us but never in yourself  from here, the fight will be you own." (Transformers: Dark of the Moon 2011) and "At the end of this day, one shall stand, one shall fall." (Transformers 2007)

Optimus Prime is a well known phenomenon for kids. He is strong leader when he fights against the Decepticons. Also he speaks with words of wisdom to everyone. What stands out of his heroism is that he never gives up on the humans despite their differences. Also he believes that the Autobots will win the war and that there will be world peace.

With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility

"I believe there's a hero in all of us, that keeps us honest, gives us strength, makes us noble, and finally allows us to die with pride, even though sometimes we have to be steady, and give up the thing we want the most."
--Spider-Man 2

The classic and beloved web-shooter many recognize as Spider-Man has -- from his roots dating back to his first appearance in the early 60s -- always stood as a symbol of responsibility, sacrifice, and goodness. In 1962, as the comic industry was gaining more momentum, Marvel editor and head writer Stan Lee was searching for a new type of superhero, one who teens could identify with and relate to. Thus, the concept of a shy and timid teenage boy  prone to bullying and torment who later gained liberation and confidence after acquiring superpowers was born.

Peter Parker's origin story is one which expresses the development of a flawed character who learns from his mistakes and that his powers were given to him not merely for his personal gain but for a higher purpose -- that of helping those in need. Initially unconcerned with the rest of the world, Peter Parker decided to use his powers only for making money as a professional wrestler. After his first TV special, he allowed a burglar that he could have easily taken down to run past him and escape. A few days later, Peter returned home to find his beloved Uncle Ben had been shot and killed, discovering that he'd been murdered by the same burglar he let go. Consumed with guilt, he realized the truth in the words his Uncle Ben had once preached to him, that with great power comes great responsibility.

Peter Parker's character development is one that acknowledges the flaws in the average human, and how we are inclined to only think about ourselves when it's the easier thing to do. However, Spider-Man was able to rise above that and dedicate himself towards the improvement of his community and thus earns his spot as our favorite fictional hero.

Cheers to our Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, and happy holidays to everyone!

Fictional Hero

My favorite hero and character is Avatar Aang from the series Avatar: The Last Airbender. Aang's character inspires me because despite all the loss and burdens he was faced with, he never lost hope and when faced with difficult challenges, never gave up. He learned from his mistakes and did everything he could to save the world and protect the people he loved.

Quote:  "If I try, I fail. If I don't try, I'm never going to get it."

Modern Day Hero

My favorite modern day hero is Emma Watson who starred in eight Harry Potter movies, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, and many more. Emma has a positive influence on society and has developed many charitable causes. She is a strong dedicated woman who had reached her goals in life. Her roles in numerous movie brought her an abundant amount of fame making her a successful actress. What really endures me about her is that she doesn't use her fame in a selfish way, she uses it in a positive way to support charities. She actively supports charities such as UNICEF, Blue Peter's Mission Nutrition, and Wild Trout Trust which also makes her a great role model and modern day hero.

Quote: "Don't waste your energy trying to educate or change opinions; go over, under, through, and opinions will change organically when you're The boss. Or they won't. Who cares? Do your thing, and don't care if they like it."

Fictional Hereos

Often a draw towards leadership can be produced by observing behavior from someone close to us or a mentor. In the 21st century we receive more of our role models and moral values from characters who are fictional. This brings us the question of; who is your class' favorite hero who is fictional? As usual, I will of course go first:

Coach Taylor; "Can I tell you something?"

My favorite moral hero and character is Coach Taylor from the TV show Friday Night Lights. His moral character in the face of adversity has always been inspirational for me, especially as a coach and teacher. Taylor surrounds himself with family and loved ones and helps make others around him stronger people. When I grow up, I want to be like Coach Taylor. :)

Quote: "In every person's life they will have a battle. They will fight, and they will lose. We must carry this in our hearts. What makes that person successful is that in the middle of the battle, we do not lose ourselves."

In your response for each class remember to include a picture, description of the qualities that endear you to them, and a quote that you believe reflects leadership.

Due by: Friday December 14th, 2015.