Section 1: Initial Letter, Theme - Write you own story.
I am coming into the leadership program as a junior. This year I want to create friendships and gain knowledge, as well as building on fundamental life skills, such as team work, critical thinking, being open to criticism, etc. I am honestly very nervous for this year due to my (expected) work load. However I do think that everything will work out in the end. One main expectation I have for this upcoming year is that I will be very busy, but I do think I will be busy doing things that help me build my strength and character as a person. I have had friends in leadership in years past, and all of them raved about the experiences and knowledge they have gained, so that was one of my main reasons for becoming part of the program. The theme I chose was ‘write your own story’. I chose this theme for two reasons, (1) I love reading and I thought it fit, and (2) most of my life experiences were majorly influenced by outside sources. I started reading at the beginning of this year and it has greatly impacted my life. I read because it centers me in a way that not much else does. Another reason I wanted to take leadership was to prove to myself that I could do it. When applying, I pushed myself to be independent. This also served as a life lesson to have confidence in myself. Along with the traits previously mentioned, I would love to build on my time management and organizational skills. But I believe leadership is about much more than gaining traits to help you succeed in the future, it's also about living in the moment. I have heard so many people say that high school flies by, and I don't think I truly understood what they meant till now. With my first two years of high school being interrupted by COVID, a great way to get involved was through leadership! Some events I'm especially looking forward to are club rush, homecoming, and dances! I am looking forward to making memories and challenging myself to grow both as an individual but also as a leader and peer.
I am coming into the leadership program as a junior. This year I want to create friendships and gain knowledge, as well as building on fundamental life skills, such as team work, critical thinking, being open to criticism, etc. I am honestly very nervous for this year due to my (expected) work load. However I do think that everything will work out in the end. One main expectation I have for this upcoming year is that I will be very busy, but I do think I will be busy doing things that help me build my strength and character as a person. I have had friends in leadership in years past, and all of them raved about the experiences and knowledge they have gained, so that was one of my main reasons for becoming part of the program. The theme I chose was ‘write your own story’. I chose this theme for two reasons, (1) I love reading and I thought it fit, and (2) most of my life experiences were majorly influenced by outside sources. I started reading at the beginning of this year and it has greatly impacted my life. I read because it centers me in a way that not much else does. Another reason I wanted to take leadership was to prove to myself that I could do it. When applying, I pushed myself to be independent. This also served as a life lesson to have confidence in myself. Along with the traits previously mentioned, I would love to build on my time management and organizational skills. But I believe leadership is about much more than gaining traits to help you succeed in the future, it's also about living in the moment. I have heard so many people say that high school flies by, and I don't think I truly understood what they meant till now. With my first two years of high school being interrupted by COVID, a great way to get involved was through leadership! Some events I'm especially looking forward to are club rush, homecoming, and dances! I am looking forward to making memories and challenging myself to grow both as an individual but also as a leader and peer.
Section 2: Favorite Quotes
- “Two of the hardest tests in life: the patience to wait for the right moment, the courage to accept whatever you encounter.” -Paulo Coelho. Patience and courage are things that I am still working on, and therefore relate to this quote immensely.
- “Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn't stop for anybody.” -Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Change is really hard. I have struggled with accepting the fact that just because things look or feel different than they used to, that that's okay. Some things change for the better.
- “The snake that cannot cast its skin must die. As well as the minds which are prevented from changing their opinions; they cease to be mind.” -Fredrich Nietzsche. Something I pride myself on is being able to sit and listen to multiple sides and reflect on my own views and opinions. Not to say I have no bias, because of course that isn't true. However I think it's extremely important to be open minded.
- “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough” -Mae West. I have a huge fear of doing and seeing nothing in life, I want to experience the world. So this quote hits pretty close to home.
Section 3 : End of Year Quote
- “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” (John C. Maxwell) I hate change, I fear change, but it is inevitable. However one thing that keeps me moving forward is that I have the choice to persevere and learn thus leading to growth and greater success. I feel like this is such an important quality to have, not just in leadership, but to carry throughout life as well. When you are conscious about your own personal growth it allows you to expand your perspective. I just want to improve myself, I know I am not the best version of myself and that I can improve. Mentally, physically and emotionally. For me a simple statement is “I can vs. I can’t”...“I will vs. maybe.” When you start a thought or statement with a positive notion, then you are more likely to succeed, I truly believe that. Throughout this year, I have faced more challenges, hardships, and struggles than before. However I have also never laughed as hard or smiled as big. I would not say that I'm proud of myself, not yet. I will say I am proud of myself when I fully complete/reach my goals. Words are so impactful. They shape ideas and perceptions. I always want to speak positive, helpful words, however that doesn't always happen. Life is hard. And sometimes it gets you down, and the only thing you can do is keep trucking forward. On those times where I just can't seem to be positive, I let my mind wander and I wallow. Sometimes for an hour, other times up to a few days, however long it takes. Then I pick myself back up and keep moving forward, often using positive affirmations to help me get up. “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming.”
Section 4: Goals
Short Term:
Short Term:
- I am going to stay on top of my assignments.
- I am going to hang out with friends and be more involved.
- I am going to maintain a good school/work/family balance while still making time for myself.
- I am going to remove the judgement I place on myself and take a deep breath when I need to.
- I am going to reach out when I need help, as well as helping others when asked.
- I am going to give my all, and participate in everything I can.
Section 5: Goal Reflection
Short Term:
- I am going to stay on top of my assignments. - Yes I have. I have created my own system to assist in remembering tests, assignments, etc. I have a journal and write down everything I need to do, and it is so helpful.
- I am going to hang out with friends and be more involved. -It is so crazy to me how different I am from the beginning of this school year (AKA leadership). I have become so out-going and friendly. It is also fairly crazy that my pool of people has changed as well. My best friend of 14 years sort of walked out of my life, and I gained two new friends and many more acquaintances.
- I am going to maintain a good school/work/family balance while still making time for myself. - Well…funny story. I don't really think that I have made myself a priority. Not often enough. I find that there are times where I am constantly go, go, go, and become so physically and mentally tired I need to sleep for a day before I am okay again. However I am still actively working to be better, not only for myself but for those around me as well.
- I am going to remove the judgment I place on myself and take a deep breath when I need to. -I am still the most self-critical person I know. I hide it fairly well, however it still affects me big time. The one thing I have found that truly helps me is changing my inner dialogue, statements that start with “I can’t” change to “I can.” Speaking to myself like this helps me succeed.
- I am going to reach out when I need help, as well as helping others when asked. - Yes, helping other classmates is actually one of my favorite parts of the program. I really enjoy helping others think outside of the box to solve problems. Seeing them happy and successful on the other side of the issue is the best part.
- I am going to give my all, and participate in everything I can. - I have! And I have become so much more out-going and confident in myself in the process. I have learned so much. My favorite part is being able to observe other people in different situations.
Section 6: People Magazine Cover
Section 7: Magazine Article
-Emily Sesser is currently a junior attending Ripon High School. Sesser has many hopes for the future, to see the world, make an impact on someone, and to take time to just be, to name a few. These aspirations are very important to her, Sesser says "I have this crazy fear that I will never amount to anything, and that my life will simply be a waste, when there will be some that will never come close to having the opportunities I have had. And it makes me sad, but serves as a reminder to make everything I do count, and to always, always, be kind to others. You never know what someone is going through." Through her high school career she has balanced sports, clubs, and academics all while maintaining a 4.0 grade average. This balance has taught her about teamwork, critical thinking, independence, and how to have fun/be positive in times of high stress. Her goal is to attend the University of Edinburgh, Scotland to major in psychology. As well as to do some traveling, before settling down somewhere in the northwestern U.S. Sesser love of traveling and learning comes from trips and explorations her parents have taken her on for as long as she can remember. Perhaps her most important goal, however, is to find herself before the end of her travels. This is another reason she would love to study psychology, it to help her understand herself and others better. Once she settles, she hopes to live in Oregon somewhere in the gorgeous, lush forest.
Section 8 - Role Model
She is the Lorelai to my Rory, my mother Liz Sesser. I make the comparison between the mother/daughter relationship between Loreli and Rory in Gilmore Girls, to me and my mothers relationship because of how similar they are. They are stubborn, they talk fast, can finish each other's thoughts and sentences, and enjoy watching and critiquing movies and people. Not to say that our relationship is perfect, of course we have our own arguments and disagreements, but no matter what the issue my mom is (most of the time) open for discussion. She is quick witted and kind, when the moment calls for it she is stern and assertive. She balances parenting both me and my sister along with work, which is quite the challenge. As children, and now teens, we have very different needs, my sister struggles with ADHD meaning that she has trouble focusing on and completing tasks as well as having a lower maturity level overall, where as I dont have trouble with school but more so have issues with maintaining patience with others through their own struggles and when they cross me. However, through it all she has been my rock, and in the words of Rory Gilmore “my ultimate inspiration comes from my best friend, the dazzling woman from whom i received my name and my life’s blood...My mother never gave me any idea that I couldn’t do whatever I wanted to do or be whomever I wanted to be. She filled our house with love and fun and books and music...As she guided me through these incredible eighteen years, I don't know if she ever realized that the person I most wanted to be was her. Thank you, Mom”
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Section 9 - Inner Animal
I think my inner animal would be a fox. Foxes tend to be smaller than other predators, but they are just as fierce when necessary. They are loners, who tend to stick to themselves, however when they need to they can work with others. They are shy and timid. In many cultures foxes symbolize independence, cleverness, and playfulness, all of which are traits I relate to. From a young age I had to become independent. My parents were mostly focused on assisting my sister, and therefore leaving me to my own devices. While this could have spiraled, it did not. I have grown into a very capable, independent young woman.
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Section 10 - The Best Things About Me
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What Love Really Means by JJ Heller
He cries in the corner where nobody sees He's the kid with the story no one would believe He prays every night Dear God, won't you please Could you send someone here who will love me? Who will love me for me? Not for what I have done or what I will become Who will love me for me? 'Cause nobody has shown me what love What love really means, what love really means Her office is shrinking a little each day She's the woman whose husband has run away She'll go to the gym after working today Maybe if she was thinner then he would've stayed And she says Who will love me for me? Not for what I have done or what I will become Who will love me for me? 'Cause nobody has shown me what love What love really means, what love really means He's waiting to die as he sits all alone He's a man in a cell who regrets what he's done He utters a cry from the depths of his soul "Oh Lord, forgive me, I want to go home" Then he heard a voice somewhere deep inside And it said, I know you've murdered and I know you've lied And I have watched you suffer all of your life And now that you'll listen I'll, I'll tell you that I I will love you for you Not for what you have done or what you will become I will love you for you I will give you the love The love that you never knew Love you for you Not for what you have done or what you will become I will love you for you I will give you the love The love that you never knew |
Section 12: HOCO Photos
Section 14 - Three Favorite Moments
- In the very beginning of this school year, I was nervous and a bit intimidated coming into the leadership program with new people and expectations. When the first big event came around (homecoming), I wanted to help as much as I could and get to know some of my peers better. The homecoming parade was Friday, right after school, and that Thursday night I went over to Gabby’s house to help work on the float. When I got there, we still had a majority of the float to put together, so everyone got to work. Once everything was mostly assembled and we started loading things onto the float, me and Gracie made some last-minute additions and adjustments, one of which was on the Up house. To make it more like a house we needed to draw shingles on the roof. We had been working for so long that at this point we were kind of delusional, and so we kept making jokes. There are two different kinds of shingles, and Dillan, Gracie, and I were laughing so hard at such bad jokes, I don't think I will ever be able to forget it. To this day we still make jokes about “shingles not shingles”.
- Another great memory from leadership happens to be from homecoming madness. At the time I didn't have my license and I live really close to april, so when running errands to dollar tree to get more supplies or anything like that I would tag along. April had this playlist on repeat that had the same five or six songs on it so every time we got in the car, it would restart. Now there is an ongoing joke about Jack Harlow because of that playlist. One of my favorite trips was when we went to April's house to pick up stands for the balloons, and had to figure out how to fit them in her tiny car. Not to mention these were the heaviest things ever, so they were also a pain to carry. We had to be quick and make sure to miss April's mom, because she definitely was not supposed to be driving me around. But looking back it was so fun.
- When we gave praises, and seeing the joy on other people's faces when kind, or humorous, things were said is such a fond memory to me. I know this is a bit less personal but it really meant a lot to me. When we go through life, as people, we tend to collect on the negative thoughts and events, but when we take a minute to be positive (especially towards others) it can lighten everyones day. One that was super special to me was Emma’s praise, I can't remember exactly what it said but it was something along the lines of “I can see how kind you are, and you have an amazing personality, have the confidence to show more people.” and it truly meant more than she could ever know. Even though I am not a little freshie anymore, receiving an encouraging note from someone older was reassuring in a way.
Section 15 - Someone Selfless
Gracie is one of the most soft-spoken people I think I've ever met, however she has one of the biggest, most kind personalities ever. I had the honor of walking with her in the homecoming parade, and it was one of my best memories from this year. She is constantly cracking subtle jokes that always lighten the mood. We have the same kind of humor so whenever I'm feeling down, she always can cheer me up. She is just so sweet, I really don't know how else to explain it. I don't reach out a lot to talk to others, however she always makes an effort to talk to me about anything from books, and book genres, which she knows I like, to anything else really. The other day when we had to clean out spirit boxes, I was having a bit of an off day, however we started talking and she mentioned a book she got for April recently (and knowing I love that book) we both were super excited for April to read it.
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Section 16 - Pride Photo Gallery
Section 18 - My Hobbies
I have many hobbies because anytime I find something even slightly interesting I try it. Everything from reading, to painting, to baking and cooking. I also love playing basketball and working out (yoga, running, lifting, etc). In 2021 I read over 150 books, genres ranging from horror to romance to mystery. Over quarantine I really got into painting, I love watercolor, acrylic, and oil. Though each medium is different I love the different textures and products. I also enjoy making beautiful and delicious food. My mom and I share a passion for yummy, healthy food. I have been playing basketball for about 8 years and I love it. I am going to play my senior year, next year, however I don’t think I want to try to play in college. I have started working out/doing something active once a day and have come to find it makes me a much happier person. Unfortunately I broke a rib during this past basketball season so I have had to take it easy. Here are some pictures!
Section 19 - Letter to Parents
Dear mom and dad,
It’s cliche but I know I don't say thank you enough. I appreciate you both more than you could ever know. And it's not just for the things you have done and taught me, but also I am eternally grateful for everything you do for grace (my sister). I know she is technically your kid, however she means the world to me. She has gone through so much, and deserves the world. Because of this you have always focused more on her, which I honestly don’t mind. It has forced me to grow up and become independent and self-sufficient, and for that I am grateful. I love you both so much, thank you for giving me the tools I needed to figure out the world.
Love,
Emily
It’s cliche but I know I don't say thank you enough. I appreciate you both more than you could ever know. And it's not just for the things you have done and taught me, but also I am eternally grateful for everything you do for grace (my sister). I know she is technically your kid, however she means the world to me. She has gone through so much, and deserves the world. Because of this you have always focused more on her, which I honestly don’t mind. It has forced me to grow up and become independent and self-sufficient, and for that I am grateful. I love you both so much, thank you for giving me the tools I needed to figure out the world.
Love,
Emily
Section 20 - Your True Legacy - General Advice
Dear Payton and Katie,
I already know that you guys will kill it next year! The only piece of advice I would give is to be sure you stay organized and communicate. Stay organized by keeping track of dates of events as well as when you want to get flyers posted. And communication is essential, with each other, morty, and the rest of the class. Keep ahead of the events and stay on top of the rest of your school work and your lives will be 10x easier. One recommendation I have for next year is pick a color scheme (red, white, and black) and stick to it throughout all posts. I feel like this will make everything flow together better and be more aesthetically pleasing. Be aware of where you hang flyers, and their size, will people be able to read them…does this area of camps have much foot traffic…etc. Also one last tip, split the work between you guys. Maybe Payton makes one flyer, then the next time Katie does a flyer. Most importantly, have fun with it!
-Emily Sesser
Section 21 - Do's & Don'ts List
- DO: Delegate tasks as necessary.
- DO: Be creative with designs.
- DO: Help each other, if one of you is busy the other needs to step up.
- DO: Support each other, both in and outside of the program.
- DON’T: Assume the other person is making the publicity.
- DON’T: Let one person do all the work, you guys are a team.
- DON’T: Wait till the last minute to do things
- DON’T: Wait for Morty or someone else to tell you to make something, take initiative.
Section 22 - Contacts
- DJ Chris, Prom DJ, +1(916)764-7335
- Jennifer, Prom Decorator, +1(209)402-0158
- Leon, assisted in Homecoming float, +1(209)326-3472
Section 24 - The professional
- Two major aspects of becoming a professional leader, public speaking and communication, one of which we explicitly worked on, the other kind of came with the leadership package so to speak. Public speaking is a necessary evil in a way, needed for real life/professional environments, but is nerve-wracking at first. We got a random topic, then had to write and present a speech to the class. By doing this we built our confidence in our own public speaking abilities as well as gaining new and creative ways to deliver future speeches when we listened to our peers' speeches. Now communication is a very important skill learned throughout your time in the program. Effective communication is necessary for every event, dance, and even every poster made. Whether it be something as simple as updating Morty, or having to communicate with other class officers because something fell through at the last minute and you need to figure out what to do. It becomes second nature to keep those around you up-to-date with any and all necessary information
Section 25 - Change
- This year has provided many challenges and opportunities, times of good and bad, peace and stress. Throughout it all I have learned so much, and am grateful for all of it, good and bad. One time where I was exceedingly frustrated was in December, I was just trying to make it through to winter break, however it was a struggle. School was overwhelming, work was tedious, family tensions were high and I could not catch a break. But I know if I just put my head down and pushed through it, I would make it through. And I did. This was also the same week that I felt a lack of efficiency. I felt slow, like I couldn't finish anything, and I was having a hard time focusing. The most challenging part for me is to not let myself get into my head. I start to overthink things and everything goes downhill from there. I am fairly hard on myself, I don't feel good if I don't finish that assignment, work at least 3 days a week, help my sister with her homework, workout at least 6 days a week, etc. That never tends to end well, so I have been focusing on taking a break on myself. I believe that the future class needs more open support from each other. Celebrate the small victories with, and for, each other. As previously mentioned I overthink and I am fairly hard on myself, so when others help me celebrate my little victories I tend to feel lighter as a person. I want others to feel the same.
Section 26 - Ideal Leader
The ideal leader is someone who perseveres, communicates, and remains organized through any and all hardships they may face. Most importantly a good leader needs to care about their cause and their community. Unacceptable behavior consists of being rude, letting the power get to your head, and lack of communication. All of which make a huge impact on the efficiency of the program. When we build our family in the program, it is built on trust. If there is no communication and organization then there will be no trust