I have come to accept the fact that this year is going to be MUCH different than years before. Covid- 19 has not only affected Ripon but the whole world. In a “normal” school year there would be things like rallies, football games, sports, dances, and clubs. Obviously, I don’t expect these activities to be the same right now because of the times that we’re in. There are two things that all of these activities have in common, spirit and gathering. But just because we are not attending school in person doesn’t mean that we can’t create new ways to incorporate these things into a new virtual platform. This year I expect to take part in planning and executing new virtual activities that keep the students of Ripon High involved. Even though Covid-19 has caused hardship on many families it has also opened time for myself and others to reflect on the impact they have made and who they want to be. Personally, I spent time to look back and think about my view on life. After late nights of reflective thinking I learned that choosing to see the positive side of a situation will always be better than focusing on the negative. When you choose to see the positive in something, you are choosing to see the good. Focusing on something negative will never get you anywhere. So, yes we are in a world pandemic but … quarantine gave me time to spend on myself and my mental health. As a leadership member, my goal is to instill positivity and hope into the minds of Ripon High students. Whether that means sending out personal letters, sharing an uplifting quote, or just saying a simple “We love you.” Even though this is my first year in the leadership program I already feel like it has impacted me in a big way. Ultimately, I’d like to expand my perspective along with becoming a positive influence on my fellow students. But most importantly, I’d like to make an impact.
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Favorite Quotes
I have run across many different quotes that have impacted me in different ways. One of them is “The World is what you make of it” by Lawrence Kasdan. I think about this quote a lot because well… it’s true! This quotes reminds me about how my perspective and view on things will impact my life. For example, choosing to see the good. Choosing to see the good in the world will make my life better because I don’t focus on the negative. This creates a positive environment for me and the people I surround myself with.
The second quote that has had an impact on me is “People will throw stones at you, don’t throw them back, collect them and build an empire”. When I was younger I got bullied a lot for the way that I looked. I was young and didn’t know any better so I let it affect me. I thought about it all the time and struggled with lots of insecurities. But after a little while I just stopped caring. Like the quote says I started to collect the stones that were thrown at me and created an empire. I may not be perfect but I am confident now and I’m proud of that . Another quote that I think of a lot is “Do what makes you happy.” I know that this is a really simple quote but this quote really made me put into perspective how much I worried about what others thought of me. I used to make decisions about MY life based on what other people would think of me rather than if it made me happy. It caused me to have a lot of breakdowns and low self esteem. Since then, I’m glad to say that I have learned to consider my happiness with the choices that I make because at the end of the day, it’s my life.
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Quote
A quote that represents me as a leader and the effort that I placed in the leadership program this year is “Be the change you want to see in the world” by Gandhi. To me, this quote means that you can’t wait around for someone else to do something for you. You have to take a leap and do it yourself or else it won’t get done. So in order to be a good leader you have to be willing to step up and take charge to make that change happen. This is important because without leaders nothing would get done. Everyone would be too scared to take action to make a change so the problem would stay the same. I hope that this can impact future students by inspiring them to be brave and take charge. A simple statement can make the biggest impact for the future because it can open one’s eyes to what is relevant in our world today. For example, people may not realize how important it is to be a leader until they have read this quote
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My Goals
Connected to leadership: -Keep a positive attitude about distance learning and creating activities for the student body. -Participate and open up more during class. Short term: -Continue to be a positive role model for other students -Maintain good grades Long term: -Live my life to the fullest -Continue to grow spiritually and mentally
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Goals
“I wish to stay on top of all work assigned to me.”: This year has been very difficult to balance school and extracurriculars but I have tried my best to stay on top of all of it so that I don’t get behind. So far it has gone well. “I wish to find new ways to keep RHS involved through distance learning.”: I worked with the leadership students to help plan fallfest which was an online spirit event that we created. Although most of us are not on distance learning, we are still trying to raise spirit and make the school a positive environment for everyone. “I wish to become someone that other people look up to and rely on.”: Being back to in person learning has opened so many opportunities for me to reach out and connect with others. I am grateful to have met so many amazing people that have all impacted my life in some way. “I wish to become the best version of myself”: I’m not perfect but I feel I have come a long way since the beginning of the year. I have gathered so much knowledge and wisdom from these times. I used to be very closed minded but I feel now I have come to expand myself and my mindset. “Never change who I am.” One of my biggest promises to myself is staying true to myself. I vow to never change who I am for someone else. I love the person that I am becoming and hope to be myself all of the time. “Live my life to the fullest.”: Covid-19 has made exploring my life and myself a little bit challenging but I always try to make the most of it. I know that things probably won’t go back to normal right now but I hope that at some point I will be able to go out and do the things that I enjoy.
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Magazine Cover
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Magazine Article
On March 19, 2020 a statewide shelter-in-place order was issued. Since then, it’s been a rocky ride but Payton Miller-Kay, a freshman at Ripon High School, is here to help with some tips on how to live a happy life. “The best way to live a happy life is by keeping a positive mindset and doing the things that you love.” Payton had had multiple occasions where she thought that life wouldn’t get any better but she kept a positive mindset by always choosing to see the bright side of life and was able to find the light at the end of the tunnel. “Positivity is key.”, says Payton, “Right now people need a light that they can look up to in these confusing times. When you become that person you will have a domino effect on the people around you, eventually making the world a little better.” Payton’s second tip on how to live a happy life is by doing what you love. “I used to make decisions about MY life based on what other people would think of me rather than if it made me happy. It caused me to have a lot of breakdowns and low self esteem. But, after a while I just stopped caring. I thought ‘who cares what they think. It’s MY life and I only got one.”, said Payton. Payton currently has been living by these principles and couldn’t be happier as she continues to grow.
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Fall Fest Slide Show
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The Role Model
Someone that I admire and has had the biggest impact on my life is my mom. My mom has always been there for me growing up. She taught me to never give up on myself. She has always supported me with everything that I do. I have always looked up to my mom. She is hardworking, compassionate, caring, an amazing mom, and one of the kindest people ever. She is everything that I have wanted to be when I grow up.
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The Inner Animal
A butterfly best describes my personality. To me, butterflies are friendly, charming, impulsive, and optimistic. They are usually a good leader and can motivate others. When I think of a butterfly, I think of the saying “social butterfly”. I always try to be a social person by being kind and friendly to everyone. I feel like butterflies represent life changes. As a butterfly changes throughout its life, it grows. As I have gotten older I think I have grown a lot as a person. I used to be super quiet, shy, insecure, and doubtful. Now, as I have grown into my “wings” I have become a more social, confident person.
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The Season of Giving
I chose to do the gift card donated to the Pregnancy Help Center because I wanted to do something that would help make someone else’s Christmas better. I am fortunate enough to get gifts at Christmas but I know it can be very difficult for expecting families who don’t have much. To do this I went to my local Target and bought a gift card that will then be donated to the Pregnancy Help Center. Doing this final made me feel really grateful for things that I have. I am very lucky to have Christmas presents each year and I’m glad that I will be able to help someone else get them too. I think that this assignment was valuable because it taught me about how important it is to give to others who need it.
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The Best Things About Me
Loving
I love spending time with my family. Whether it’s playing a board game, going on a hike, or even going camping I love to cherish each memory with them. My family is always there for me whenever I need them. I love being able to go out and do fun activities with them. I am very grateful for my family and friends for being there for me through the tough times.
Hardworking
Distance learning was difficult for me. It was hard for me to adapt to new surroundings, new teachers, new classmates, and new classes. I started to get behind on my classed.However, I was able to work really hard and dedicated a lot of my time to insuring that I stayed on top of my work. Now that we are back at in person learning I have been able to understand lesson’s alot easier but being focused during distance learning definitely helped a lot.
Adventurous
I love going out on adventures. I’ve been to many different states and camp sites. Something about going out into the world and seeing new things excites me. It makes me want to go out and protect our beautiful world. Some of my favorite memories have been camping with my family.
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What I Like Best About Being a Member of Leadership- Even During A Pandemic
This year has not been like the others. It’s crazy to think how different life was before Covid-19. I think one of the reasons I was able to stay sane during these confusing times was because of Leadership. Leadership created a safe environment and gave me something to look forward to. Being in leadership this year meant being a part of a family. Everyone is always so supportive of each other and is always there to help you. I know that I can count on any of the other members if I ever need anything. Although we haven’t been with each other in person for very long I feel like I know everyone. We made such fun memories just over zoom! Covid-19 has made event planning difficult but I think it also opened up opportunities for self-reflection. Before Covid-19 I was a different person. I didn’t truly realize how much of an impact my actions and decisions made. Because of Leadership, I have looked deeper within myself to develop myself into the person I want to be proud of. I have learned so much from learning how to let little things go to being prepared for the unexpected. With this, Leadership has led me down an amazing path filled with kindness and knowledge.
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Homecoming Gallery + Response
One of my favorite components to the adapted HOCO that we did was the dance off night rally. It was so fun to be able to create and perform something for the whole student body to enjoy!
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What I love to do
Last year I decided to go out of my comfort zone and try something I had never done before. That decision led me into the world of cheerleading. I was so nervous. At first I had a hard time getting started but once I started to learn the proper technique and skills, flying became one of my favorite things. The adrenaline rush is like something I have never felt before. I also loved the dance portion of our performances. Before cheer I had done 10 years of dance so I was so glad to still be able to do something that I love and enjoy. Even though I’m not even close to a perfect flyer I hope that I can continue to do it. I can’t wait to learn more knowledge and skills. There were definitely some times where I felt like giving up but even with it’s challenges I wouldn’t change anything from this season.
Letter to Parents
Dear Mom and Dad,
We have been through so much. Although we haven't been together, I’m glad to know that I have loving parents that will be there for me no matter what. I know that I am not always the easiest person to deal with so I thank you for putting up with me even when it’s difficult. I’m grateful for all of the things that you have had to give up for me. I recognize all that you do for me even if you may not think that I do. You have always been there for me when I needed you, even if that meant going out of your way to help me. Even your small gestures of kindness have had a huge impact on me. You have shaped me into the person that I am today and I couldn’t be more grateful for it. We will always have our ups and downs but just know that I will always love you no matter what.
Love,
Your daughter
The Letter
Dear Future Freshman Representative, Freshman year goes by so fast you wouldn’t even believe it! I know going into a new program and school can be really overwhelming but I promise it’s not actually as scary as it seems. This year I would definitely recommend trying things outside of your comfort zone! I tried a sport I had never done before and it was probably one of the best experiences! But also don’t be afraid to have a voice! A part of leadership is being a voice for the school. Don’t be ashamed to say your ideas, you never know what it could lead to! Also do the best that you can to stay on top of your school work. Once you get behind it’s really hard to catch up. As far as leadership goes, don't forget to do your journal every week and try to make bonds with the other leadership students. I promise they won’t bite. The only other advice I can give you is to just be yourself. Freshman year comes and goes, you only get this time once so don’t be afraid to make the most of it. Sincerely, Payton Miller-Kay
Do's and Don'ts List
Do -make a plan ahead of time -make social media post publicizing the event -publicize at least a week before the event -make sure the event is covid friendly -go full out with spirit -turn in paperwork on time -if you are unsure of something, speak with morty -check in with your classmates -ask questions/speak up -involve as many people as possible -have a back up plan!!!!! -give don’t ask
Don’t -procrastinate until that last minute!!!!! -expect things to go perfectly -don’t get frustrated with your classmates -exclude people -ask students to do things
The Professional
Two professional aspects that were discussed in leadership this year were mock interviews and the application process for leadership. The mock interview process taught me so many skills that will be very helpful in the future. For example, I learned how to write a resume and cover letter whereas before, I wouldn’t even know what those are. The mock interviews allowed me an opportunity to learn more about psychology and what is needed to pursue that career path. Now, I feel a lot more confident about the possibility of interviewing for a real job in the real world. The second professional aspect was the application process for the leadership program. This process included a form with questions about why we wanted to join leadership, a video speech presented to the school, and a virtual interview with a panel. Although it was stressful I am grateful that there were many steps to earn a spot in the leadership program. One reason is because we had to really put work in to show that we are willing to put in the work. But, it also taught me a lot about public speaking, time management, and my confidence in myself.
Change
This year has definitely been like none other. It seems like just yesterday I was in eighth grade getting excited for our Honor Roll Field trip and worrying about what highschool would be like. But now I sit here, mask and hand sanitizer out open on my desk. Who would have ever guessed a virus could cause so much pain, hardship, and misery to so many people across the globe. I remember the first leadership zoom meeting over the summer. I was so nervous and had no idea what to say. I had no idea what I was in store for. We started off the year with online zoom meetings about the upcoming year. I remember after the meeting ended we would play among us together. This was one of my favorite bonding experiences. I’m so grateful to have met so many amazing people through the leadership program. Without it, I don’t think I would have gotten to know them so well. All of the covid restrictions and guidelines made planning events difficult and sometimes frustrating especially when trying to plan things during distance learning. It was really difficult to inform students of things going on when we couldn’t reach them in person. For example fall fest. It was hard to show spirit when everyone had their cameras off or didn’t even know that the event was going on. For the future class, I think we should publicize events better and spread the word even if we are in person. I feel we didn’t do all that we could do to make the student body aware of events. For example, we could make posters, social media posts, have the event in the announcements, and also spread the word by doing something as simple as asking a friend if they are going. When students dress up or get involved it makes the school feel more united.
The Ideal Leader
I believe a leader is someone who others look up to. A leader is someone that others can count on no matter what they have going on. Whenever there is a problem the leader will be who you look to for guidance. Even though no one is perfect, a leader should have a good image and be known as a good person. A good leader must also be able to calmly handle difficult situations without causing panic. A student in this program should be expected to do all work on time and put in all of their effort into each thing that they do. If the role models of our school are not doing their work then how can we expect the student body to do the same. Acceptable behavior in this class is staying focused, participating, and putting in effort. Unacceptable behavior in this program includes not doing your work, not participating in events, and constantly talking when not needed.