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Birth
I was lucky enough to have been born into a caring, loving family that consisted of my mother Ellen, father Kenny and older brother Adam. -
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Personal Leadership Timeline
This assignment took me into a deep reflection on how I became who I am and what has and continues to influence me. I thoroughly enjoyed reminding myself of all of the factors that shape a person to be who there are. -
Family is Complete
On this day, my younger sister was born which completed our immediate family. Later, I would realize that I wouldn't be who I am today or the leader I aspire to be without these 4 other people in my life. This is a recent picture of our 'complete' family. -
Faith
My parents taught us kids at an early age to pray for ourselves and others. Each night, we individually prayed for all of the people we were thankful to have in our lives, for all the people that were suffering that they find strength through our prayers and to be happy with what we were given in life. I believe this faith influenced my past and will continue to influence my future and my values. Faith has undoubtedly been the basis of many difficult decisions I have made throughout my life. -
Connolly Shinanigans
Over the years I have been exposed to many foolish antics. My father and his late mother are the two most foolsih people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. How has that influenced me and my leaderhip qualities? Both individuals have the ability to literally light up a room with their presence. They make everyone around them feel at home, safe and relaxed and the list goes on. I can only hope that I gained some of those qualities to make myself a positive and enthusiastic leader. -
The Rock
My mother is the rock that holds everything together. Whether its during a serious time or not, she is the one people go to before making final decisions. Many great ideas have been thought up, but it's mom that we all trust to know the best decision. Sometimes she may not know, but then we collaborate to decide together what's the most efficient decision. She has shaped me into becoming a leader by consistently modelling how to be a strong 'rock' within a group of people. -
Friends
I feel blessed to have generated many amazing friends over my lifetime, starting back in first grade. Making friends is difficult to do as people don't always act or behave like their true selves until one is comfortable with the individuals around them. Learning how to engage in conversations, see past dislikes and differences, understand, support and receive support from a diverse group of people keeps oneself open-minded. -
Sports
I began playing serious sports when I was in high school, then carried on playing varsity rugby at UPEI in the following years. I realize now that during all of those years playing basketball, softball and rugby that I was being shaped into being a team player. I consider knowing all of the members of your 'team' a crucial leadership quality. Being aware of individual strengths and weaknesses and how to create cohesion amongst the players creates a team that is efficient and successful. -
Adam
When Adam began University & I was in high school, our relationship changed from bitter hostility towards each other to cherishing the positive qualities each of us had. We became friends. My brother would literally do anything for anyone and has the kindest heart to which he devotes everything he attempts to do. Witnessing and understanding those qualities in him has influenced me to bring out those qualities in me as a leader. -
Shane
They say opposites attract--'they're' right. After being me for 29 years, I know myself pretty well. The good, the bad and the ugly. So many of the things I wish to be --Shane is. I stress easily, he remains calm always. I'm late, he's early. I'm loud and talk a lot, he's quiet and well-mannered. I cry when frustrated, he presses on. Shane has made me understand myself better so I can understand other's better. He's taught me not to 'sweat the small stuff.' A true leadership quality. -
The Big Move
Experiences shape who you are. I decided after my BEd that I needed to teach, like now. I moved to where I could do that and it wasn't an easy decision by any means. Multiple sacrifices were made and I often wondered if I made the right decision. I realized quickly that I had. After spending two years in a fantastic school with numerous opportunities, I could see through the negative aspects and focus on the positive. Risk-taking is necessary to grow and evolve as a person. -
Melissa
My sister Melissa is the hardest worker I know. Many challenges could have stopped her from succeeding, but her determination won't allow it. Her work ethic and drive in regards to schooling and employment has influenced me to concentrate on the task at hand and to prioritize what's important at particular times in my life. Her unknown guidance has influenced me to stay focused and realize that regardless of the wait, with hard work, goals can be reached. -
And Now...
After teaching in two schools, two school districts and being exposed to and working with all of their many leaders, I have come to understand that I have very much been influenced by the variety of leadership qualities in each person I met. With just 5 teaching years behind me, I already am aware of what leadership qualities I wish not to have, what qualities to work towards gaining and what gives me energy to be a great leader. So, through educational experiences I have been influenced.
