On Monday, October 30 2017, I went to Pruis Hall and heard Alex Sheen, the founder of the nonprofit “Because I Said I Would.” His dad, a pharmacist in Cleveland, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. To combat the disease, he went through chemo radiation which seemed to be working, and he was able to go out with his family for Chinese food. However, the cancer later spread to his liver, pancreas and brain, and resulted in death. Alex decided to give a eulogy at the funeral, in which he decided he would start fulfilling more promises. Here, he first said the phrase “Because I said I would,” which later led to his going viral on social media with millions of likes and his starting of a blog. Through class discussions and presentations, …show more content…
Although he and followers of his blog did not have to fulfill these promise cards, it shows the importance of being a man of your word and keeping your promises. Although not everyone can afford so much time or money to fulfill a promise, Alex said people should “do what you can with what you have.”
Alex said at the conclusion of his speech that “everyone is born with the ability to make and keep a promise.” This goes into our yearlong class discussion of “Is a leader born or made?” Alex, who believes everyone can make and keep their promises, would believe that leaders are made. Prior to writing his blog and eventually starting his nonprofit, Alex had no public works experience, public speaking experience, or leadership experience. As he said, he was “just some guy who worked at a software company making a six figure income with five figure stock options.” He did not need the money, and thought about stopping, as running a nonprofit in addition to working forty hours a week was a big time commitment and expensive. That was until one day he went into work and saw a letter on his desk by an unnamed follower of his saying that she appreciated and was inspired by his blog and work and said that he inspired her to make a promise of her own. For the past few years, she had been constantly made fun of for her appearance and for being overweight, so she started cutting herself and was considering suicide.
I had never given much thought into how I would die. There’s something about being young that causes us to believe we’re invincible. It’s not like dying young is uncommon, it’s just that there’s something extra despairing about a life ending before it had really begun. Over the past 18 years, I’ve never thought twice about my mortality. I mean, it wasn’t anything special to me. I knew that I would eventually die, but eventuallies aren’t always as far as you think. Here I am, only 18 years old, my cold body
John O'Leary stressed the importance of three questions: Why me? Who cares? What more can I do? From the introduction, these were posed through a negative mindset, but as he continued, he gave their meaning a new light. People face hardships each day, some more horrific than others. As for Mr. O'Leary, one childish mistake changed his life forever. Learning how he overcame the obstacle of healing from burns that covered one-hundred percent of his body exposed how hope, love, and faith can reignite the passion for life. We can easily choose to give up, but what a waste that is to allow yourself to fall away. Each individual has the opportunity to make an extraordinary impact on the world, so instead of bowing down to the troubles, one can fight and prove their worthiness. In order to blossom as a servant leader, it is important to realize you need to hold on to courage and passion, so that your efforts can have their full potential.
While everyone has their own opinion, and is more than entitled to share it, other’s beliefs and thoughts influence most people. Politics and opinions of leaders on the way in which a country must govern are often easy portals to access an impressionable mind. Throughout history, those with opposing viewpoints on democracy have often spoke up and shared their opinions with the world in hopes of being heard. Aristotle, Pericles and Xenophon have each taken a turn in doing so, and made their feelings obvious to the people. All opinions were very different; Aristotle's being more of an open-minded approach towards democracy (not completely dismissing the idea of it), Pericles' being in total agreement with it, and Xenophon being sarcastic and exceptionally opposed.
In 431 BCE, Pericles delivered his “Funeral Oration” during the midst of the Peloponnesian War in order to honor those who died for Athens. This eulogy was given in the middle of the war during a state celebration where the population gathered to commemorate those who defended Athens. However, Pericles also used his speech as an opportunity to honor the military and to inspire other citizens to fill the remaining vacancies in the army. Throughout his speech, Pericles emphasizes the glory of the Athenian democracy in order to honor the fallen soldiers and to inspire his people to continue to fight for the future of Athens.
The video quotes, “Individuals are afraid of succeeding because of fear” (Mateusz, Brown, Thomas, & Smith, 2013). This quote captured my attention upon my initial viewing of the video titled, “Dream: Motivational Video,” because of the boldness it projected to the audience. The speech is approximately six minutes and was published on July 2, 2013. It provides the audience with a background on how they should make their dreams real. Although obstacles will develop when we are trying to fulfill dreams—the purpose is to separate from negativity and dream big. Even though the fear of failure overtakes our mind, we cannot allow the fear to deter us from living out our dream. Finally, the speech uses clips from movies titled, Into The Wild, Rocky 4, Seven Pounds, Pursuit of Happyness, and A Beautiful Mind that are inspirational and encouraging. For that reason, this synopsis examines the effectiveness of motivational speaking against the concepts that are found in Bateman and Snell’s text to propose that communication, motivating and inspiring people are essential to being an effective leader.
Provide spiritual support to a diverse population of patients, family members, and associates at a 300 beds, inpatient/outpatient medical center.
It was good to hear from you. I don't know though Rob. I can't be just your friend, it was too deep for me. I don't think we were ever on the same page, I always was ready and wanted more than you. You say I'm annoying but that's because I don't know how to deal with being hurt. You just block everything out, I can't do that. I don't know how to deal with hurt feelings so I lash out and act crazy. I say hurtful things because I'm hurt. I tried time and time again but you didn't want nothing to do with me, and believe it or not, that's okay. It's okay. You hurt me more than anybody or any heartbreak I ever had. You're the only person in this world to ever get me pregnant. Then, regardless of my decision, you left me, no support, no are you okay, nothing. Steve told me you need all the support you can get right now, but when I needed support you were no where to be found. I am content with my decision and after a year I finally am okay. I realize I would have been alone. You made your decision, and I made mine and I am at peace with it.
This week, a young man died. In many ways, he was just like most kids his age. He was 27-years-old, the only child from a loving family in a suburb near the midwest; he loved gaming and was a sales clerk. He loved technology — the kind of kid who could probably fix your computer, teach you what to do with that iPad you just bought, and set up your new surround sound system, all while updating his Facebook page, texting a friend, and simultaneously calling another. I don’t know if he had any particular dreams or goals, but I bet he had them. Maybe his dreams never extended beyond wanting to be happy and laugh at funny jokes. He was a handsome kid with bright blue eyes and sandy blonde hair.
Good Monday morning Mary! Hope you’re not getting bombarded with counseling questions, should at the very least it’ll be different. As for Jim, what’s the disturbing news! I the only I remember, I think he use to work at an institution for the mentally disabled (not sure though). Well off to the Monday run around errands, have not too stressful day! See
Wednesday, August 18, 2017. It was time for the official goodbye. My oldest sister, Maggie, and her boyfriend, Alan, are the first out of the car. Maggie is a Junior in college this year attending The University of Iowa, majoring in nursing. Then my other sister, Jillian. Jillian is a Freshman in college this year, also attending The University of Iowa, majoring in business. My Mom, my Dad, my brother, Jackson, and I will have to know the pain of leaving Maggie and Jillian at college, never knowing when the last “goodbye hug” will become your permanent goodbye forever. We hangout for a little bit, putting off our unwanted goodbyes. About ten minutes pass and we we all give Maggie our last hug until the next time we see her. We
My symbol that represents everything I want to be; is my grandmother Lena Knox. Who is the beginning of the Knox bloodline, and she is also a very strong willed determined individual. The three key points that I will touch on that makes her my symbol, are her adventurous courageous and powerful states of mind.
My mom went into labor at my dad’s birthday party. Only a few friends and family were over and she kept leaving the room. Finally, my uncle asked why she kept leaving. To which my father replied, “Oh, Laurie is just going into labor. We’ll leave for the hospital right after the party.” I love to tell this story not only because I can usually receive a small chuckle out of anyone who hears it, but because I would like to live my life the same way I came into it, with a party. For this reason, all of my life I have tried to find the fun in everything. Throughout harsh trials, being able to keep my chin held high and having an enthusiastic outlook on everything has truly helped. A surplus of those hardships have shaped me into the amazing young
I amble my way towards the double-glazed doors, as the saffron-yellow sun glowed like a medallion in the sky.
I thank God everyday for my amusing family, I don't know what I would do without their constant supportive. Without my family or my lovely friends I would not have the positive perspective I do when I feel overwhelmed. I’m pretty sure I could live off of cold sushi, creamy soft potato and of course ice cold water. I just love food so much. I adore my spirally and crazy hair even though sometimes my curls get frizzy. I also love my old fluffy dog who I have basically grown up with because he is so cute and friendly. I am thankful for the pretty and comfortable clothes my parents are constantly buying me. I also am thankful for nature, if I passed away I would absolutely miss the greenery of trees and clear beautiful water of Destin Beach.
I looked back at the time when my dad was working two jobs. It would be six o’clock and he wouldn’t be home yet. I would ask my mom every day when my dad will arrive home and she answered with soon. Some nights, he would arrive when I was asleep, but some nights he came early so I waited by the door for the clicking sound of the locks releasing. As soon as he would open the door, I was already jumping on him for a hug. He would come home dirty and tired, but always with a smile on his face. My father had opened his own company which was his second job and life. Once he quit, he put all his effort into launching his company.