The Beauty of Failure
The Initial Letter
This school year, I hope to achieve excellence in both academics and everyday life. I wish to pass my three AP Exams with a 4 or a 5 in order to appeal to colleges more. Additionally, I hope to earn above a 4.0 cumulative grade point average, because it’ll look phenomenal on my transcript. The class I am looking forward to the most is AP Biology, because of the in-class labs and the knowledge I will gain. I am nervous about handling all of my classes and extracurriculars, however, I understand the brevity and workload each class requires. In Leadership, I am looking forward to planning events, such as Homecoming, Winterfest, and Prom. Since last year was nearly impossible to navigate with events and dances, this year, I hope to make these events the best that Leadership possibly can for the student body. I know that if the program comes together to create new, innovative ways to hold events and appeal to every aspect of the student body, events such as Homecoming and Prom will be a success. I am a little bit worried about fundraising enough money for said events, but I know my fellow class officers and the ASB officers are going to achieve our goals. I’m hoping to brainstorm some ideas for fundraisers, but Covid-19 is a major obstacle we are going to have to overcome. Additionally, I’m nervous about the school shutting down again, due to new variants to the virus. However, I have complete confidence in our staff and school district in keeping us safe, in regards to mandates with masks, vaccines, and social distancing. This past year was very stressful, and I hope that this year will be better. The thing I am most looking forward to is creating relationships with my classmates. There are so many personalities within the class, I can’t wait to see how we all click. I am confident that my classmates and I will be able to form strong bonds with each other; bonds that will withstand the hardships of Leadership and planning events. We’re going to need to get creative to appeal to the students. Regardless, I am looking forward to this year, and I understand that this year will be like no other year we’ve ever experienced.
Quotes
Quote One:
"If you cannot excel with talent, triumph with effort." This quote speaks volumes to me, because it discusses the value of work hard when you're not the best. Hard work is necessary to accomplishing your goals, because you're never going to be perfect at everything. Therefore, you have to push yourself to succeed, otherwise you'll be stuck where you're at. The effort you put in will determine how much you succeed.
"If you cannot excel with talent, triumph with effort." This quote speaks volumes to me, because it discusses the value of work hard when you're not the best. Hard work is necessary to accomplishing your goals, because you're never going to be perfect at everything. Therefore, you have to push yourself to succeed, otherwise you'll be stuck where you're at. The effort you put in will determine how much you succeed.
Quote Two:
"Have no fear of perfection - it is not attainable." This quote describes the irrational fear I possess when trying to accomplish a task. For me, perfection is everything. If I'm not perfect at something automatically, then I stress myself out and give up. This quote is a reminder to let that fear go, because perfection is never, ever attainable. So by forcing perfection, I am achieving less than I would if I just tried my best.
"Have no fear of perfection - it is not attainable." This quote describes the irrational fear I possess when trying to accomplish a task. For me, perfection is everything. If I'm not perfect at something automatically, then I stress myself out and give up. This quote is a reminder to let that fear go, because perfection is never, ever attainable. So by forcing perfection, I am achieving less than I would if I just tried my best.
Quote Three:
"If you want to be happy, practice compassion." This quote is a strong reminder that happiness doesn't always stem from my desires and wants. Instead of focusing on me always, I should practice being compassionate towards others, even when that requires effort from me. I need to be more focused on other people, not just me, myself, and I.
"If you want to be happy, practice compassion." This quote is a strong reminder that happiness doesn't always stem from my desires and wants. Instead of focusing on me always, I should practice being compassionate towards others, even when that requires effort from me. I need to be more focused on other people, not just me, myself, and I.
Quote That Describes Me:
"The true mark of a leader is the willingness to stick with a bold course of action — an unconventional business strategy, a unique product-development roadmap, a controversial marketing campaign — even as the rest of the world wonders why you're not marching in step with the status quo. In other words, real leaders are happy to zig while others zag. They understand that in an era of hyper-competition and non-stop disruption, the only way to stand out from the crowd is to stand for something special." -Bill Taylor
This quote describes me as a leader, because being a leader in this program specifically, especially after COVID, means changing what students remember events as. Underclassmen have never experienced a rally, a normal dance, a Homecoming, and that gives us the opportunity to make these events however we want. We are no longer confined to what we USED to do, but rather what we can do now. Masks were hard, social distancing was hard, but we can take those setbacks in stride and make a whole new event that is better suited for our new audience.
"The true mark of a leader is the willingness to stick with a bold course of action — an unconventional business strategy, a unique product-development roadmap, a controversial marketing campaign — even as the rest of the world wonders why you're not marching in step with the status quo. In other words, real leaders are happy to zig while others zag. They understand that in an era of hyper-competition and non-stop disruption, the only way to stand out from the crowd is to stand for something special." -Bill Taylor
This quote describes me as a leader, because being a leader in this program specifically, especially after COVID, means changing what students remember events as. Underclassmen have never experienced a rally, a normal dance, a Homecoming, and that gives us the opportunity to make these events however we want. We are no longer confined to what we USED to do, but rather what we can do now. Masks were hard, social distancing was hard, but we can take those setbacks in stride and make a whole new event that is better suited for our new audience.
Goals
Goal One: Plan an Effective, Fun Homecoming
This goal is important because Homecoming affects the whole school, not just the juniors, not just the upperclassmen. Homecoming is for all of Ripon High, and all of Ripon. By making Homecoming a success, I've fulfilled my job as a member of the Leadership team. I need to make sure I do my jobs, and do them well.
This goal is important because Homecoming affects the whole school, not just the juniors, not just the upperclassmen. Homecoming is for all of Ripon High, and all of Ripon. By making Homecoming a success, I've fulfilled my job as a member of the Leadership team. I need to make sure I do my jobs, and do them well.
Goal Two: Plan Prom to the Best of My Ability
This year the Junior Class is in charge of planning Prom for the upperclassmen. We need to be sure to plan effectively, so that the event goes well and everyone is happy. Prom is very important to the upperclassmen, so we need to make sure it's good for them.
This year the Junior Class is in charge of planning Prom for the upperclassmen. We need to be sure to plan effectively, so that the event goes well and everyone is happy. Prom is very important to the upperclassmen, so we need to make sure it's good for them.
Goal Three: Graduate High School
As a Junior, graduating is a super important to me, because graduating is super important. I've take too many hard classes and done too much work to fail. I need to get through the next two years of school, so I can go to college and be successful in the rest of my life.
As a Junior, graduating is a super important to me, because graduating is super important. I've take too many hard classes and done too much work to fail. I need to get through the next two years of school, so I can go to college and be successful in the rest of my life.
Goal 4: Be Content With the College I Attend
I have very high standards for myself. Therefore, I need to get into a good college to feel successful. I know my capabilities, but I know I'll still be disappointed if I don't get into my choice colleges. So, I am challenging myself to be happy with the colleges I get into, and ultimately, the college I will attend.
I have very high standards for myself. Therefore, I need to get into a good college to feel successful. I know my capabilities, but I know I'll still be disappointed if I don't get into my choice colleges. So, I am challenging myself to be happy with the colleges I get into, and ultimately, the college I will attend.
Goal Five: Get a Job That Will Make Me Happy
Again, I bring up success because success for me does not have a monetary value, but rather a value centered around my overall happiness and levels of content. Therefore, while I would like to obtain a job that pays well, I don't want to have a job that forces my happiness to come second. So, I hope that future me can land a job that'll make me happy, rather than rich.
Again, I bring up success because success for me does not have a monetary value, but rather a value centered around my overall happiness and levels of content. Therefore, while I would like to obtain a job that pays well, I don't want to have a job that forces my happiness to come second. So, I hope that future me can land a job that'll make me happy, rather than rich.
Goal 6: Be Content
No matter what my future holds, I want to be happy with it. I hope that it's easy for me and I am successful, but even if I am not, I need to be happy with were I am. Life is a mountain, and I need to be okay with the climb. I cannot become impatient with the journey, but rather, hopeful for the outcome.
No matter what my future holds, I want to be happy with it. I hope that it's easy for me and I am successful, but even if I am not, I need to be happy with were I am. Life is a mountain, and I need to be okay with the climb. I cannot become impatient with the journey, but rather, hopeful for the outcome.
Reflection of Goals
Goal One: Plan an Effective, Fun Homecoming
This goal was a success, even though Homecoming was really stressful. I had a lot of fun setting up the event with my class officers and commissioners, and I had a lot of fun during the event itself. I was absolutely exhausted after the week long event, but I think the student body really enjoyed it.
This goal was a success, even though Homecoming was really stressful. I had a lot of fun setting up the event with my class officers and commissioners, and I had a lot of fun during the event itself. I was absolutely exhausted after the week long event, but I think the student body really enjoyed it.
Goal Two: Plan Prom to the Best of My Ability
This goal was also successful. I just turned in the Procedure Form for the event. We ran into one hiccup with the DJ losing power, but it was handled within half an hour of the dance beginning. Makenzie did a phenomenal job with organizing the whole thing.
This goal was also successful. I just turned in the Procedure Form for the event. We ran into one hiccup with the DJ losing power, but it was handled within half an hour of the dance beginning. Makenzie did a phenomenal job with organizing the whole thing.
Goal Three: Graduate High School
This goal is one step closer to being completed. After this year ends, I'll have one year left as a high schooler. That's terrifying, but also really exciting. I can't wait to graduate and go to college. I have a ton of AP classes and a busy schedule next year, but I'm confident I'll be capable.
This goal is one step closer to being completed. After this year ends, I'll have one year left as a high schooler. That's terrifying, but also really exciting. I can't wait to graduate and go to college. I have a ton of AP classes and a busy schedule next year, but I'm confident I'll be capable.
Goal Four: Be Content with the College I Attend
I'm not sure how I feel about this goal, because I don't know what I want to major in anymore. I thought I knew at the beginning of the year, but now I'm not so confident. Hopefully, in a year from now, I'll know and be confident in my answer,
I'm not sure how I feel about this goal, because I don't know what I want to major in anymore. I thought I knew at the beginning of the year, but now I'm not so confident. Hopefully, in a year from now, I'll know and be confident in my answer,
Goal Five: Get a Job That Will Make Me Happy
I still like this goal a lot, even though I don't know what I want my job to be. I think I had some sort of idea, but now I'm confused. College admissions are in less than six months, and I need to know my job so that I can prepare for it in college. I'm sure I'll figure it out.
I still like this goal a lot, even though I don't know what I want my job to be. I think I had some sort of idea, but now I'm confused. College admissions are in less than six months, and I need to know my job so that I can prepare for it in college. I'm sure I'll figure it out.
Goal Six: Be Content
I think this goal was too broad, because I can be content in a lot of different ways. I'm pretty content as of now. I won't be including it next year, because it's a terrible goal. But I achieved it.
I think this goal was too broad, because I can be content in a lot of different ways. I'm pretty content as of now. I won't be including it next year, because it's a terrible goal. But I achieved it.
Magazine Cover & Article
So far in my life, I’ve accomplished a lot. I’m so excited that I’ve gotten as far as I have. I worked hard, and it paid off. While college was difficult, I got through it. Interning at a hospital was difficult, but I managed. I’m so proud of how far I have come. If little Gracie could see me now, she’d cry for joy. She really wanted to become a pharmacologist, and I did. She worked so hard in high school to set herself up for success. The classes she took, classes like Chemistry and AP Biology were incredibly helpful for my college career. I’m so excited for what I’m still going to accomplish. My job as a pharmacologist is pretty tough sometimes, but it’s exciting work. I get to understand the human body and how it reacts to medicines. It’s fascinating work. Things like isomers and r-groups confused me in high school, shout out to my AP Biology teacher, but high school made me stronger. I’m glad I took the class, because it really set me up for success. School is hard, and I dread going, but I’m so glad I took it as seriously as I did.
My Role Model
My biggest role model is my mom. She's always been there for me, even when I messed up or did something wrong. She has always been my biggest supporter and fan. She's my favorite person in the entire world. She's busy, but never busy enough to not help me. She makes me dinner and drives me places. She folds my laundry and buys me things. She does things without my knowing, because she loves me. She doesn't expect gratitude or a favor in return. But she deserves all the praise nonetheless. She’s never not there. She’s always a text or phone call away, which is something I often take advantage of. I take her love and support for granted, even though she does so much. Especially during this time of year, I need to express my gratitude more often. Without my mom, I wouldn’t have turned out the way I have. She has shaped me and my morals. She’s made me into the person I am, and I wouldn’t come as far as I have without her.
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Spirit Animal
My spirit animal is, most likely, a cat. Cats resonate with me, because we share some of the same characteristics. For example, cats aren’t that social. They don’t like constant attention or being bothered. As an introvert, I get that. I don’t appreciate constantly being surrounded by people, or being bombarded with social settings.On the other hand, cats have those moments of gentle affection. Again, I also relate, but only with the people I trust. I love the people closest to me with my entire being. Additionally, cats like to nap and lounge around the house. These are the things I enjoy doing. I enjoy hard work, yes, but I also love spending time by myself, resting and laying down. Some will say that cats are lazy, and I would agree to some extent, but cats are incredibly active when they’re around people who are. And I relate to that too.
Photo Gallery
Song Representing Me
One of my favorite songs that I feel represents me is "My Shot" from the Broadway musical Hamilton. Like Hamilton, I want to accomplish everything that I possibly came. I want to be as successful as humanly possible, in all ways that I can. I want to work as hard as I can to get as far as I can. While my familial issues are not in any way as dire as Hamilton's were, early life was not ideal. However, I will not let other people's issues be the reason why I'm not successful. I won't give them that power over my life; if I fail, I fail on my own accord. Additionally, like Hamilton, I will push past doors and through windows in order to get where I want to go. If someone gets hit by the door, then they get hit. But I will be in the room.
Homecoming Photo Gallery
Leadership Memories
Hands down, one of my favorite memories was during Core Camp. I was with Avery, because she's my mentor, and I was basically grilling her on what to expect. I was so nervous about the school year, and Leadership specifically, but she calmed all of my nervousness and I went into it feeling prepared. Another one of my favorite memories was with April and Gabbi on the Sophomore dress up day during Homecoming. April was wearing one of my dresses, and she needed help getting in and out, because it completely tied in the back. Since she had to use the restroom, we had to loosen the ties. Unfortunately, we couldn't get it to tie again, and we had to enlist the help of Gabbi. All in all, laughter does not make tying things easier. Lastly, my all time favorite memory in Leadership was drawing the roof of the UP house with Emily for our Homecoming float. I told her to draw shingles, and she thought I meant the disease. From there on out, we couldn't stop laughing. To this day, I still think about it whenever I see her.
Peer Reflection
During Homecoming, April chauffeured everyone, and I mean everyone. Especially me, since we live near each other. She would drive back and forth across town, multiple times a day. We were scrambling to get everything finished, and so she made it happen by making sure everyone got there. She really didn't have to, considering gas prices, but I am so incredibly grateful that she did. I really don't know what I'd do without her, because she is constantly saving me.
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RHS Pride Photo Gallery
Hobbies
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Some of my favorite hobbies are reading, baking, and hanging out with my friends and family. Whenever I have free time, you can usually find me reading a number of different books. From silly rom coms to heartbreaking accounts of WWII, I enjoy all kinds of books. Additionally, I enjoy what I like to call stress baking. Instead of dealing with my problems, I take time to reflect by baking cookies and other desserts. The best part is getting to eat them afterwards, and I usually come up with a solution to my problems by the end. Since it’s such a mindless, simple task, it gives my brain time to wander freely. Lastly, my all time favorite way to spend my time is in the company of the people I love the most. Spending quality time with my family members and my closest friends is so relaxing and brings me so much joy. I don’t have to worry about judgment, only having a good time and making so many memories I can look back on. They all make me laugh, and it’s always a lovely time.
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Letter to My Parents
Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you so much for loving me unconditionally. Your love and support have pushed me so far, and the thought of disappointing you haunts me. I wish I could explain to you how much your efforts to make me a good person affected me. The lessons you have taught me, and continue to teach me ring through my head whenever I have to make any sort of decision. With college on the horizon, the mere idea of leaving the comfort and love of home makes me want to cry. I will forever remember the times you went out of your way to help me. Memories of waking up at 4 am to take me to swim meets, driving me everywhere, and supporting all of my academic endeavors rush through my head as I write this to you. I’m sorry that I make you upset sometimes, but thank you for never letting my shortcomings stop you for loving and supporting me. I know Leadership and AP classes probably give you as much stress as I do, but you never fail to offer me help and I appreciate it so much.
Thank you so much for loving me unconditionally. Your love and support have pushed me so far, and the thought of disappointing you haunts me. I wish I could explain to you how much your efforts to make me a good person affected me. The lessons you have taught me, and continue to teach me ring through my head whenever I have to make any sort of decision. With college on the horizon, the mere idea of leaving the comfort and love of home makes me want to cry. I will forever remember the times you went out of your way to help me. Memories of waking up at 4 am to take me to swim meets, driving me everywhere, and supporting all of my academic endeavors rush through my head as I write this to you. I’m sorry that I make you upset sometimes, but thank you for never letting my shortcomings stop you for loving and supporting me. I know Leadership and AP classes probably give you as much stress as I do, but you never fail to offer me help and I appreciate it so much.
The Letter
Dear Jenna,
I want to start by saying good luck, because Junior year is difficult, but it is very manageable. Be sure to stay organized, especially during events that the Juniors are solely in charge of. Things like Dude Be Nice and Prom fall directly to the Juniors, so you can’t rely on other classes to help. Events like Homecoming and Winterfest are super fun when you get your whole class involved, but remember that the majority of it should be done by officers. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help, but don’t become dependent on commissioners. Additionally, you should start planning for t-shirt sales and Homecoming at the beginning of the year. Don’t procrastinate finding a float to borrow, and definitely don’t procrastinate turning in the purchase order. It’s better to order things and have them get there too early, then have nothing show up on time. You don’t want to be scrambling to finish the float, shopping cart, etc. Never, ever, ever delete anything revolving paperwork. Not the photos of the announcements, purchase orders, or white receipts. Even after the Procedure Form is done, DO NOT DELETE THEM. Furthermore, take lots of pictures. Junior year flies by, and you’re going to want to remember all of the little things you did. Take bad ones, good ones, blurry ones. Take so, so many pictures. Not everyone will be in the program again, you’re never gonna have that conversation again, or do that particular activity again. So live it up, and make memories. Also, become best friends with Davina, because she is a life saver. You spend so much time in her office anyways, so might as well talk to her. You’ll be amazing!
I want to start by saying good luck, because Junior year is difficult, but it is very manageable. Be sure to stay organized, especially during events that the Juniors are solely in charge of. Things like Dude Be Nice and Prom fall directly to the Juniors, so you can’t rely on other classes to help. Events like Homecoming and Winterfest are super fun when you get your whole class involved, but remember that the majority of it should be done by officers. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help, but don’t become dependent on commissioners. Additionally, you should start planning for t-shirt sales and Homecoming at the beginning of the year. Don’t procrastinate finding a float to borrow, and definitely don’t procrastinate turning in the purchase order. It’s better to order things and have them get there too early, then have nothing show up on time. You don’t want to be scrambling to finish the float, shopping cart, etc. Never, ever, ever delete anything revolving paperwork. Not the photos of the announcements, purchase orders, or white receipts. Even after the Procedure Form is done, DO NOT DELETE THEM. Furthermore, take lots of pictures. Junior year flies by, and you’re going to want to remember all of the little things you did. Take bad ones, good ones, blurry ones. Take so, so many pictures. Not everyone will be in the program again, you’re never gonna have that conversation again, or do that particular activity again. So live it up, and make memories. Also, become best friends with Davina, because she is a life saver. You spend so much time in her office anyways, so might as well talk to her. You’ll be amazing!
Dos and Don'ts
Do:
Don’t:
- Ask questions when you’re confused!
- Pay attention in class. Get off your phone!
- Get all paperwork done in time.
- Save all of your paperwork and pictures.
Don’t:
- Be lazy.
- Take credit when you did very little.
- Forget to fill out paperwork.
- Annoy Morty.
Contact List
Mr. Mayfield
(advisor)
(209) 204 1943
Leon
(Float Donor)
(209) 326 3472
DJ Chris
(Prom DJ)
(916) 764 7335
Jennifer
(Prom Decorator)
(209) 402 0158
(advisor)
(209) 204 1943
Leon
(Float Donor)
(209) 326 3472
DJ Chris
(Prom DJ)
(916) 764 7335
Jennifer
(Prom Decorator)
(209) 402 0158
You
Determined.
Multiple Pages
Procedure Form
Evaluations from 1st and 3rd Quarter
PO
Account Balance
Class Minutes
Social Media Post