On my search for a quote I stumbled up on this:

  “The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born-that there is a genetic factor to leadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That's nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born.” ~Warren G. Bennis

It was difficult choosing just one quote because there are numerous amounts of quotes about leadership, all equally insightful. In the end, I decided to go with this quote because I found myself relating it to the most. When I was younger I always grew up thinking that I could never be a leader because I never possessed the “charismatic qualities” that leaders are supposed to have. I was the shy awkward kid who dreaded speaking in front of a large crowd; defiantly not qualities that would make an effective leader. I now thought that although at the time I did not have those “charismatic qualities” all was not lost because I learned that becoming a leader takes time. Today I am still a shy and awkward person, but I have gone through experiences that have allowed me to take charge and want to make a positive change. I am a strong believer that no one is born a leader, but anyone can be a leader if they chose to be.

The E-Portfolio presentation taught me so much. I was intrigued to finally see what all the commotion revolving around the infamous E-Portfolio’s that my teachers kept mentioning. From Ashley’s presentation I learned what an E-Portfolio is because prior to her presentation I did not know what it was. The thing that I took into consideration from the presentation is that if one uses this resource correctly it can make your life easier down the road when you apply to desired careers. In my E-Portfolio I want to highlight all the organizations (campus or  the Chicago community)that I have been involved throughout my Loyola career because these commitments will shape me into the person I will be once I graduate.

As a leader it is important to help serve others because you have the opportunity to add value to the Loyola campus and to the greater community. Additionally, you are given a certain kind of power in which you have to be aware of how you execute your decisions because those decisions affect the people, places, and world around you.

  

This song reminds me of social change and leadership. I hope you all enjoy the wonder that is the Beatles :)

Hola, mi nombre is Karina Sanchez! I am a the short, shy girl that is slightly awkward. I am an optimistic person who is compassionate and sees the good in everyone. Random facts: 

>I eat an apple everyday

>I like the color purple (the color and the book)

>I have never driven a car

>I am 4"11 1/2 feet tall (yes that half counts)

> I can not stand worms, wasabi, coconut, and bone cracking

>I am a vegetarian

It is such an honor to have the opportunity to be part of the STARS LEAD program. If I had to pin point what intrigued me the most about the STARS LEAD program I would have to say that it was the fact that it provides individuals with the tools that they need to develop their leadership skill. Furthermore, the fact that the STARS LEAD program uses service learning to develop these leadership skills was the icing on a cake. What better way to learn about leadership skills than to practice them hands on.

I LOVED the first meeting for STARS! I am excited to start a new semester full of wonderful opportunities like the STARS LEAD program. I was glad that we did the ice breaker activity because it allowed us to get a glimpse of who we are as individuals. I am looking forward to getting to getting to know everyone and seeing how we all progress throughout the semester.

Coming up with one definition for the word, leader is difficult because there are so many components that make up a leader. From my experience I would define a leader as someone who can create a positive change for someone other than themselves.

There is one thing that I can think of right now that I want to get out of the STARS LEAD program, and that is to improve my public speaking skills. I have always been that timid soft spoken girl who keeps to herself. I was that person who dreaded public speaking; I would get really nervous and warm, my voice would crack as I stumbled across my words, while holding my paper with quivering hands. Throughout my life I have gained experiences which have benefited me, but I still have a lot of room for improvement.

On a final note, at the end of the STARS LEAD program I would like to look back on my experience and not have any regrets. I want to make the most of this program. I want to improve myself as an individual, and add to my life experiences and self-worth.