The Journal of Student Leadership

UVU Courtyard

2020-02-04T18:00:59+00:00

This painting is a plein air painting of Utah Valley University. â€œPlein Airâ€ is a method of painting that the impressionists invented, which meant that you painted on the spot, outside. If you look at the top right, thereâ€™s a little friend who decided to stick around in the paintingâ€”thatâ€™s what happens when you paint outside! This painting depicts my favorite courtyard at Utah Valley University, where I have many fond memories. Utah Valley University has helped me to grow as a person, a leader, and a communicator.

Reflection

2020-02-04T18:00:17+00:00

For me, leadership requires personal reflection. Who do I want to be to the people I lead? What are my values, opinions, goals, and intentions? Leadership should not be taken lightly, but with responsibility. For that to happen, personal reflection is crucialâ€”it guides who you are now to who you will become.

Power in Peace

2020-02-04T18:05:11+00:00

Many view being humble or peaceful as a sign of weakness. I view it as a sign of strength. When leading others, one must learn to be submissive and peaceful in their dealings.

My Life and This, My Lot

2020-02-04T18:46:17+00:00

My lifeâ€™s desire, before my eyes

How can I make it so?

Iâ€™ll fight and pray, and work my days

To see it stay, not go.

So up at dawn I find myself,

To make it come about.

Through sweat and tears I do the work,

My efforts tall and stout.

Itâ€™s everything I think, and do,

This building lifeâ€™s success,

For if I slip and halt my deeds,

Iâ€™m sure to fail these tests.

My every step, each gentle sway,

I feel myself draw near.

I know Iâ€™m reaching for whatâ€™s best,

I feel it strong and clear.

Every day Iâ€™ll try, Iâ€™ll fail,

And then I try again.

I know that itâ€™s a worthy cause,

This battle I must win.

And every morning when I wake,

Iâ€™ll fight for what is mine.

This is my cause, my destiny,

It is my right divine.

At times I feel it start to slip,

I freeze, I rearrange,

This journey will not be for naught

Although it seems deranged.

Iâ€™ve worked so hard to beat these tests;

My allies by my side.

I see the end draw near and cry,

â€œThis life is now my prize!â€

Iâ€™ll hold it close against my heart,

This battle that Iâ€™ve fought,

This victory was mine, I know,

My life, and this, my lot.

Sound in a Dark Room

2020-02-04T18:15:10+00:00

I discovered a pond, sat crisscrossed on a rock overlooking it, and sank into the rhythms of Bassnectarâ€™s music as the dancing lights on the water imitated each musical note. I recreated this moment of peaceful sanctuary as a way to return to the space, and to remind me of the positive sensation, the beautiful noise on a gloomy night. While Bassnectar doesnâ€™t know the extent of his impact, he inspires me every day. Along with building community and connectedness, he and his music stand for positivity, acceptance, and social consciousness. These are all qualities a true leader possesses, and I am reminded of his wisdom every time I listen to his music. Leaders need to be the light in a dark room and focus on the silver lining in any situation. When you throw out positive energy into the universe it shoots back at you like a boomerang.

Walt Disney

2020-02-04T18:20:52+00:00

Walt Disney was an exceptional leader and an embodiment of the American Dream. Rising from poverty and obscurity, he imparted imagination, optimism, determination, and remarkable communication and people skills, leading his team beyond preconceived limitations. Disney was a dreamer who overcame failures, effectively communicated his vision to others, and was prepared to take risks to meet his goals.

â€œAll the adversity Iâ€™ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me...You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.â€ -Walt Disney

Watchful Eye

2020-02-04T18:26:22+00:00

A bird sat on a branch of a tall tree, looking for prey to feed its chicks. Once it obtained the prey, it would return back to its nest and feed the chicks. The chicks were protected from harm under their motherâ€™s wings. The love and kindness they felt was from their motherâ€™s watchful eyes. Keeping a watchful eye doesnâ€™t mean to look for faults and mistakes, but to make sure that all are safe and protected.

Reliquary for the Evidence of Cheating

2020-02-04T18:32:13+00:00

The word â€œcheatâ€ is, more often than not, accompanied by a negative connotation. However, for some it is a familiar word that deserves a more positive light.

This wrench was bent by the employment of a bar, commonly called a cheater bar, placed on the wrench handle to generate more torque and ease the use thereof. This is only accomplished through using a cheater bar.

The use of a cheater bar increases a laborerâ€™s ability to work while also mildly bending the wrench. Taking on the role of a leader increases the work that can be done while also placing a load on the back of the leader. Unlike this wrench, the load a leader bears cannot be seen, but should be recognized and appreciated as this wrench is now.

Promoting Health in the Hispanic American Population through a Community Educational Experience on Diabetes Mellitus: A Novice Researcher Experience

2020-02-04T17:38:55+00:00

The role of nurses is to become a leader in their communities. One way to demonstrate their leadership is to organize prevention programs to improve the quality of life for Hispanic Americans. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) diagnosed in Hispanic Americans is reported to be 12.1%, compared to 7.4% in non-Hispanic Caucasian Americans. This study was a non-experimental, educational intervention using pre- and post-test design held at a county health department. Following the educational intervention, a paired sample t-test showed overall positive acquisition of knowledge (p=0.038). From time 1 to time 2, gains were seen in knowledge about purchasing diabetic foods; importance of weight control; eating a high protein/low carb diet with fiber; impacts on kidneys, eyes, and sexual function; importance of regular check-ups with a healthcare provider; potential for stroke or other complications; and understanding risks for children developing diabetes whose parents are diabetic. Losses were seen in understanding the cause of diabetes, importance of physical activity, food preparation, and specific foods to eat. We recommend a personalized education intervention for Hispanic Americans understanding their own DM risks and modifiable behaviors.

Leadership: A Protean Institution of the Mind and of Civilization

2020-02-04T17:48:59+00:00

As the inherent nature of leadership is continuously redefined in contemporary society, there is accentuating emphasis placed on its utilization and comprehension. The primary objective of this analysis is to examine this emphasis on leaders in the 20th and 21st centuries. This paper explores the study of specific styles, differences, and examples of leaders within several communities and throughout history. Further studies into the development of leadership processes based on consideration from this analysis have the potential for the synthesis of ultramodern techniques in the advancement of ethics, diversity, and communication in all facets of leadership positions.

Upon Your Heads

2020-02-04T17:55:10+00:00

A king finds himself a ruler of a kingdom at peace and a people very discontent to find it that way.

Empathy: A Case for Selfless Leadership

2020-02-04T18:02:42+00:00

Research supports the claim that there is a positive relationship between empathy and successful leadership. Empathy is attempting to understand the perspective of another by personalizing his or her narrative to oneself; in essence, it is â€œputting yourself in someone elseâ€™s shoes.â€ Empathy is a highly effective leadership trait; it can enhance oneâ€™s leadership abilities and equip him or her with the resonance and respect he or she needs to succeed. Empathy is vital for successful leadership, although some in the business world might discount that skill. While some see sensitivity and empathy as unconventional or a sign of weakness in leaders, these traits allow one to better understand and serve their followers from a higher moral ground. Leaders who seek to develop and strongly exhibit empathy gain more trust from followers, and followers, in return, offer better results. Also, empathy is a central aspect of transformational leadership, which is popularly revered as the most effective and inspiring form of leadership. Empathetic leadership can motivate followers to work harder and with more enthusiasm and commitment toward the overall goal. It can reshape organizations, communities, and companies to cultivate a more positive, creative, and human environment.

Alma Mater Would Be Proud

2020-02-04T18:10:02+00:00

Student leadership can be seen in all parts of the world in different campuses' organizations, clubs, or groups. This essay will focus on the historical significance of a Cuban student organization during the Revolution in Cuba. The FederacioÌn Estudiantil Universitaria (FEU) and other student-run groups aided the 26th of July Movement to overthrow Cubaâ€™s tyrannical leader, Fulgencio Batista. This essay will then analyze the actions of the Cuban student groups and identify ten key components of student leadership. Student leadership can change society, and the FEU is one exemplary example of change.

America's Teen Sex Education: Can Parents Really Make a Difference?

2020-02-04T18:16:54+00:00

Americaâ€™s childrenâ€™s sexual health and sexual education has been declining in recent years. With the lack of leadership from public schoolâ€™s sex education, parents need to step up and have more discussions about sex with their children. When parents lead discussions that are more adaptable according to the childâ€™s needs, consistently frequent during adolescence, and equally discussed by each parent to each child, America's adolescents' sexual health can improve exponentially.

No Cart Left Behind

2020-02-04T18:22:06+00:00

During an encounter with a shopping cart I become painfully aware of my own prejudice and privilege. Self-awareness is a fundamental quality of authentic leadership. Environments of equality, inclusion, and diversity truly have to be created from the inside out.

Empathic Listening: Empowering Individuals as Leaders

2020-02-04T18:29:09+00:00

This article focuses on the need to listen to the narratives of others from a place of understanding. Empathy is vital for successful communication. When we approach a conversation with defensiveness, shame, criticizing, or advising, an opportunity to connect with someone and lead them to a higher place is lost. On the other hand, when we practice empathic listening, we can empower individuals to become leaders and encourage more harmonious and compassionate communication in interpersonal relationships. It is our responsibility as leaders to initiate these changes through listening with empathy.