# 15- A violinist in the metro.

This article really surprised me. It was shocking to know that so many people just walked by him and didnt't really even aknowledge him. I think alot of us just take things for granted, and im not saying I dont because I know I do but I think we need to start appreciating more than we do. It's strange how the only really people who thurly enjoyed his music and seemed the most interested were the little kids. Maybe it's because they are just new into the world and have not really experienced alot. Maybe the adults passed it on by because it was just another one of those people playing an instrument. Could this be where everythings amazing and nobodys happy fits in? why does it always have to come down to that? I cant say I would relate to this in anyway because im a huge fan for music. My sister has her own apartment in Toronto and im pretty well their everyother weekend and when I am thats one of the most common things I see. Someone young or old playing an instrument on the sidewalk with their case open trying to collect some money. But it's not about the money, how can we pass on by something that sounds so outrageously incredible? We take things for granted in our everyday life and it's become such a habbit that we just dont realize and think anything of it anymore. It's the normal thing to do. I say it needs to come to a stop, when are we going to start to appreciate the beautiful things?

# 14- The last lecture.

If I only had a short time left to live and I had to give a lecture to a room full of people I think I would just tell them to.. live the life they want. As long as your having fun with what your doing then it shouldn't matter what others think of you, to respect other people because in order for you to get respect you have to gain it, to live each day like it was your last with no fears on your path or people in your way, to live your life to the fullest because it's important to be happy, not to take things for granted. When you have a chace at something huge grab onto it and never let it go. I think everyone just needs to appreciate everything and live laugh love. I dont know how much my older sister stresses that enough. Love everything and everyone around you, live like it's your last and laugh like theres no tomorrow. It's amazing what a smile can do.

Blog # 13.. A little something called Gratitude.

I really liked this chapter. As soon as he started talking about how he was walking in New York on September 10th I had a feeling that the twin towers were going to be mentioned. I think one of the little messages in this chapter that Craig was trying to get at was that the collapse of the twin towers on September 11th really changed New York. Not just New York but the whole entire world. He said he could see changes in everyones attitudes as soon as it happend. He said "citizens of every size, shape and color rushed to Ground Zero to help" Hearing a loved ones voice was a reason for joy, so was running into a neighbour or getting a one lined e-mail from a former colleague. He said old resentments and divisons were forgotten. When I really sit here and think about it now, it shocks me that in order for some people to be thankful and finally start to get along the Twin Towers have to collpase and it just shocks me. I feel like if that never happened some people would still be ungrateful. Some people are still really ungrateful but you cant change other peoples attiudes you can only change yours right?
A few of the peeps who are grateful to me:1) My awesome family. Im actually so blessed to live in such a great home with loving people. They support me on anything, encourage me to try new things and will always be there for me no matter what.
2) My incredible friends. I think it's really awesome how like 10 of my close friends are in my leadership class. It makes me happy to hear everybody's ideas but it makes me even more happy to hear my friends because when there in leadership class they are more serious than anything and to see them come up with ideas like that really puts a smile on my face. They make me proud and will always be by my side no matter what the problem is. Im pretty lucky to have such an awesome group of people to be around everyday. They always put a smile on my face everyday, Hands down some of the best you'll ever meet. :)
3)My Grandfathers. Both of them are like my rocks. They are so insanely intelligent and im not sure where I would be without them. My grandfather on my dads side is like my bestfriend, He was with me when I caught my first fish, and when my first tooth fell out! He always teaches me to keep my head up and tells me their's always gonna be brighter days when im upset. He's an awesome guy. He's came through a heart attach and a stroke. If he were to pass away im not sure what I would do. He's deffinitly someone im thankful for. My grandfather on my mothers side gave me my first guitar when I was 7 years old. My moms side is really musical and he taught me how to play my first song on my 7th christmas (Jingle Bells). Him and I dont have anything in common really so whenever I visit we just talk about music. But that conversation can go on for hours, and even though we dont have anything in common really i've grown to look up to this man in alot more ways than I could of imagined. He's something I will cherish for many years to come because he gave me a gift not alot of others can do.
A few things in my daily routine that I'm grateful for:4)Music! Oh my goodnes, LOVE it. I think thats the only word I can think of when I talk about music. I take my ipod everywhere I go no questions ask... it doesn't matter if im driving 2 minutes away to the grocery store, those ear buds are in my ears. I remember when my grandma gave me my first walkman all the way back in 2001. I used that thing till it didn't work anymore. It makes me so happy and when I hear a song with awesome guitar in it it lights up my face and I have the biggest smile. Usually I sing outloud when I have my earbuds in and people look at me weird or just smile and laugh probally because they think im silly but I dont really care because I enjoy it and that's all that matters. I cant really think of anything else that I am insanely grateful other than the food I eat, the hot water that runs in my house and heat especially throughout the winter, a bed to sleep in and clothes to wear. Im pretty lucky to be surrounded by things like this and this blog is actually going to make me think twice the next time I complain about something thats just sand. I think this chapter relates to our journey of becoming leaders because it shows us that there are others out their that dont have evertything like some of us do. We need to be accepting and undeastanding. We need to help and take a stand, We are all people and im not sure how many times i've said this in my blogs but we should all be treated fairly no matter how much money we have, What we look like, colour shape or size, it shouldn't matter anymore. We need to think before we complain and remember to always smile because things get better. Respect the people around you and especially the things that are given to you.

Blog #12- Halfway already!?

Honestly? this class has gone by so fast, it's crazy. I think that just means were having to much fun tho. I totally enjoy Leadership class. I look forward to it everyday just because I get to talk to awesome people with really great ideas. I think the reason I love this class so much is because we have a voice thats heard. Alot of teachers dont let students take the time and express themselves. I guess were just lucky that we have a pretty hip teacher that does that. Some things i've learned in this class are to be more accepting and always take the time to figure someone out instead of just judging them. Like on if you really knew me. I've also learned that in an everyday life you need to be yourself and not be afraid of what others think of you. To do the right thing and be unique and unique is excatly what I am :) I think im becoming a really great leader. Im really excited to facilitate the grade 9 classes as well because hopefully when I walk out of their kids will look at me in a different way and want to follow in my foot steps. Because one day they could become a leader as well and I think it's important. Some ways I think I could develope in being a leader are speaking up and expressing my opinion because I know it's important that people hear my ideas aswell.

Haunted House- Blog # 11

So my role in the haunted house was to help put together the upside down room and the mirror room. I was sick for the first day of setting up and also could not help out the very first day the haunted house opened due to the fact I had to go into biology for help. But I tried to put the best effort towards it as I could considering clowns aren't my biggest fans. The Second day of the haunted house I stood behind the wall we borrowed from the drama room with Maddie and Travis and helped with the strobe lights. I also braught in 3 rolls of Aluminum foil to contribute to our mirror wall. I thought it was a great turn out. I was kind of incy about how many people we would actually have come through because of the theme of it. I thought they may of just thought it would of been stupid or something but once I learned we had line ups I was proud of the work that myself and the students in our class worked so hard on. I didn't think their was alot of barriers in this project at all. I thought it was pretty manageable just because we have awesome kids in our class and any problem we have we can always work it out. The only thing that kind of bothered me was a couple students tried to take control over everything and became a little bossy and pushy at times. Not nameing names. But I think alot of other kids felt the same way about it and were bothered by the fact that they were very controling. It just felt like they were trying to take all the credit for something we all worked really hard on. But sometimes things like that arn't a problem because it just shows how determined they are I suppose! Im not sure what mark I would give myself because I look back and I feel like I did hardly any work and I dont know why that is. I was really bummed out that whole week and thats why I think I was slacking. I could of done more and it kind of makes me feel bad. So I guess from this whole experiance i've just learned to try and not let the things im bothered by into class and just cheer up and forget about it. I would give myself a 13/20. I relaize this is the only time i've ever not really put forth my full effort in this class because normally im really pumped and excited to do anything we have to do in Leadership. So hopefully next time we have another big project i'll bring forth my best attitude.

Blog# 10- Marc's story

Marc's story was really touching. The first thing that really got me was when he was in the AIDS hospital and he saw that man pass away. I think it struck him right at that moment that it was real life and people live like this everyday. I also think the little boys he called his "soccer friends" made a huge impact in his life. They were part of the reason he decided to stay and after meeting them he said he became a much more well rounded person and started being more thankful. I think both of these stories were really amazing though and if I had to pick one I couldn't. Both of them had huge impacts, not just for eachother but for people around the world. I think it's hard to get certain foundations going but Craig kept at it and believed in himself and Marc became more thankful for everything. It's really amazing how something can start off so small and turn into something so huge.

Blog #9- Craigs Story

This book is actually so good! I wasn't really all that interested in reading it because I dont read alot and I only like to read things I want to read but it really changed my outlook on this novel. I thought it was really amazing how a kid at that age can change everyones outlook on life. He was 12 years old and he came up with this foundation and now today he has saved alot of children and I think were really lucky and fortuante to have people like that live in our world today. Reading Craigs story has really made me appreciate what I have now. Especially when I read some of the childrens stories, it really made me think how great of a life I have and next time before I complain about something silly I should think before I say it. So far I really enjoy this book.

Blog #8- If you really knew me.....

I thought this was a great thing to show to our leadership class because I think it made people realize how lucky they really are. It also opened alot of eyes I think. I think every school is similar to the one they showed on If you really knew me because every school has their own cliques and people like the ones on the show. We have people who judge others, we have people who dont give others a chance, we have jocks, popular kids, class clowns, the mean girls and "emo's" . But who are we to judge? We are all people the last time I checked and we should all give eachother a chance. Since when did human being's get to be so negative? I just think this is such a great idea for challenge day to be coming to our school because it will give others the right change and attitude and possibly a chance to appoligize to the ones they've hurt. I think IDCI is investing a great amount of money in this because it's totally worth it, If we have a chance to bring the kids in this school closer together then I say we grab hold of it. We wont be let down.

T-mobile- Welcome back!

So I was looking at flash mobs the other day and I managed to find this one..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ3d3KigPQM&feature=relmfu

But then, I came across this..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB3NPNM4xgo&feature=relmfu

I know it's not necessairly a flash mob but I thought it was just the coolest thing and I had to share.

Knaan's Story.

Knaan is such an inspireing individual on his own. Not just because of his story but in his music. He constantly continues to tell stories and I think thats what make the people listen. I think it's really cool how he went back to his homeland to help out. Not alot of people get this oppertunity and even if they were faced with it I dont think they would take it because they may be scared. I believe someone like him has a huge heart and pours his feelings out to others. This is a topic that needs to be touched based upon more often. I think more people need to know about what goes on because if more people know then we could get donations going and save someones life. I deffinitly would call him a leader for doing this. I say this because by writeing this story and sharing his music and going and helping out means he's trying to get the word out. I think thats one of the qualitys a leader has is to get their word out and help others. Knaan is a leader in my eyes.

Blog # 5 :)

That was a great video! I think everyone has to agree with Louis and I think they would like to say it but are to afraid of what others might think of them. He totally has the right idea. I actually agree with him on this aswell. I think in our day we take advantage of everything that has been given to us. Not only have they been given to us but we dont even have to work for them anymore. Working is not always a bad thing eaither because at the end of the day when you get what you've been working for it's kind of a relief to know how great of a job you've done. Alot of us have to be more appreciative as well. I've noticed some people just brush things off their shoulder as if they shouldn't care but carings important and it's also one more step to being a leader. Our generation has become alot lazier and I think if we all work together we could all do something great for this place we live on. EARTH!

Blog # 4.

This weeks discussions in Leadership have been awesome. Everyone gets to share their ideas and their all so great. I liked Mondays discussions because we involved the grade 9's in it alot and I think it's important to think about their needs as well. So if im speaking for myself I can say that no im not on all the sports teams or in all the clubs but just because your not doesn't mean that you dont do something for the school. I dont think it all has to be physical. You can stand up for someone whose being picked on, help others around you or even something simple like picking up a peice of trash on the ground. Im my own person and I always do what I would like to do not what others are doing. I think when you say elevate it means putting yourself above others? No, im deffinitlty not like that. My mom has always told me "Treat others the way you would want to be treated" by respecting others thats excatly what im doing. I dont think it matters how old you are, what grade your in or what clicque you hangout in. Sometimes im dissapointed in my self motivation because I belive I could do alot more for the school and be involved in more things I just feel like i'll fall behind on my school work and everything else but I just have to have confidence in myself and go for it I guess. I also totally agree with what Mike said during the discussion. He has the right idea and I think everyone should be treated fairly.

My song about leadership.

So the song I decided to choose for this assignment is called Wont back down by Tom Petty. I chose this song because I thought the lyrics fit perfectly. When he says he wont back down and he`s going to stand his ground are perfect examples of something any leader would do. I think leaders would do anything to get their voice or ideas heard and I think when he`s singing this song he`s telling others he`s not afraid. I also think leaders have to face obstacles and everything and the goals they are trying to reach might get harder but thats why you have to be determined.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLTYMN8iD00

Canadian Hand Flag.

This was kind of our first group activity together. Our group was made up of 4 people which included me Kyle, Jen and Chrissy. I think we all put forth a pretty good group effort. I personally like working in groups or partners rather than just myself because I like seeing every idea each person has to share. I also like the fact their all hanging on the walls now because when you look at them you can tell each flag has a little peice of eachother in it. Their also all different because we all have different ideas. This was a great group activity and I think we should do more !

My first blog

Hey Mr. Tompkins! Im not to great with these things so I guess i'll just hop right to it. How do I like Leadership so far? I think thats what were suppost to write about.... It's awesome! Just an fyi. It's honestly one of my favourite classes, and im not just saying that. It's the only class that lets all of us kids really be ourselves. What I mean by that is were not just sitting in a desk talking about the same thing everyday and not being able to always put our thoughts out their. In your class we all have voices and I think thats really important and cool. Like you said "I dont want to play school" we can express ourselves in your class and not be afraid to be silly or care what others have to think about us, or even having the thought that the teachers gonna yell at us to stop associating with other kids around us. I  know you've probally noticed that we all have different personalitys and when we come together it's pretty cool to see. I think were all pretty lucky to be in a class with a teacher who understands us so well to. Having the oppertunity to be in this class is pretty amazing. My skills are just going to get better everyday. Being a leader is important I think and being your own person as well, I think more kids need to be theirselves because thats what makes them so unique! So im looking forward for the rest of the year!