#2 reflection questions 9.20.10

1. Remembering that you don’t have to be good at everything, what are two or three strengths that you have developed in your life and that set you apart from others?
I'm pretty good at helping people when I see they need help. Whether they just need a smile or a hug or someone to take their trash out I see when they need a friend. That consideration sets me apart from others because not everyone thinks the way I do or sees people how I see them. My dad is amazing at seeing others in a loving way and I try to see people how he does. Everyone has something beautiful to offer and I try to find it. I love loving people and helping them when and where I can.

2. Why do you think General Norman Schwarzkopf felt that character is more important than strategy?
Without character you are nobody. It doesn't matter how smart or intelligent you are if you have no personality. I most enjoy people who have some sort of interesting characteristic, good or bad, because they hold more interest to me. Why would I listen to someone who has a bland personality. It's kind of like the 'work horse' or the 'show horse'. The work horses have gumption and think and know how to get things done while the show horses only know how to stare and look nice. The work horses are much more practical and capable. This kind of doesn't make sense but in my mind it does! I'd rather be a work horse with character than a show horse with nothing.

3. In your BYUSA assignment, what have you chosen as your “hedgehog,” or the thing(s) that you will do better than anyone else?
I want to be "most helpful and kind to everyone"! haha in high school I was voted most friendly and I would still love to be the best at that but I want my hedgehog quality to be kind and helpful. I think I'm well on my way to be this person but I still have a lot to work on.

First Entry with Questions

In the Quote that was a part of last nights discussion, Theodore Roosevelt gives credit in life to those who are “In the Arena.” Describe what you think it means to be in the Arena, and how you plan to be involved this year and throughout your lives.
This has been one of my favorite quotes, even before Brother Ward presented it to us in class. To be in the arena is to commit to something and give it your 100% all. I feel like I'm already in the arena as a VP! I'm here and I'm doing my best to learn how to teach my people and be a friend to them and direct them as I know how. It's a battle sometimes when I'm figuring out how to lead when I'm looked to as a leader at the same time. Then there are those times when all the struggles and trials of leadership and fighting in the arena of life fall into place and the world spins right. I love going to different activities within BYUSA as well. I feel like that helps me vent and it shows the people in my area that we really are one family with different arms that all do the same thing.

Motive is the central element of the Divine centered Leadership Model. Please describe what motivates you to volunteer as a leader in BYUSA.
I just really enjoy helping people! There's really no reason other than that. I like being in the BYUSA office because I get to be with the people I love who love serving. What's better than that? I will tell you, blog; nothing. Nothing is better than being with the people I love who love to do what I love to do. It is hard sometimes though, I wont lie about that part. When I'm having a down day and feel like life is just too hard and I'd rather stay home I think about all those people who are counting on me to help them. I can't be selfish when there are so many who need my assistance to be selfless.


Divine-centered leaders need to know each heart. Describe an experience you have had with a leader who has taken time to know you. How did their efforts improve your experience? How can you reach out to those you lead?
When I first started at BYUSA I met a girl named Emily. She was (and is) this cute little asian girl who just loved life and helping people. She was involved with Clubs at the time and at my first leadership retreat, Adventure Experience 2009, we were talking about the different people in our group and she said about me, "this is kari. shes a freshman and i want to be her best friend!" That comment made me feel like a million bazillion dollars. I felt a part of something, a part of a bond of friends who loved others like I did. From that day on I wanted to be an Emily for others who were new to our service family. I hope that I am. I try to be. She's actually someone I've tried to be my whole life and it's an ongoing process. =]