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. =]