My speech

Today there are currently 27 million slaves around the world. We can't avoid slavery anymore, we have to confront it. Out of the 27 million, 25 million kids, (ages 5-14) are enslaved and working twenty hour days. Most cannot hope to live over the age of 45. Think about how miserable that would be! Some people may think that it's not our problem, yeah it's awful, but it doesn't effect us, it's up to other countries to control that stuff in their own borders. Well some countries have laws but they don't have the funds or force to enforce them! Like in Mauritania where there have been laws against slavery since the 1980's, but there are still hundreds of slaves there! Recently in Missouri a man was found to have forced a young girl into sex slavery and prostitution, he's now being prosecuted but this went on for years right in our back yard!!! In the United states there are estimated to be anywhere from 5,200-8,700 slaves. "With liberty and justice for all" that's in our pledge of allegiance..does that not mean anything? Our country has already fought a war against slavery, we already know where we stand on the issue, so then how is this allowed to happen? Some people may think, all this is awful and all but what can we do about it? Check where your goods that you purchase come from, that's an easy thing to do. You can also donate to organizations that fight against slavery, one little donation can make a difference. As citizens of this world we cannot let slavery co-exist with our country, it brings down our legitimacy and international standing.

The first follower

The main things that I got out of the video were:

1) You have to as a leader make your movement easy to follow

2) As the leader you have to accept followers as equals

3) Once you get started momentum gets you going

Going into these more in depth:

1) If the movements difficult people won't want to join. It's one thing to stand up and join with someone, but it's something totally different if doing so makes yourself more of the fool, the average person won't join in.

2) No one wants to be part of a dictatorship, it shouldn't be about one individual, it should be about what each individual stands for together, one common thought that connects them and turns them into a group.

3) Once a couple people join in, other people aren't scared anymore. It's like an avalanche, one rock may fall, and then two, and then everything comes tumbling down after them. :)

Goals for October :)

1) Spend at least 5 minutes nightly on Kirkwood and AP World

2) Say hi to two people a week that I usually wouldn't

3) Review Spanish twice a week for ten minutes

Fifth week :)

"A mans character is his fate"

Core values:

1) Attitude: gives you opportunities, and keeps me going
2) Relationships: support system, helps influence
3) Faith: Anchor, keeps me centered
4) Character: Live with no regrets, helps relationships with others
5) Health: lets me do everything else :)

Fourth week :)

"Don't ever let someone tell you that you can't do something."~ Pursuit of happiness

This quote is very important, because you can have a vision, you can plan things out, you can work towards your vision, but then someone can tell you that you can't accomplish your dream and people get discouraged. You should always try to reach your vision, and not let other people deter you from your dream.

I think that risk is one of the most important things for vision because you can see something, and want to reach it, but if you don't ever take that first step you'll never reach any goals. That's what sets people apart, the people who make something of themselves and those who don't. Taking a risk is what makes people extraordinary.

Third week :)

So the thing I really learned about leadership this week is that you ALWAYS have to be leading. No matter where you are, people are going to see you, and be influenced by how you behave. I was reminded by this because a couple of kids this week in the hall and at lower elementary, whom i didn't know, said hi to me..by name. It just got me thinking, like you can really influence people with out knowing it, so you always have to be making sure that the influence is positive. And that kind of reminded me of the law of process and everything because..even if you start little people are still going to notice and no matter what you do you're going to have an effect on the people around you.

Things I want people to say about me when i'm ancient :)

1) Tried to do what was best
2) Loyal
3) Lived my faith
4) Positive
5) Helped push others to be better
6) Understanding
7) Stuck with beliefs
8) Made a difference in their lives
9) Forgiving
10) Not judgemental
11) See outside the box

2) Loyalty: In my life friends are very important, and I don't like it when people back stab their friends. I think it shows a lot of character and courage to be able to stick up for what you believe in, and I believe in my friends :) You should WANT to stick with your friends, if not then why are you friends with them in the first place?

5) Push others to be better: It's like in math and stuff when they tell you that if you really know something you should be able to explain it to others. If you live your life a certain way, others should be able to tell, and live their lives the best way that they can. The way you live should make others WANT TO BE BETTER and improve themselves.

7) Stuck with beliefs: If you believe something, like really truly believe it, and someone tells you that you're wrong, you shouldn't be able to be influenced that easily. If there's something that you KNOW is right, you shouldn't be afraid to stick with it even if others don't. Otherwise..do you really believe it?