Studying Leadership

“Leadership is not a position or title, it is an action and example”

     We shuffled our feet onto the pine needle littered end lines of the tennis court. The referees dropped the ball and we all went running for the dodgeballs. Some classmates stayed back and played more defensive while other went all the way up. We seemed to get most of them out but one opponent was still left. This one lasting opponent speed around hopped up on adrenaline whipped constant balls at us while dodging the ones we threw at them, knocking a couple of us out. Then I really focused in, watching his movements and predicting his next steps. We finally got him out with a swift ball to the legs, knocking him down. While at camp Belknap, I learned a lot about my classmates and how they acted as leaders and teammates. While playing games I saw my classmates act and respond to different situations and solve problems. I got to know a lot of them a lot better and formed stronger friendships.

    You can learn a lot about people just by observing them. My classmates throughout all the activities really showed a lot about themselves that I hadn’t seen before. One activity was called bombardment. It was like dodgeball however you can’t get back in if you get out. So there was a lot of effort and teamwork involved with the game. I could see how differently they acted when the where losing three to one or the other way around. If they were the last one I could see their rush of adrenaline as they go insane knocking the other team out one by one. Even students that I would never imagine trying as hard as this. Their feeling of their team depending on them making them try even harder and more determined than before. Seeing the triumph of the human spirit was amazing to see and really seemed to show their respect for their other teammates and their primal will to win. 

     But besides seeing my classmates triumphs, I also saw my classmates roles as leaders on their team. Whether it’s directing positions, instructing when to throw the ball, or giving general advice to their teammates. Some kids lead others in certain moments and others in others. But I still could see what classmates in my grade really stood out as leaders. And the classmates who didn’t really at all. And even if I didn’t see some students stand out as leaders as much as others I saw them stand out in other ways. Sometimes it was teamwork skills and companionship and compatibility with others. And sometimes it was listen to others and be respectful to their fellow students and the teachers/counselors. Which is incredibly important as well in regards to one of Fenn’s core values. And definitely a very important aspect to being kind and responsible as well. 

   I got to see my classmates strengths and weakness when it came to being a team player. Making this bonding trip was very helpful and informative. I even learned a little bit about myself as we did an activity on what kind of a leader I was. Which was very helpful and let me see what I usually couldn’t. The trip also bonded our class a little more which is extremely helpful to making a nice, welcoming ninth grade class. And our companionship will have a positive effect on the lower grades and their expectations when they get older and take our places as seniors.