"Facets of my life . . . One of which, A --> B."

Lecture On Monday: (Nathan Ward)

"The best leaders inspire." Instead of threatening and cajoling. Shocking, isn't it. It seems to me, within my own life, that I accomplish things in a much grander fashion when i have been inspired to action. Inspiration breeds enthusiasm and purpose- two things that are like fuel to the fire of getting things done. In the future when I am faced with leadership obstacles, this knowledge will come in handy.

Group Presentations:

I feel like I gained some valuable knowledge after researching Blake Mycoskie of TOMS shoes. I learned what it really takes to make an effective leader in our current generation. It takes compassion, passion, and determination. I love that Blake's company is offering an example of social responsibility. Or the idea that it is good to help people who cannothelp themselves. It has always seemed odd to me that everyone seems to be focused more on their own self-interests than anything else. Blake truly has accomplished his dream of"being the change" that he wishes to see in the world. If Kim or Katieare reading this (by happens chance) I just wanted to say thank you for your support and patience!

S E R V I C E : Probably the most important thing.

This week, my friend Brayden asked me to design a shirt for the contemporary dance company at BYU. Him and his mentor were excited about the design- and it made me appreciate the idea that we all have talents to share with each-other. I think that this type of service encourages people to realize that if we work off each-other talents, then we can get so much farther than wewould have by ourselves.

FREE CD'S: So basically something that I have been doing for a really long time is burning music for my friends. (Now disregardwhether or not you believe in the morals of music sharing).This week, when one of my favorite artists Brandon Flowers of The Killers came out with his debut album "FLAMINGO" - I had a desire to share it with others. So before class one day this week, I burned 4 copies of it, put them in CD sleeves with the album artwork. I wrote FREE on the front and left them in random places around campus. I imagine some recognized who it was, and picked them up.

This week my roomate/childhood friend was having abusy week, so I made his bed. He really appreciated it.

Random acts of service, no matter how obscure, creategood karma. It shifts the focus from worrying about your own selfish desires and allows you to shift your concern to others.

LEADERSHIP ROLE ON CAMPUS:

This week, I joined theStudents for International Development club. Because I am very interested in global poverty, I felt this would be a good avenue to explore ways I could help. I went to a meeting and learned a great deal.

They played an excellent video that exposes some misconceptions to global suffering and poverty. If you have 15 minutes spare time- I really encourage you to watch this. It is very influential: She has a very thick accent, but you eventually get over it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zvrGiPkVcs

At the SID Meeting, I found out I had an opportunity to present the board members with a cause that I am passionate about. I plan on in the coming week, coming up with a presentation on NIKA WATER. I will be posting further about this cause. But essentially what it is is a for-profit water bottle company that donates 100% of it's profits to poverty alleviation. This week I did some research into some options to initiate this cause onto the college campus. I am really excited about this and look forward to telling you more about it as well as possibly getting your help!

Till next time,

Matthew