My Leadership Autobiography:
Leadership, what is it? And how can we posses it? A lot of people have asked me if I have what it takes to be a leadership. Through my experiences I can positively answer, yes I do have what it takes to be a great leader and a mentor. Some of my greatest leadership experiences are attending a leadership camp, elected valedictorian, managing my own business, and being a captain on various hockey teams at a high level of hockey. From these experiences I have acquired a vast amount of traits, attributes, qualities, and knowledge to be a great leader.
When I was younger in my last year of elementary school, I remember being called into the principles room with one other student. I found it strange knowing me and this other student have never been in his office before, hoping this wasn’t the first time we were in trouble! To our surprise, we were chose by the teachers to represent our school at a leadership camp. This camp took place over a week in summer and was held in Orillia Ontario called “Ontario Educational Leadership Camp”. Here is a link that will explain what the camp is all about: http://www.oelccaso.com. This was my first experience leaving home, even for a week. I knew it was going to be a great opportunity and provide me early on with great leadership skills and knowledge. It also taught me how to apply these skills in life-like situations. I remember my camp leader was a hockey player who played in the OHL (Ontario Hockey League). To me, it was like seeing Wayne Gretkzy but now that I’m older I can see maybe it was just a sign. That week helped me get to where I am today, and ultimately playing in the same league as my guidance counselor. The leadership skills I learned was building confidence for the future, team building skills, and being trustworthy.
Another great opportunity came in my final year of high school. I was on the honor roll 4 years in a row, played on many sports team, and had lots of friends. In my last few months of high school I was elected to be class valedictorian. Although I was honored to receive this nomination I had to turn it down. The reason why I turned it down was because public speaking is one of my worst fears, for some strange reason me speaking in front of a large audience does not go well. I would have lost sleep nights before, worried about it, and unable to enjoy my graduation. So I passed it on to the runner up, hoping they would enjoy the public speaking aspect. What I took from this was being elected as valedictorian means you are well liked amongst your teachers, peers, and your classmates. You have been selected because you have excelled as a student, an athlete, and a leader. If there was one thing I could go back and change, it would be learning to handle my public speaking fear because it still affects me today. Some positive leadership attributes that I have learned from this experience is that I am excellent orientated and intelligence, just timid of public speaking.
I have been blessed with such a great family and friends. They have supported me throughout my whole life and gave me every chance to succeed. When my brother and I were in high school looking for jobs, my dad thought of an idea to start our own business. He started a small lawn and landscaping business that he runs and operates in the summer when our hockey seasons were over and we needed flexible hours. After a few successful seasons he decided to hand the business over to his sons. I couldn’t imagine being 20 and yet being my own boss. Let me tell you, it is great! My brother and I know run and manage our small business. Our jobs consist of planning and scheduling what work needs to be done, what workers go to which job site, what we need for supplies, and everything in between! Its stressful at times, but at the end of the day it is nice working for yourself, and ultimately working for your family. Since I am a boss I rely heavily on being a task-oriented style of leadership. Knowing that jobs need to get completed at the end of the day or no one gets paid. It sounds strict, but it really isn’t when you see when all is going well I fall into the ‘theory y’ philosophic style of leadership and belong to the democratic view of leading.
In the last 3 years I was given the opportunity to move away from home and play hockey for a living. Playing at such a high level of hockey it is often difficult to manage your personal/social life, work life, and still your school life. When I was 18 I moved to Montreal to play hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. I would play hockey and study part time at Concordia University. My first year was a good eye-opening experience but was very different adjusting to the different lifestyle and not playing a lot because I was a rookie. When the season was over I was very frustrated at because I was never given a chance to display my skills.
My second year was a lot better, I started the season strong and with a young team they looked to me as an experienced veteran and a leader. I was still attending Concordia University as a part time student. Early in the season, I was elected as assistant captain. I was playing hockey competitively and studying just as hard too. I was starting to feel a bit of accomplishment in my life. After struggling so much last year, I was starting to see it pay of this year. I was doing well in school, and even better on the ice. At the end of the year I was nominated by my team to win the ‘Marcel Robert Trophy’ hosted by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Here is the link: http://www.theqmjhl.ca/article/2012-marcel-robert-trophy-finalists-revealed. This trophy meant a lot for me because you need to excel on the ice and in the classroom. A lot of the younger guys looked up to me hoping I could win the award. Unfortunately, I did not win but I still kept a positive attitude knowing there’s always next year. The leadership traits displayed were confidence, feeling positive I would have a good year. Intelligence, recognizing I will do good as a part time student athlete. But most importantly, determination, knowing where I am and where I have to go to get to the next level.
That brings me to the present situation, where is my hockey career now and my leadership role? Well, I was traded off that team for lets say ‘ money issues’ and here I am playing for the Prince Edward Island Rockets. I was upset at first, but I had an attitude in faith and I knew as one door closed, a bigger and better door will open. I was right! I love it on the island and feels just like my hometown. This year I am playing my last year in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League as a Rocket. I am the oldest on the team and also been chosen as an assistant captain. I am looking at this great opportunity to show all the young kids on the team how to be a great athlete on the ice, and a better student in the classroom. That is my leadership goal to teach amongst my teammates. Going into this year I am full on confidence and determination. Not only am I playing hockey but now I am attending university as a full time student! I took on the challenge because I know I have the intelligence and time management skills to achieve this and be succesful. In the end, I hope not only to be nominated, but I want to with the “Marcel Robert Trophy”. That will be my goal as a leader.
When I was younger in my last year of elementary school, I remember being called into the principles room with one other student. I found it strange knowing me and this other student have never been in his office before, hoping this wasn’t the first time we were in trouble! To our surprise, we were chose by the teachers to represent our school at a leadership camp. This camp took place over a week in summer and was held in Orillia Ontario called “Ontario Educational Leadership Camp”. Here is a link that will explain what the camp is all about: http://www.oelccaso.com. This was my first experience leaving home, even for a week. I knew it was going to be a great opportunity and provide me early on with great leadership skills and knowledge. It also taught me how to apply these skills in life-like situations. I remember my camp leader was a hockey player who played in the OHL (Ontario Hockey League). To me, it was like seeing Wayne Gretkzy but now that I’m older I can see maybe it was just a sign. That week helped me get to where I am today, and ultimately playing in the same league as my guidance counselor. The leadership skills I learned was building confidence for the future, team building skills, and being trustworthy.
Another great opportunity came in my final year of high school. I was on the honor roll 4 years in a row, played on many sports team, and had lots of friends. In my last few months of high school I was elected to be class valedictorian. Although I was honored to receive this nomination I had to turn it down. The reason why I turned it down was because public speaking is one of my worst fears, for some strange reason me speaking in front of a large audience does not go well. I would have lost sleep nights before, worried about it, and unable to enjoy my graduation. So I passed it on to the runner up, hoping they would enjoy the public speaking aspect. What I took from this was being elected as valedictorian means you are well liked amongst your teachers, peers, and your classmates. You have been selected because you have excelled as a student, an athlete, and a leader. If there was one thing I could go back and change, it would be learning to handle my public speaking fear because it still affects me today. Some positive leadership attributes that I have learned from this experience is that I am excellent orientated and intelligence, just timid of public speaking.
I have been blessed with such a great family and friends. They have supported me throughout my whole life and gave me every chance to succeed. When my brother and I were in high school looking for jobs, my dad thought of an idea to start our own business. He started a small lawn and landscaping business that he runs and operates in the summer when our hockey seasons were over and we needed flexible hours. After a few successful seasons he decided to hand the business over to his sons. I couldn’t imagine being 20 and yet being my own boss. Let me tell you, it is great! My brother and I know run and manage our small business. Our jobs consist of planning and scheduling what work needs to be done, what workers go to which job site, what we need for supplies, and everything in between! Its stressful at times, but at the end of the day it is nice working for yourself, and ultimately working for your family. Since I am a boss I rely heavily on being a task-oriented style of leadership. Knowing that jobs need to get completed at the end of the day or no one gets paid. It sounds strict, but it really isn’t when you see when all is going well I fall into the ‘theory y’ philosophic style of leadership and belong to the democratic view of leading.
In the last 3 years I was given the opportunity to move away from home and play hockey for a living. Playing at such a high level of hockey it is often difficult to manage your personal/social life, work life, and still your school life. When I was 18 I moved to Montreal to play hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. I would play hockey and study part time at Concordia University. My first year was a good eye-opening experience but was very different adjusting to the different lifestyle and not playing a lot because I was a rookie. When the season was over I was very frustrated at because I was never given a chance to display my skills.
My second year was a lot better, I started the season strong and with a young team they looked to me as an experienced veteran and a leader. I was still attending Concordia University as a part time student. Early in the season, I was elected as assistant captain. I was playing hockey competitively and studying just as hard too. I was starting to feel a bit of accomplishment in my life. After struggling so much last year, I was starting to see it pay of this year. I was doing well in school, and even better on the ice. At the end of the year I was nominated by my team to win the ‘Marcel Robert Trophy’ hosted by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Here is the link: http://www.theqmjhl.ca/article/2012-marcel-robert-trophy-finalists-revealed. This trophy meant a lot for me because you need to excel on the ice and in the classroom. A lot of the younger guys looked up to me hoping I could win the award. Unfortunately, I did not win but I still kept a positive attitude knowing there’s always next year. The leadership traits displayed were confidence, feeling positive I would have a good year. Intelligence, recognizing I will do good as a part time student athlete. But most importantly, determination, knowing where I am and where I have to go to get to the next level.
That brings me to the present situation, where is my hockey career now and my leadership role? Well, I was traded off that team for lets say ‘ money issues’ and here I am playing for the Prince Edward Island Rockets. I was upset at first, but I had an attitude in faith and I knew as one door closed, a bigger and better door will open. I was right! I love it on the island and feels just like my hometown. This year I am playing my last year in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League as a Rocket. I am the oldest on the team and also been chosen as an assistant captain. I am looking at this great opportunity to show all the young kids on the team how to be a great athlete on the ice, and a better student in the classroom. That is my leadership goal to teach amongst my teammates. Going into this year I am full on confidence and determination. Not only am I playing hockey but now I am attending university as a full time student! I took on the challenge because I know I have the intelligence and time management skills to achieve this and be succesful. In the end, I hope not only to be nominated, but I want to with the “Marcel Robert Trophy”. That will be my goal as a leader.