Team Leadership

This past week in our Women and Leadership class we discussed team leadership.  Two of the principles listed to improve team effectiveness were performance (task accomplishment) and development (maintenance of team).  The discussion of team leadership was relevant to this past weekend.  Otterbein's Homecoming included various sporting events to attend.  I attended the football game versus Heidelburg and the volleyball game against Columbus State College.  As I watched these games, our discussion of what it takes to be a team leader came up in my mind.  The football team struggled with team leadership. No player seemed to know what was going on throughout the game. They made a lot of silly mistakes. I do believe, however, that Otterbein's football team will improve and learn something from every game.  The volleyball team was very efficient.  Their performance and development carried the team to victory.  Every player on the floor was a leader.  They all communicated and carried out their responsibility.  These two games gave a visual depiction of our readings from last week.  On one side, what happens when a team is not effective, and on the other, how effectiveness can help a team succeed. 

Dodging the Freshman Fifteen

This past week in our leadership class we dicussed nutrition and exercising.  Dr. Lynn Esselstein introduced us to the new "food pyramid", which is actually now a plate.  I found myself thinking back on what I had eaten that day.  (It didn't exactly fit the "perfect" food plan per meal)  I thought her presentation was very interactive.  She let some students separate different fake foods into which category they belonged. This helped students get a better picture of what a typical meal could look like.  I know I definately do not want to gain a lot of weight in college so I will do my best to follow this nutritious meal plan.  (And occasionally slipping in some ice cream or a cookie) 

The following presentation was given by Dr. Kim Fischer.  Her expertise was in exercise.  (She definately fit the part too, she was ripped!)  She explained that participating in exercise is not limited to running and lifting weights.  It can include your favorite hobbies like dancing, shopping, getting involved in an intramural sport, etc.  I love to exercise so I really enjoyed her presentation on different ways on exercising and having fun.  Exercise is an important thing to take part of because it benefits your social, emotional, and physical health. 

This class has been very intriguing so far.  I've enjoyed all our speakers and have been able to relate with many of them.  I can't wait to see what other speakers have prepared for us.  Have a good day and stay healthy!

A Life in Law

This past week in our Women and Leadership Class Mary DeGenaro came and presented to us what her life as a district judge was like.  She explained the different levels of the judiciary system in both the United States and Ohio.  Her presentation was very interesting to me because my father is a defense attorney.  Throughout my life I have only heard about my father's perspective of the judicial system, which I adopted as my own.  Sometimes his opinion included a very biased view on how every so often judges are unfair and unreasonable.  The fact that my father defended the alleged (and most of the time guilty) probably played a role too.  His outlook encouraged judges to be more understanding of his client's case, depending on the severity of the crime.  Many times in misdemeanor cases he defended did the the judge give very harsh punishment.  This point of view of the court systems in Ohio was a very finite outlook upon the judicial system.

Judge DeGenaro's presentation made me more aware of the judicial system from a judge's perspective.  She explained how, even though it might not seem like it, it is a judge's duty to be fair and impartial on all matters, even if they are not in the court room.  They can not side with certain organizations that portray a controversial approach towards a certain subject.  It was also interesting when she was explaining how the process of writing a settlement to a case involved an intricate process between herself and her law clerks.  By this procedure, her opinion is reviewed by others, allowing it to be further reviewed for bias.  Her final remarks on being a woman with a professional position were ones I will never forget.  Every girl wants to grow up and have a family.  But the balance between having a career and family can often be challenging for a woman.  Mrs. Degenaro chose to cut back on work while raising her family.  This however, did not impede her success as a working woman.  I will most likely take this approach when I get older and have a family.  Judge Degenaro's words were very reassuring as I have just embarked on my college journey to become a woman in a professional career.

FYS Blog #1

Hey everyone, just wanted to test this to make sure it works!

Sadie