Josten's Renaissance National Conference

I spent five days in sunny Orlando, Florida..yes my second time there this summer! I was invited by my assistant principal to attend the Josten's Renaissance National Conference, along with three of my friends who will also be seniors in the fall. Aidan, Luke, Caylie and I traveled together, and bonded so much. The conference was focused on school culture revival with the main points being about inclusivity, and how to use your role as a leader in the school. We were also able to go to Disney World, and Disney Springs. There was also plenty of pool time- but I stayed inside to avoid sunburn. #PalePeopleProblems 

I learned lots these past few days, and am so grateful for this experience. I was able to be in a more intimate lecture with fewer students, listening to Mike Smith- the self proclaimed professional teenager. Mike speaks about how people talk to my generation wrong. Instead of being tomorrows leaders, we are today's leaders- otherwise it's an excuse to procrastinate. He also stresses that adults need to stop asking "What do you want to do when you're older?" The problem with this question, is that it says that anything your doing RIGHT NOW is pointless. Once you start asking "Who are you working towards being?" it makes the dream much larger. Instead of, I want to be a doctor, it becomes I'm working towards being a doctor. It makes the classes you take impactful, and keeps you honest. I loved the insight, of the conversation and how adults can change a students prospective for their future with one question. Mike works with Josten's to produce videos that we play in our school. Watch some episodes by clicking this link --->  https://www.jostensrenaissance.com/theharbortv/ !!

We sat in on smaller seminars focusing in different areas about leadership, school improvement, and inspiring stories. The keynote speaker who closed the conference was Davey Muise, and he was a storyteller like no other. I've been fortunate enough to hear many inspirational speakers, and stories, but he really reached me through his talk. He focused on how your passion should be done for others. Your doing life wrong if you're not being with supporters, and chasing your dream among people. It was great to hear the ups and downs that brought him to where he is now- living his best life. 

The time spent here has been super refreshing, and I'm so grateful that my assistant principal presented me with this opportunity, because it was super fitting for my endeavors coming up soon. (stay tuned for that!) Can't wait to implement these ideas and plans into BHS in the coming weeks/months and for the next trip with these fun people!