A good team starts with having good leaders. These good leaders choose to surround themselves with good people, and if the people aren’t as good as they should be they aren’t kicked out or shunned – they are helped by their team to be made better. A good team’s goal is to play to the absolute best of their ability, with one thing in mind – success. As they gain more success they don’t quit. They realize the fact that there is always room for improvement; they are always striving to be better.
To be better, a team must work together. They must practice and give 110% every time. It should be commonly known with the team the goal that they are reaching towards, and it must be known that everyone is significant to reaching this goal.
A team is successful by communication. The leaders on the team must be aware of the people around them and of their needs. To be successful everyone on the team must work together. The team must keep in mind that this goal is not about them, this goal is for the team.
To turn an unsuccessful team into a successful one the first focus should be on the leaders. They must keep in mind that they are not the leaders to be liked; they are the leaders to influence the team to do the absolute best for success. The leaders of the team must step up and show the rest of the team members what needs to be done to reach their goal. The leaders then must teach them how to be successful. Once the team is working at the adequate level needed for success the leader must remain the encourager and supporter of the team.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Self Discipline
Obviously in my life I am nowhere close to being perfect. Some areas that I need improvement on are:
1) Confidence.
2) Getting things done. (Procrastination!)
3) Being “me”-focused.
4) Priorities.
5) Time management.
I often find myself going for something, or doing something, and then backing down or away from my goal. This is because I lose confidence in myself; I feel that I’m not good enough, or there are others that are better than me. I can fix this by keeping in my mind that I am wonderful and can do anything that I set my mind to do. I am horrible at procrastinating! A way I can improve this is by pushing my “deadline” up. If I did this then I should have plenty of time to actually get things finished! A way I can lose my focus for myself is by doing at least one thing for someone else every day. When it comes to priorities, I think a way I can improve is by making lists to remind myself of what needs the most attention when. For time management I need to keep in mind that there are only 24 hours in a day, seven days in a week, etc. I am one person that can only do so much, and I need to manage my time around the things that MUST get done!
My dad has a HUGE amount of discipline! He keeps track of everything in my family. He pays our bills on time, gets his job done, makes sure my family has what we needs, and still has time to spend time with us! He is the greatest.
The main thing I am accountable for right now is school. It is my job to make good grades, and keep focused to maintain scholarships and get done with school in time.
I am accountable to my teachers, family, and everyone that has influenced my life. People have invested their time and energy in me, and it is the least I can do for them by succeeding in school!
1) Confidence.
2) Getting things done. (Procrastination!)
3) Being “me”-focused.
4) Priorities.
5) Time management.
I often find myself going for something, or doing something, and then backing down or away from my goal. This is because I lose confidence in myself; I feel that I’m not good enough, or there are others that are better than me. I can fix this by keeping in my mind that I am wonderful and can do anything that I set my mind to do. I am horrible at procrastinating! A way I can improve this is by pushing my “deadline” up. If I did this then I should have plenty of time to actually get things finished! A way I can lose my focus for myself is by doing at least one thing for someone else every day. When it comes to priorities, I think a way I can improve is by making lists to remind myself of what needs the most attention when. For time management I need to keep in mind that there are only 24 hours in a day, seven days in a week, etc. I am one person that can only do so much, and I need to manage my time around the things that MUST get done!
My dad has a HUGE amount of discipline! He keeps track of everything in my family. He pays our bills on time, gets his job done, makes sure my family has what we needs, and still has time to spend time with us! He is the greatest.
The main thing I am accountable for right now is school. It is my job to make good grades, and keep focused to maintain scholarships and get done with school in time.
I am accountable to my teachers, family, and everyone that has influenced my life. People have invested their time and energy in me, and it is the least I can do for them by succeeding in school!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
My mission.
I am at my best when I am focused and determined, and when it involves something I am passionate about..
I will try to prevent times when I let my attitude get the best of me..
I will enjoy my work by finding employment where I can help people..
I will find enjoyment in my personal life through helping people, singing, being outside and laughing often..
I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as music, listening, writing, being a loyal friend..
I can do anything I set my mind to. I will find a cure to cancer..
My life's journey is on an extravagant adventure through the crazy forests of America. Located in the most exotic forest is the cure for cancer. Along the way of my journey I encounter many people who are on many different paths in their lives. I bring joy and laughter to all the people I meet. A significant amount of the people I come across are extremely sad because someone close to them is battling, or battled, cancer. This only motivates more along my journey becasue I did not like seeing those hurting people. The journey ends with me almost reaching the treasure of the cure for cancer..
I will be a person who my loving family, friends, and all the people who have supported me throughout my life will surround. I would like them to say "T.K. Worley is a caring and loyal daughter, mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend. She always goes above and beyond to help others. She put 110% into whatever she does. She lives her life for the Lord, and everyone who encounters her can see His light shining through." .
My most important future contribution to others will be I go above and beyond to be successful. I give my everything to the things and poeple I care about. .
I believe that everything in life happens for a reason. The thoughts I've had and the choices that I have made have brought me to the place I am in life. I believe that God has control and has a greater plan for my life.
I will strive to incorporate the following attributes into my life:
Spirituality
Love for life
Unconditional love
I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life:
Live a healthy lifestyle - work out and eat right.
Cling to Jesus, and always know that He is the way.
Remember to do something I love everyday.
Never get too busy with THINGS that I forget about the PEOPLE in my life.
I will try to prevent times when I let my attitude get the best of me..
I will enjoy my work by finding employment where I can help people..
I will find enjoyment in my personal life through helping people, singing, being outside and laughing often..
I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as music, listening, writing, being a loyal friend..
I can do anything I set my mind to. I will find a cure to cancer..
My life's journey is on an extravagant adventure through the crazy forests of America. Located in the most exotic forest is the cure for cancer. Along the way of my journey I encounter many people who are on many different paths in their lives. I bring joy and laughter to all the people I meet. A significant amount of the people I come across are extremely sad because someone close to them is battling, or battled, cancer. This only motivates more along my journey becasue I did not like seeing those hurting people. The journey ends with me almost reaching the treasure of the cure for cancer..
I will be a person who my loving family, friends, and all the people who have supported me throughout my life will surround. I would like them to say "T.K. Worley is a caring and loyal daughter, mother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend. She always goes above and beyond to help others. She put 110% into whatever she does. She lives her life for the Lord, and everyone who encounters her can see His light shining through." .
My most important future contribution to others will be I go above and beyond to be successful. I give my everything to the things and poeple I care about. .
I believe that everything in life happens for a reason. The thoughts I've had and the choices that I have made have brought me to the place I am in life. I believe that God has control and has a greater plan for my life.
I will strive to incorporate the following attributes into my life:
Spirituality
Love for life
Unconditional love
I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life:
Live a healthy lifestyle - work out and eat right.
Cling to Jesus, and always know that He is the way.
Remember to do something I love everyday.
Never get too busy with THINGS that I forget about the PEOPLE in my life.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Leader-in-the-field Interview
With the ending of my freshmen year at college coming (very quickly!) to an end, I am confident in saying that I am 97% sure that I will be majoring in Public Relations. My ultimate goal is being in Public Relations for a professional baseball team. I found that interviewing Mr. Charlie Taylor would be a perfect insight on a career in the Marketing side of athletics. He so kindly found time for me during his busy schedule. We had a phone interview due to circumstances with our Lady Sooner Basketball team bringing him to Kansas City for the Basketball Championship. He was very gracious throughout our interview, and did a wonderful job answering all of my questions!
Charlie Taylor is the Assistant Director of Marketing over athletics here at the University.
What he does here exactly:
The four main goals he has as Assistant Director over marketing are: keeper of the brand, advertising, promotions, and overseeing the entertainment during games and athletic events. He works with a great group of people. It is their job to promote Sooner athletics, and to get people to athletic events at the University. Since he oversees entertainment during games, he works very closely with the Spirit Squads department also. A few keys to his job include communication and building contacts. He feels that these keys are huge, and incredibly important.
How he got here:
Mr. Taylor is originally from Davenport, Iowa. He received his undergrad in Politics from the University of Iowa, and his Master’s in Sports Administration from the University of Tennessee. While he was at Tennessee he was over two sports as well as basketball, which helped to prepare him for future jobs. To read more about Mr. Taylor’s busy life before arriving at the University you can visit: http://www.soonersports.com/school-bio/charlie_taylor.html
How he uses his major on a day to day basis:
He uses his undergrad skills such as writing, talking, building relationships and using politics. When it came to his grad-school skills he learned a lot about sports and marketing, which helps significantly with his job.
A day in the life of Charlie Taylor:
Although no day is EVER typical in the life of Charlie Taylor, he loves his job. He has a few weekly meetings, but other than that it’s about advertising, game entertainment, etc. His schedule is definitely determined by what athletic events are going on that week. He told me that it is a lot of long hours, and it is work. With his job, he doesn’t necessarily get to see the games; he is behind the scenes being a part of it. He feels that his job is about selling emotions and being a part of the big group. During our interview he told me: “what I often say about our job is that we sell smiles.” Mr. Taylor’s job is more than just about “the big wins.” He considers his job to be incredibly rewarding. Many times he has gotten letters from children thanking him because they got to meet their favorite college athlete role model and from teachers thanking him for letting their class or organization come to an event. One of the most important rewards that he witnesses is student-athletes being able to graduate. A great example he gave was that of basketball senior, Amanda Thompson. She came from a not-so-great part of Chicago, and by coming to the University she overcame odds that weren’t necessarily in her favor for graduating college.
His thoughts on leadership:
Mr. Taylor views his leadership style as one where he hires great people, gives them the vision, see how they would like to do it, and then they go to get it done. He thinks there shouldn’t be problems, just challenges that need solutions. When looking to hire people, he looks for people who can think for themselves and propose solutions. For his leadership style communication is key.
This interview gave me a great insight on what it would be like to work in Sports Marketing. I gained a lot of advice from Charlie Taylor, one of those being: to never try to make a decision above your pay grade. I will take many things from this interview to hopefully pursue my dream of one day being the PR representative for the New York Yankees.
Charlie Taylor is the Assistant Director of Marketing over athletics here at the University.
What he does here exactly:
The four main goals he has as Assistant Director over marketing are: keeper of the brand, advertising, promotions, and overseeing the entertainment during games and athletic events. He works with a great group of people. It is their job to promote Sooner athletics, and to get people to athletic events at the University. Since he oversees entertainment during games, he works very closely with the Spirit Squads department also. A few keys to his job include communication and building contacts. He feels that these keys are huge, and incredibly important.
How he got here:
Mr. Taylor is originally from Davenport, Iowa. He received his undergrad in Politics from the University of Iowa, and his Master’s in Sports Administration from the University of Tennessee. While he was at Tennessee he was over two sports as well as basketball, which helped to prepare him for future jobs. To read more about Mr. Taylor’s busy life before arriving at the University you can visit: http://www.soonersports.com/school-bio/charlie_taylor.html
How he uses his major on a day to day basis:
He uses his undergrad skills such as writing, talking, building relationships and using politics. When it came to his grad-school skills he learned a lot about sports and marketing, which helps significantly with his job.
A day in the life of Charlie Taylor:
Although no day is EVER typical in the life of Charlie Taylor, he loves his job. He has a few weekly meetings, but other than that it’s about advertising, game entertainment, etc. His schedule is definitely determined by what athletic events are going on that week. He told me that it is a lot of long hours, and it is work. With his job, he doesn’t necessarily get to see the games; he is behind the scenes being a part of it. He feels that his job is about selling emotions and being a part of the big group. During our interview he told me: “what I often say about our job is that we sell smiles.” Mr. Taylor’s job is more than just about “the big wins.” He considers his job to be incredibly rewarding. Many times he has gotten letters from children thanking him because they got to meet their favorite college athlete role model and from teachers thanking him for letting their class or organization come to an event. One of the most important rewards that he witnesses is student-athletes being able to graduate. A great example he gave was that of basketball senior, Amanda Thompson. She came from a not-so-great part of Chicago, and by coming to the University she overcame odds that weren’t necessarily in her favor for graduating college.
His thoughts on leadership:
Mr. Taylor views his leadership style as one where he hires great people, gives them the vision, see how they would like to do it, and then they go to get it done. He thinks there shouldn’t be problems, just challenges that need solutions. When looking to hire people, he looks for people who can think for themselves and propose solutions. For his leadership style communication is key.
This interview gave me a great insight on what it would be like to work in Sports Marketing. I gained a lot of advice from Charlie Taylor, one of those being: to never try to make a decision above your pay grade. I will take many things from this interview to hopefully pursue my dream of one day being the PR representative for the New York Yankees.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Future @ OU
I guess you could that I have some “new goals” for OU – stepping out of my comfort zone. I recently joined a sorority, which is so unlike me! In the future, I hope that I can stay in Alpha Phi, make great friendships, and be involved within our chapter!
Things I could see myself doing at OU:
• Being active in the Women’s Outreach Center.
o I really enjoy all the things they do… Many of their outreaches are passions of mine.
• Start being involve in UOSA.
• Filling out applications to become more involved on campus.
• Participating in a sport at OU. (Besides cheer!)
o This could be playing, managing, being a water girl, just whatever! I think it would be an awesome experience!
If I could do ANYTHING at OU it would probably to be Big Woman on Campus, or maybe President of an organization. I know right now it seems pretty far-fetched, but anything can happen!
Things that interest me:• Women’s Outreach Center
• OU Athletics
• Leadership
• Volunteerism
• Marketing
I know that WAY MORE than half of the things on these lists are things that have a good chance to not happen, but that isn’t going to stop me from pursuing them. One of my new outlooks on life is to keep going until someone says I can’t. I am at the University of Oklahoma, where my options are limitless. The only thing is that I will only go as far as I am willing to go, and this experience will only be what I choose to make it.
Things I could see myself doing at OU:
• Being active in the Women’s Outreach Center.
o I really enjoy all the things they do… Many of their outreaches are passions of mine.
• Start being involve in UOSA.
• Filling out applications to become more involved on campus.
• Participating in a sport at OU. (Besides cheer!)
o This could be playing, managing, being a water girl, just whatever! I think it would be an awesome experience!
If I could do ANYTHING at OU it would probably to be Big Woman on Campus, or maybe President of an organization. I know right now it seems pretty far-fetched, but anything can happen!
Things that interest me:• Women’s Outreach Center
• OU Athletics
• Leadership
• Volunteerism
• Marketing
I know that WAY MORE than half of the things on these lists are things that have a good chance to not happen, but that isn’t going to stop me from pursuing them. One of my new outlooks on life is to keep going until someone says I can’t. I am at the University of Oklahoma, where my options are limitless. The only thing is that I will only go as far as I am willing to go, and this experience will only be what I choose to make it.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Attitude.
I have found that the saying “attitude is everything” is not just some cliché that my mom kept chirping to annoy me. Attitude has turned out to REALLY be everything in my life. Any given circumstance can be determined by the attitude I choose to give it.
This shows true when trying to accomplish a group task in a HUGE way! For example, if I came to my group project shut off from everyone with a terrible attitude, my group would not hold me accountable to participate in my part of the task, and it could cause their attitudes to be poor. If the role was to be switched around, and I chose to come with high energy and a positive attitude, then my group would have a greater trust and respect for me. This also could help them to have a positive attitude on the outlook of our task to be completed.
Someone whose attitude has influenced me would be Toni Borza. She babysat my brother and me, and she played a huge role in raising me. She recently went home to be with the Lord after a battle with cancer. Although she was fighting this awful disease she always remained positive. She even continued thinking about others throughout this battle. She mentored a girl that she met at the doctors, and helped this girl to realize that she was a great girl worthy of being treated right and with respect. I was talking to her husband after her funeral, and he told me that Toni would want me to know that “God doesn’t make any junk, and that I should go on to do great things because that’s what I was made to do.” Since that time when I wake up in the morning I put a smile on my face and MAKE THE CHOICE that that day is going to be great and that I am going to do great things with it. Toni did a great job of helping me to cherish the life that I have been given.
“Our Attitudes are Our Most Important Assets” simply means that our attitude is the best trait that we can have. It can make or break a person’s personality or reputation. It is how people view us.
This shows true when trying to accomplish a group task in a HUGE way! For example, if I came to my group project shut off from everyone with a terrible attitude, my group would not hold me accountable to participate in my part of the task, and it could cause their attitudes to be poor. If the role was to be switched around, and I chose to come with high energy and a positive attitude, then my group would have a greater trust and respect for me. This also could help them to have a positive attitude on the outlook of our task to be completed.
Someone whose attitude has influenced me would be Toni Borza. She babysat my brother and me, and she played a huge role in raising me. She recently went home to be with the Lord after a battle with cancer. Although she was fighting this awful disease she always remained positive. She even continued thinking about others throughout this battle. She mentored a girl that she met at the doctors, and helped this girl to realize that she was a great girl worthy of being treated right and with respect. I was talking to her husband after her funeral, and he told me that Toni would want me to know that “God doesn’t make any junk, and that I should go on to do great things because that’s what I was made to do.” Since that time when I wake up in the morning I put a smile on my face and MAKE THE CHOICE that that day is going to be great and that I am going to do great things with it. Toni did a great job of helping me to cherish the life that I have been given.
“Our Attitudes are Our Most Important Assets” simply means that our attitude is the best trait that we can have. It can make or break a person’s personality or reputation. It is how people view us.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Problem vs. Challenge
“Problem turned into challenge” was a lesson we learned through doing a group activity. During this activity we were split into teams and had to find the pathway across a maze without getting “shocked.” We were only given one minute to discuss our strategy within our group, and after that minute we could not talk to each other. To add to the activity, we were pretending that it was costing us money for every minute we did not complete the task, and we also lost money by talking, or not retracing our steps properly to get off of the maze. These interferences could have completely hindered our situation, but we chose to take it as a challenge and complete the task!
Becky Barker is who came to visit us. She is the director of Leadership Development and Volunteerism.
My senior year of high school I was the president of my school’s Student Council. A big event that we do every year is the “Arctic Blast,” which is just a day at the end of first semester to reward the students at our school for a good semester. They get out of class all afternoon, we give out prizes, and there are many games and skits. The theme my senior year was black light, which was a wonderful IDEA. A group was in charge of getting black lights donated. The day before “Arctic Blast” we were informed that not enough black lights had been donated; in fact we only had two. Since I was the leader in charge, everyone looked to me to try and get this problem fixed. I could have chosen to completely freak out that day, but instead I calmly considered my options. After using my resources and calling around to the other schools that had used the black light idea in the past, I finally found a school willing to lend us their black lights. Once we got the word that Bishop Kelley High School was letting us use their lights, two of my fellow officers and I headed to go get them.
Becky Barker is who came to visit us. She is the director of Leadership Development and Volunteerism.
My senior year of high school I was the president of my school’s Student Council. A big event that we do every year is the “Arctic Blast,” which is just a day at the end of first semester to reward the students at our school for a good semester. They get out of class all afternoon, we give out prizes, and there are many games and skits. The theme my senior year was black light, which was a wonderful IDEA. A group was in charge of getting black lights donated. The day before “Arctic Blast” we were informed that not enough black lights had been donated; in fact we only had two. Since I was the leader in charge, everyone looked to me to try and get this problem fixed. I could have chosen to completely freak out that day, but instead I calmly considered my options. After using my resources and calling around to the other schools that had used the black light idea in the past, I finally found a school willing to lend us their black lights. Once we got the word that Bishop Kelley High School was letting us use their lights, two of my fellow officers and I headed to go get them.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Letter from OU :)
Dear Verdigris Class of ’10,
I am writing you today to give you some tips that I think may help you out within the next year.
First of all, February is almost over and I’m hoping that by now you all have applied for college somewhere. But if not, don’t worry! Still apply somewhere! Your first choice might not still be taking applications, but you do NOT need to take the first year off just because of it!
If you’re going to somewhat of a harder school, (like OU, TU, ORU, etc.) and you think a course might be crazy hard, consider taking it at Community College over your summer break, or during intersession.
Talk to upperclassmen! Find out what courses are good to take, and which professors are cool. Upperclassmen have already been in your position, don’t be scared to talk to them and ask them questions!
Try not to room with someone that you already know. It ruins friendships.
If you’re going to party, try to do it in moderation. Keep in mind that you are having to pay to go to school now, and grades are important. Failing a class means taking it again, and taking it again means paying for it again.
Make new friends.
Live it up.
Ask questions.
Get involved.
Take lots of pictures! (Be sure to keep inappropriate ones off of Facebook though!)
And cherish every minute of college. It truly does go by faster than you’ll want it to.
Love, T.K.
I am writing you today to give you some tips that I think may help you out within the next year.
First of all, February is almost over and I’m hoping that by now you all have applied for college somewhere. But if not, don’t worry! Still apply somewhere! Your first choice might not still be taking applications, but you do NOT need to take the first year off just because of it!
If you’re going to somewhat of a harder school, (like OU, TU, ORU, etc.) and you think a course might be crazy hard, consider taking it at Community College over your summer break, or during intersession.
Talk to upperclassmen! Find out what courses are good to take, and which professors are cool. Upperclassmen have already been in your position, don’t be scared to talk to them and ask them questions!
Try not to room with someone that you already know. It ruins friendships.
If you’re going to party, try to do it in moderation. Keep in mind that you are having to pay to go to school now, and grades are important. Failing a class means taking it again, and taking it again means paying for it again.
Make new friends.
Live it up.
Ask questions.
Get involved.
Take lots of pictures! (Be sure to keep inappropriate ones off of Facebook though!)
And cherish every minute of college. It truly does go by faster than you’ll want it to.
Love, T.K.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Bystander Behavior
I think that one of my biggest problems with being a bystander would definitely be when it comes to my friends dating lives. Many times I just don’t feel like I can give them the advice on whom to or not to date. This did not really have an impact on me until this past year. My friend was dating a guy who was a nice guy, but I knew he was just not good enough for her. She gave me the news that she was pregnant, and at first her baby daddy was being completely supportive. Since then, things have definitely changed for the worse. They are no longer dating. She is due in June, and is having a baby girl. He now prefers to refer to their daughter as an “it,” and told my best friend that she might as well “give it up for adoption.” I wish that I had told my best friend that he wasn’t good for her.
Another situation that I have been a bystander to would have to be the alcohol problems in my family. When I was younger, I did not necessarily understand any of it. Now that I am older, I should tell my dad that his drinking bothers me and that it worries me for his health.
When I was in high school I had a tendency to be drawn to guys that treated me horribly. The aftermath of this is that my heart has been shattered time and time again, and I find it incredibly hard to trust. There are many situations that occurred because of that time, one in particular, which has drastically affected my life. If there was anything that I wish someone would have stepped in to save me from hurting this would be it.
I don’t think college students speak up because we feel it’s not “our place.” I believe that college students are so consumed with living their own lives that they don’t take the time to look around and see what anyone other than themselves are doing. College students also do not want to be labeled as “judgmental.”
Another situation that I have been a bystander to would have to be the alcohol problems in my family. When I was younger, I did not necessarily understand any of it. Now that I am older, I should tell my dad that his drinking bothers me and that it worries me for his health.
When I was in high school I had a tendency to be drawn to guys that treated me horribly. The aftermath of this is that my heart has been shattered time and time again, and I find it incredibly hard to trust. There are many situations that occurred because of that time, one in particular, which has drastically affected my life. If there was anything that I wish someone would have stepped in to save me from hurting this would be it.
I don’t think college students speak up because we feel it’s not “our place.” I believe that college students are so consumed with living their own lives that they don’t take the time to look around and see what anyone other than themselves are doing. College students also do not want to be labeled as “judgmental.”
Priorities
Without priorities my life would be an absolute chaotic mess. At times I must admit that my life has been this chaotic mess that I speak of.
I have found that it is not an easy task for me to tell someone no. As I have gotten older I am getting better at handling my priorities, but this problem definitely caused many issues in high school. I am the type of person that gives 110% in whatever I am doing – because of this I found myself in WAY over my head many times. Before coming to OU my priorities were in a wide variety of things – church, school work, StuCo, working at Gymnastics City, softball, track, managing the basketball team, and cheerleading. On top of these things, I tried my best to be a loving daughter, caring friend, supportive sister and aunt and a loyal girlfriend. I was a very “busy bee” throughout this time. I would go over and beyond for every organization, team, job, person, etc. Looking back I am SO surprised that I managed to do all of that and not go crazy!
Now that I find myself at OU, I see that my priorities are extremely different. I am not nearly involved (YET!!!) this year as I was in high school. First semester my main focuses were school work and cheerleading. Towards the end of first semester I became involved with Sub30, which now takes over a significant amount of my time! This semester I have shifted my priorities some – I’m making more of an effort to get out and expand my circle of friends. I am trying to get more involved with different groups on campus, and still active in building up Sub30. I’m finding that it is a lot easier to get school work done, and I can be even more supportive for my friends and family.
I will be the first to admit that I still have some glitches in my priorities. Like, for example, I won’t be getting a grade for this blog because I was late in getting it done. I had an extremely close family friend pass away, sending me to my second funeral in a week and a half.
Sometimes we forget when we are prioritizing that we should always be aware that the unexpected can catch us off guard and throw our schedules off.
I have found that it is not an easy task for me to tell someone no. As I have gotten older I am getting better at handling my priorities, but this problem definitely caused many issues in high school. I am the type of person that gives 110% in whatever I am doing – because of this I found myself in WAY over my head many times. Before coming to OU my priorities were in a wide variety of things – church, school work, StuCo, working at Gymnastics City, softball, track, managing the basketball team, and cheerleading. On top of these things, I tried my best to be a loving daughter, caring friend, supportive sister and aunt and a loyal girlfriend. I was a very “busy bee” throughout this time. I would go over and beyond for every organization, team, job, person, etc. Looking back I am SO surprised that I managed to do all of that and not go crazy!
Now that I find myself at OU, I see that my priorities are extremely different. I am not nearly involved (YET!!!) this year as I was in high school. First semester my main focuses were school work and cheerleading. Towards the end of first semester I became involved with Sub30, which now takes over a significant amount of my time! This semester I have shifted my priorities some – I’m making more of an effort to get out and expand my circle of friends. I am trying to get more involved with different groups on campus, and still active in building up Sub30. I’m finding that it is a lot easier to get school work done, and I can be even more supportive for my friends and family.
I will be the first to admit that I still have some glitches in my priorities. Like, for example, I won’t be getting a grade for this blog because I was late in getting it done. I had an extremely close family friend pass away, sending me to my second funeral in a week and a half.
Sometimes we forget when we are prioritizing that we should always be aware that the unexpected can catch us off guard and throw our schedules off.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Influences.
When I first saw that this blog was about influences, I thought it would be truly a breeze. Then, as I sat down in front of my laptop, I realized this one would be harder for me than I ever imagined.
I could start with how watching the Olympics when I was young made me want to be a gymnast, and was the initial start to my gymnastics career. Or how I wanted to play softball because the ball diamond was all I knew my whole life, and I wanted to be just like my daddy and my big brother.
I could talk about my day to day influences, like how I go to eat at the Caf because that’s what sounded good to my best friend. And when I wear my rain boots because it’s raining out.
I also have influences that have changed my life. My life has been influenced spiritually by Pastor Rick, Miss Pam, Donna Clyma, and the other great spiritual warriors in my church. My life has been impacted, and I have been inspired by the many people close to me that have fought the battle of cancer. My life was influenced recently when Janelle Fitch, who was a motherly figure in my life, passed away from her battle with cancer.
Then, there are the certain situations that have influenced me. Like, when my friend Jenson passed away, and I chose to live my life to the absolute fullest. Or when my best friend told me that she was pregnant, and I decided to step up and be there for her throughout the entire thing.
Since graduating high school I have been influenced in many ways. My advisor has influenced the classes I took first semester, and am currently taking. Upper classmen have influenced me in which professors were good to have as teachers. I was influenced by being verbally harassed in the middle of the night to get a room change. I was influenced by Caitlin to attend my first service at Sub30, which has radically changed my life.
The truth is my list of influences could continue on and on. I am influenced by the stranger who smiles at me while I am walking down the street. I am influenced by a style that I see in a magazine.
I am influenced by life.
I could start with how watching the Olympics when I was young made me want to be a gymnast, and was the initial start to my gymnastics career. Or how I wanted to play softball because the ball diamond was all I knew my whole life, and I wanted to be just like my daddy and my big brother.
I could talk about my day to day influences, like how I go to eat at the Caf because that’s what sounded good to my best friend. And when I wear my rain boots because it’s raining out.
I also have influences that have changed my life. My life has been influenced spiritually by Pastor Rick, Miss Pam, Donna Clyma, and the other great spiritual warriors in my church. My life has been impacted, and I have been inspired by the many people close to me that have fought the battle of cancer. My life was influenced recently when Janelle Fitch, who was a motherly figure in my life, passed away from her battle with cancer.
Then, there are the certain situations that have influenced me. Like, when my friend Jenson passed away, and I chose to live my life to the absolute fullest. Or when my best friend told me that she was pregnant, and I decided to step up and be there for her throughout the entire thing.
Since graduating high school I have been influenced in many ways. My advisor has influenced the classes I took first semester, and am currently taking. Upper classmen have influenced me in which professors were good to have as teachers. I was influenced by being verbally harassed in the middle of the night to get a room change. I was influenced by Caitlin to attend my first service at Sub30, which has radically changed my life.
The truth is my list of influences could continue on and on. I am influenced by the stranger who smiles at me while I am walking down the street. I am influenced by a style that I see in a magazine.
I am influenced by life.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
This is who I am.
I chose the blog name “A New Beginning” because it totally describes this year of my life. When I first came to OU in the fall, I was so excited! Once I came off that high, it was rough, but I finally got adjusted and situated. With the start of second semester, I absolutely did not want to come back, but I am glad that I am here. It is a rough road, and I am certain that in the end I will be stronger and a better person for making it through it. It is a whole new beginning: I am currently not pursuing any sports, which is an entire new world for me. I live two hours from home, and I brought no one from home with me, so I am on this adventure alone. Everything here is new and different and fresh, and I am excited to see where I’ll end up.
Now, on to a little bit about me. My name is Toni Kaylene Worley, T.K. for short. I was raised in the small town of Verdigris, OK. I graduated with a class of 62 amazing people. I live my life for Jesus Christ, and I try to keep Him in everything I do. Sports have always been a part of my life. I grew up on and around the many different types of ball fields, mainly being baseball/softball diamonds and football fields. I started gymnastics when I was 4, and continued competitively for 7 years. After gymnastics, came cheerleading, which I have been participating in for 7 years now also. Throughout those years I have also played softball, soccer, basketball and ran track. I have two older brothers, who I admire. Caleb is 21, and lives at home with my parents. Trent is 30, and has his own family including his wife Ashlee, and my wonderful nephews Jaxon and Cash, who I absolutely love. I adore my mom and dad. They have done a fantastic job of providing for me and our family, and they did a wonderful job in guiding and raising me. Leadership played significant roles in my high school years. I was class VP for two years, StuCo secretary for one year, and my senior year I was StuCo President.
Likes: purple and green. Smoothies. Ice cream dates. Singing. Photography. Laughing.
Loves: Family. Friends. And Jesus Christ.
Hates: Cancer.
I hope this gave you an insight on who I am. :)
Now, on to a little bit about me. My name is Toni Kaylene Worley, T.K. for short. I was raised in the small town of Verdigris, OK. I graduated with a class of 62 amazing people. I live my life for Jesus Christ, and I try to keep Him in everything I do. Sports have always been a part of my life. I grew up on and around the many different types of ball fields, mainly being baseball/softball diamonds and football fields. I started gymnastics when I was 4, and continued competitively for 7 years. After gymnastics, came cheerleading, which I have been participating in for 7 years now also. Throughout those years I have also played softball, soccer, basketball and ran track. I have two older brothers, who I admire. Caleb is 21, and lives at home with my parents. Trent is 30, and has his own family including his wife Ashlee, and my wonderful nephews Jaxon and Cash, who I absolutely love. I adore my mom and dad. They have done a fantastic job of providing for me and our family, and they did a wonderful job in guiding and raising me. Leadership played significant roles in my high school years. I was class VP for two years, StuCo secretary for one year, and my senior year I was StuCo President.
Likes: purple and green. Smoothies. Ice cream dates. Singing. Photography. Laughing.
Loves: Family. Friends. And Jesus Christ.
Hates: Cancer.
I hope this gave you an insight on who I am. :)
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