Self-Discipline

I would describe self-discipline as the ability to manage your time and prioritize your responsibilities. This can be very hard due to social events, distractions, friends, unexpected events, family, and many other daily life "pop-ups." But, the ability to work with those "pop-ups" and still do what needs to be done is a skill everyone has to learn.

Areas I lack self-discipline:

1.) School Work: "I can get that done tomorrow after class..that paper can wait till the night before..well I don't know how to do this anyways, so it can wait..I'll just miss class tomorrow since I can't get the work done..going out with friends sounds like more fun;" these are just some of the excuses I have come up with regarding my class work since coming to the University of Oklahoma. With so many distractions and fun things to do, it's hard to manage my time wisely. U-Sing has been a major factor that has forced me to plan my days, almost to the T. When there is absolutely no extra time, you manage the time you do have much more wisely. This is why I have chosen to keep myself busy with multiple execs and other non-social responsibilities to keep me on top of my school work. 

2.) Getting Ready in the Mornings: I know to some this may sound silly, but starting my morning off with a hot shower and fresh hair makes me days seem to go smoother. The cleaner I am, the happier I am is a good way to put it, I guess. Looking back on my high school years when I used to wake up every morning at 6:30 AM, shower, blow dry my hair, put on make up, straighten my hair, and pick out a cute outfit just seems absurd to me now. These days just coming by nights with 8 hours of sleep is a miracle. But, I think if I managed my time more wisely and squeezed in a 30 minute shower before class, I would feel a lot better about myself every day.

3.) Working Out: To some, working out is their only escape, it's their morning ritual and they can't image going one day without hitting the gym. But for people like me, the gym just seems to be like an annoying aquaintance. Getting myself to go to the gym is such a hassle and has been placed on the back burner. I do need to get into a healthier life style and start working out at least 30 minutes a day, just for my well being. 

4.) Eating Healthy: This is something I have always struggled with. I always go for the Dr. Pepper over water, the chicken tenders over the grilled chicken salad, and chips and dip as a midnight snack over carrots. It's not that I don't like healthy food, I just like unhealthy food much more. Eating unhealthy will lead to many problems as I get older and will set a bad example for when I have kids one day. This is one area of my life that I have been working on a lot lately since arriving at the University. In high school I could eat whatever I wanted because I was averaging 6 hours of cheer practice a day; in college, I consider walking to class and my sorority a daily work out - meaning I can't eat like I used to. Making healthy decisions has become easier, though, with the dreaded threat of the "Freshmen 15" hanging over my head!

5.) Biting My Nails: I know this sounds like such a silly thing compared to the rest of the items on my list, but it is a habit I have been struggling with all my life and has always haunted me. Ya, ya it sounds SUPER silly to say that..but everytime I look at my hands all I can think about is "how will other people judge me" or "I don't want my hands to look like this in wedding pictures" or "what will people think of me when I attend a job interview?" Biting my nails is my scapegoat for stress; I don't remember when exactly I started doing this, but I wish someone would have stopped me! All the stress of classes, sorority requirements, executive commities, and when I'm going to get everything done in college hasn't helped me trying to quit this horrible habit. 

Someone in my life that has a great deal of self-discipline...
is one of my best friends, Carly Costello. She always pushed herself to take the hardest classes and do her very best in them and succeeded in high school by graduating a valedictorian. She has helped with ways to study, how to take officiant notes, how to become a better test taker, and how to suceed in the classes she has already passed. I envy her ability to always get her schoolwork done and still be able to do all the things she wants to do!

I consider myself accountable for my school work, my grades, my positions on important execs, me taking care of myself, and me making the best decisions in my life. I am accountable to my family, leaders of committees, my sisters, and my teachers.       

My Mission

"Life is a journey. And your mission statement is your map."

MY Mission Statement:

I am at my best when I am under high levels of stress and am constantly kept busy. This lifestyle allows me to plan my days and take advantage of every second I am given..
I will try to prevent times when I am doing something I am not passionate about..
I will enjoy my work by finding employment where I can plan events, inspire others, lead groups or teams, help those less fortunate than myself, and be in charge of things. .
I will find enjoyment in my personal life through making signs, free writing fonts and calligraphy, volunteering, inspiring others to volunteer, dancing, creating, cheering others on, attending social events, and working with children..
I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as art, planning, decision making, making and being a friend, speaking with others, and leading others..
I can do anything I set my mind to. I will .....raise over one hundred million dollars to grant ill children's wishes. And I will make their dreams come true!.
My life's journey is inspiring others to help those less fortunate than them. By ways of fundraising and holding events, I will draw in people to volunteer their time or to donate money to go towards an awesome cause. I will work with children on a daily basis, hear their stories, and work to better their lives. I am so passionate about helping others and seeing them happy. .
I will be a person who My closest friends and chi omega sisters, my sister, my brothers, and my family; all I want to know, is that I made a difference and that I will leave a legacy..
My most important future contribution to others will be to pass on my passion for helping others to all people I come in contact with; if we could all change one person's life, we could change the world..
I will stop procrastinating and start working on:

• I need to learn to focus on the important things in life and not wish my days away.
• I need to see the world from other's perspectives, not only my own.
• I need to be able to let go of things that have happened in the past; what's done is done.

I will strive to incorporate the following attributes into my life:

• Enthusiasm
• Truth
• Faith

I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life:

• Take better care of my body: get more rest, watch the things I eat and drink, work out, and take vitamins.
• Attend church, even though it's earlier, and set aside time to spend with God each and every day.
• Never tell myself "I can't."
• Find a good balance between friends and family, and spending plenty of time with each.

Board of Advisors

Choosing my board of advisors was very difficult since there have been many influential people in my life. But, I finally got it numbered down...and the lucky people are...........


My wonderful mom, Marla Grant
My mom is one of the strongest people I know. After getting divorced from my dad, life was tough for me, my mom and my little brother. My mom now took on the full financial responsibilities, participation responsibilities, child raising responsibilities, and everything else that comes with taking care of 2 children by herself. Luckily, my mom held the same position in the same company for over 20 years and she was in no place of losing her job. Since then, she is now Vice President of a new and up-coming company and is successful in her new line of work. My mom is one of the most persistent and hard-working people I know. She always knows what the right choice is and has guided me on a self-motivated path my entire life. I would consider my mother to be the chair of my advisors because of her undying faith in me. She has never once not believed in me and has supported me every step of the way, through the great and horrible moments.

My grandmother, Shirley Hicks
After giving birth to my mom at the age of 17, life wasn't easy for my "nanny." She was now raising a daughter, along with trying to grow up herself. But the reason I look up to my nanny the most is her solid-as-a-rock faith. She has never, for one single day doubted the plans God has for her. She is a very prominent woman in her church in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and is very actively involved with mission work, children's bible study, and community service within the church. She encourages me whenever I need it most and has always been there for me when my mom wasn't able to be. She was also such a huge help after my parents divorce when my mom needed help caring for me and my brother.

Erikka Tipton-Ault
Some people would find it silly to refer to their high school coach as one of the most influential people in their lives'. But not me. Erikka, but as we called her "Tipton," was the one role model that was constantly with me throughout the wonderful growing years of high school. Tipton wasn't just a cheer coach, she was a sister, a second mom, a best friend. Her positive attitude and fun-loving spirit and dedication to everything she was involved in could brighten any room. She always did and continues to push me to do my best and be as actively involved in my passions as possible. She will always hold a special place in my heart and will always be there for me...no matter the situation.

Virgil Walker, my partner in crime
Since the first day we laid eyes on each other in Mrs. Keely's kindergarten class, it was love. Well okay, not love, but the start to a lifelong friendship. Ever since the beginning of my memory, Virgil has been there. He has always been my go-to-guy and has never let me down. He never ceases to amaze me in his competitiveness, his faith, his school spirit, his devotion to his passions, and to his love of this country. Virgil is now a student at Baylor University on a full ride ROTC scholarship and plans to enlist in the United States army after college. We have always joked about getting married and spending our lives together, and although that may never happen, I know that Virgil will always be there for me, always give me "the guy's perspective," and will never let me down when all I need is a good laugh.

My dad, Mike Grant
Most people consider my dad and I to be twins (I can't really see it, with his thinning hair and unstylish wardrobe, but I think it's the nose that gives it away.) My dad and I are almost identical, and not only by physical looks but by our actions as well. He is an argumentative lawyer, and arguing my point of view is not in short supply. He loves college football and he has passed that love down to me. My dad loves a good laugh and is constantly the center of a crowd. But my dad is also my biggest fan; he is there to cheer me on, no matter what. He has been at almost every one of my sporting events (which, I have to admit, I think he would much rather see his daughter in something sport-ier than cheerleading.) He is always there to give me an "'atta-girl" and never points out my flaws.

Without these people in my life, I don't think I would be the person I am today. They have shaped and molded me into the self-confident, goal-pursuing, motivated person I am. And I am so thankful for each and every one of them.

Leader in the Field

Coming to the University of Oklahoma I had no idea what I wanted to major in. After discussing my strengths with other students and talking to other people about what I am most interested in, I have decided to have a triple business major in energy management, accounting, and financing. I am very good at math and a career is any natural gas company has a very stable and bright future. 

A prominent leader in my future career field is Lisa Owens, Chief Operating Officer for the oil and natural gas company Clearwater. Clearwater is located in Oklahoma City and is recently building a new office building located near Penn Square Mall. Mrs. Owens is responsible for all financial reporting for the company, she oversees the contract department, gas control department, and accounting department. She describes it as the "day-to-day" operations of the company. She started working in this career field directly out of high school while attending college in the evening. The industry had the most employment potential at the time in the state of Oklahoma. She started working in the field when she was only 18 years old and has now been working in it for 25 years. 

Being such a prominent figure in the company, there are many qualities that allow Mrs. Owens to be a successful leader. She considers her most important leadership quality as her desire to have things done on-time and correctly. She lets her employees clearly know her expectations she has of them. Trying to meet with them one-on-one is also very important to her so she can be on a personal level with them to better the company. The employees give her important feedback that allows Mrs. Owens to make better changes to how Clearwater is run. Mrs. Owens also emphasizes the importance to each of her employees of understanding what and why they are performing each task and not just knowing how to carry out the task to get it done. She said "if you understand your job, you can perform it in less time and more accurately." One other important quality is organization. Having expertise in many different areas allows a small company like Clearwater to run smoothly. 

When asked about her view on leadership, Mrs. Owens responded by saying communication is the foundation to running her company. Using not only communication with her employees, but with customers as well allows the company to meet deadlines required with marketing natural gas daily. Electronic communication also provides a document verification of transactions between parties in case of any misunderstanding that may occur. 

Since the gas marketing industry is constantly changing, it is important to be able to apply different types of leadership and using what works best for the company at the time. Lisa Owens has used her organizational and communication skills, along with her experience in the field to lead Clearwater to be the successful company that it is today. Mrs. Owens is an inspiration to the leader I one day hope to be in my career. 

Lisa Owens (left) with her mother

The Clearwater Enterprises company logo

For more information on Clearwater, click here. 

Attitude

Attitude
noun

1.

manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to aperson or thing; tendency or orientation, esp. of the mind: anegative attitude; group attitudes.

In my opinion, attitude is a small thing, that makes a huge difference. One person's attitude can loose championships; one person's attitude can bring down an entire project; one person's attitude can affect the views of others and their willingness to participate in something. And since attitude is something we personally choose to be, attitude problems are something that can easily be fixed.

When it comes to group tasks, the leaders attitude is the driving force. Having a negative attitude causes your followers to be uninvolved and not enthusiastic about a cause. If the leader doesn't seem to be interested and committed, why should everyone else be? On the other hand, having a positive attitude can take your group to new heights. Positive attitudes can lead to accomplishments and extreme levels of enthusiasm throughout the group members. 

When I think of positive attitude role models, my mind directly goes to my old high school cheer sponsor, Erikka Tipton. Her smiling face, drive to win, and constant pushes of positive words and thinking lead our squad to be the best in the state. No matter what day of the week it was, or if she was having a horrible week due to her 2nd pregnancy in 1 year, Tipton never seemed to let us down. She was hopeful, and so were we. I will forever be grateful for her commitment and positive zeal. 

"Our Attitudes are Our Most Important Assets" is a quote that all organizations, groups and employment positions should use towards their followers. One person's attitude can sour the group, but positive attitudes can work towards a common goal and change the world.

Problem Solving Strengths

Activator

Communication

Futuristic

Significance

Strategic

These are my 5 strengths, and I could not think of 5 better words to describe the kind of person that I am. Activator; I am quick to get on projects and get excited at the thought of starting new things. Communication; I could probably convince a wall to donate time or money to what I am passionate about. Futuristic; I never let what has happened in the past affect my ideas and plans for the future. Significance; I like to be told "good job" and be put in high-stress, top positions when it comes to committees or groups. Strategic; I can solve my way around any problem - bring on the obstacles!

When it comes to problem solving, I believe that strategic and activator are my best assets to getting things done. Being strategic allows me to see beyond what is set in front of me and come up with the best plan of action to proceed. There are many times when I am presented with a small or large task that needs to be completed and unexpected obstacles prevent me from doing so in the original plan; being strategic allows me to learn from my mistakes, and from others, and get done what needs to be done! Being an activator helps me to inspire not only myself, but others to get projects done. When faced with a problem, having a good attitude and pushing myself and my group to continue on makes a world of difference. I am able to brainstorm ideas and take the many steps to turn small ideas into huge outcomes. Being an activator has been the thriving source driving me to be so passionate in philanthropic work. 

I believe that my aspect of significance is my biggest set back when it comes to problem solving. I am someone who likes to be in the spotlight, not for the glory, but at least for an 'atta girl when the day is done. I have a hard time taking the little steps when all I can think about is the BIG picture; which is why futuristic may also affect my ability to solve some problems. Seeing the BIG picture is always needed, but I need to focus on the little steps it takes to get there. 

The hardest thing for me when it comes to solving problems with others is trying to view things from other's perspective. Sometimes I need to step back, take a deep breath, and realize that others may not be as passionate about a particular subject as I am or that others may have ideas that correcting our problem could greatly benefit from. This is why my strength of communication is something I know to work on to better the problem solving process when working with others.

Do WHAT you can, WHERE you are, with WHAT you've got. - Theodore Roosevelt 

To: My ENHS Senior Babies

Seniors 2011:


It's weird to say that now, huh? Getting used to your grade is kind of like getting used to your age after a birthday. Sometimes "senior" just doesn't sound right. When did you suddenly wake up and realize that you are almost finished with high school? That every event is now "the last"? Coming from a senior 2010 that had her fair share of teary moments, the best piece of advice I can give you is to enjoy absolutely every second of your journey. 


Wake Up and Dress Up:


I don't care what day of the week it is, or what the theme is; StuCo works hard to put spirit weeks together and when you're looking back on your senior year, you are going to be so happy that you are the one tagged in 20 more pictures instead of being the one behind the camera. Trust me, you are never to cool to dress up. It's going to happen all the time at college date parties and THOSE go all out...let me tell ya. Plus, who doesn't want to dress like an idiot, attract attention, and get one more picture in the yearbook?


Don't Skip Out On Assemblies:


Assemblies are the essence to spirit weeks, and although sometimes they may seem pointless and maybe sometimes boring, they are important to those participating in them. And, being a senior you get recognized at every assembly, you get to sit on the floor, and, if you're willing, you get to participate in all the nasty and crazy StuCo dares. I mean come on, you've earned a place in these assemblies!


Visit Your Old Elementary and Middle School Teachers:


Not hungry at lunch? Teacher doesn't think class is necessary next Tuesday? Alumni day at your old school? Take these opportunities to visit those who shaped you. They are the reason you stand where you are today. And trust me, they love when you come back, and their new baby students love to ask you all types of questions; do you have a boyfriend? Are you dating a football player? You can drive? You're THAT old? O ya, anything and everything about your life, they want to know. These teachers care about you and want to know your plans for the future. Plus, this is the chance to give your old teachers one of your 200 senior wallets. 


Go to All the Football and Basketball Games:


Do this, NO MATTER how bad your team is. You're going to look back at those friday night lights as some of the greatest nights of your life. You are also going to get to college and realize college football, as wonderful as it is, is just not the same as high school football; those aren't your true classmates, you don't share hallways with them, or take pictures with them being proud of your school colors, they aren't the people you hang out with every single weekend. And, believe it or not, student sections make a HUGE difference on the outcome of games. Hearing 1,000 of your best friends screaming for you to do your best? How would that not help you to win? And sometimes, even the games canceled because of the rain seem to be the ones best remembered.


Take Advantage of Having Your Parents At-Hand:


This is the last time in your life that mommy and daddy are going to be there for you everyday. And as much as you think you won't, you're going to miss them like crazy. And suddenly, coming back to Edmond on a Saturday night isn't such a burden. Obviously your parents want you to go off to college and earn a degree and become a big successful person, but make sure you tell them thank you for all that they do...every single day. Most of us view college as necessary, as a must, as always being seen in our future. But the reality is, you will earn your way here and being in college is a privilege. And a huge fraction of your parent's paycheck and savings will be going towards your classes, books, and partying. And of course, make sure you tell them you love them every chance you get.


Don't Ever Say That You "Can't Wait for High School to be Over":


This year...will FLY by, faster than you can ever expect it to. One minute your making plans for what to do after the first football game and the next you are sitting at graduation practice, surrounded by your best friends, realizing that you are all going your separate ways. Being away from your family is suddenly something you don't want and you're jealous of all the "new" senior's pictures of dress up days and Friday night football games..and you miss it, more than anything. Enjoy the moments you are given because some people would kill to be in your shoes and attend our high school. Enjoy those long practices, and those countless math assignments, and those finals exemptions, and the opportunities to skip class without penalty, and the teachers that go easy on exams and papers, and the shortened classes because of assemblies, and the complete blow off week known as BALTO, and those nights that your parents make you stay home to spend extra time with them. "You don't know what you've got till it's gone.."






Maybe I'm just overly obsessed with Edmond North High School and that was too in depth, but it just goes to show how much I miss being there. I miss cheering at games, missing class to plan assemblies, decorating until 3 o'clock in the morning for a school who doesn't even notice, the bus rides to away games, and the wonderful students I shared all my experiences with. So, if you don't appreciate it for you, appreciate it for those who can't be there..whether it's because they are a major high hero or because they are forced to move every month and don't have an established "school" or because they earned their wings a little too early or one of hundreds of reasons. Just live up every moment.

Dance

Like no one is watching

Love

Like you've never been hurt

Sing 

Like no one can hear you

Live

As if it's heaven on Earth.