Silence

“Speak only if it improves upon the silence” (Mahatma Ghandi). Depending on the person and their opinion, silence is a very envied trait. In moments of fury and frustration, it often helps to step back and think everything through before blurting out the wrong thing. In Outdoor Leadership, I have been subject to many moments where it was best for me to not voice my opinion in certain situations. Through the program, I discovered that I have a great sense of the right and wrong moments to speak. Though voicing my opinion in certain situations could be very helpful to my wellbeing, there are moments I see it fit to stay quiet.

Growing up in a household with complete socially opposite parents was a very odd experience for me; them aiding in shaping who I was could be confusing, as I didn’t know which trait better pertained to me. My father being an extremely outgoing, friendly and socially outward person, I became extremely easy to talk to, and made friends easily. He could stir up a conversation with absolutely anyone. I admired this so much, to the point where it turned to a subconscious level of envy. Though I picked up parts of this trait, it was never at par to where he was. My father is to this day, the most comedically witty human being I have ever met; he never seizes to make myself and others laugh. This trait was thankfully and unfortunately passed on to me. I have an extremely humorous side, although you have to get to know me well enough to release it. The reasoning behind this, was my mother. Upon realizing this, I was somewhat upset; I wanted to be the person who could easily, without nerve, talk in front of a massive group. Growing up this way really never affected me, and I discovered that I made very close friend...

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...them to go, I will say something. During the week we spent with the grade sixes and sevens, I was one of the main speakers; I felt it necessary to help these kids have as much fun as they could, while also learning how to appreciate nature. I have always been a kid person, and was thrilled to see these kids having as much fun as we were. In mentoring situations, I find that I always step up as I enjoy helping others in any way possible. I believe that this is due to growing up with a younger brother and many younger cousins. I have always felt it was my role to be the best role model they could have, and to help them realize that being the best isn’t the best, but that it is best to just be you and to be happy with yourself. When in a mentoring situation in Outdoor Leadership, I apply the same principles, and therefore feel very responsible for that person or persons