Why Should I be an Officer?

Why Would I be an Asset to the Team?

If chosen to be Captain, I will use the knowledge and experience I've acquired as a 2023-24 Junior Lieutenant to influence my decisions in a way that is beneficial to the growth of the team. Serving as a lieutenant this past year has been an incredible opportunity I will never take for granted. In growing into this role I have gained the confidence necessary to lead my fellow team members in a way that is both constructive and encouraging, further understanding what is needed to earn the respect of those around me, including Mrs. Reynolds. The role of Captain utilizes these qualities just the same; moreover, being an asset to the team goes so far beyond just dancing ability, and I would not be trying out for this role if truly believed I had nothing to contribute. I truly care about this team, with this year further showing how truly diverse this team is. A collection of different interests, personalities, and talents, I understand the importance of channeling such differences and encouraging unity rather than uniformity. If chosen for Captain, I plan to do just that, being not only a positive role model, but also promoting individual improvement, pushing those on the team to strive for personal excellence, and in doing so, ensuring team excellence.

What Can I Bring to the Table?

Especially when considering Mrs. Reynolds absence at the beginning of this year as well as my unexpected absence from boot camp my sophomore year, a large test to my abilities as a potential or current officer was my ability to adapt to any situation and continue leading the team, setting that positive example. A significant role of being Captain involves that balance between being resourceful and making decisions in the moment if necessary along with always being prepared for the days' events, this being a balance I believe myself to have. I take organization very seriously, but that said, I am also able to be flexible and help the team move in the direction of any sudden change instead of resisting change. Further, I have the ability compartmentalize and focus on the task at hand, whether that be cleaning or choreographing a dance, despite any of the day's events. Encouraging that sense of focus and being in the "present" moment is a mindset vital to the progression of the team. This also ties into the ability to remain calm and not let my day affect how I come across to others. As a role model and potential "head" of the team, maintaining a more positive disposition in a practice environment and putting aside the day's events not only shows professionalism but also motivates others to do the same. This is a trait I've actively worked on as a Junior Lieutenant and will continue to work on.

Responsibilities of an Officer

Officers represent the team in every aspect. They are expected to uphold what the constitution stands for, serving as a positive role model ready to help and mentor those around them as well as a collaborator. The most important role of an officer, however, and a job they are expected to carry out daily, is to support Mrs. Reynolds and carry out her needs. Whether it be cleaning a dance, communication from Reynolds to squads, or assistance with technique, the officers are there as a sort of extension, this being especially true for the Captain. The officers are there to lighten the load of Mrs. Reynolds, and in the event of her absence (as shown at the beginning of this year) effectively take her place lead the team in the way she would, ensuring the success of the team. They are expected to work with their teammates, serving as a person to talk to in times of need and working out small issues. An officer bears responsibility in any and every situation, pushing and motivating the team to achieve further success.

Change in the 23/24 Year

This year I feel like a problem that arose a lot during practices even from the very start of the year was excessive talking during practices. This often made it very hard for not only Mrs. Reynolds but just the team to get through practices efficiently and in a way that ensured the success of the performance of the dance we were learning or cleaning. As an officer, there was only so much I as well as the other officers could do in terms of attempting to limit the talking as it was a recurring issue. I think this issue was largely due to a lack of motivation in general. In a group of almost 40 girls, it can be hard to maintain focus with the multitude of activities happening in everyone's lives. I feel as though this problem, although solvable through a sense of encouragement and positivity from both officers and team members, could also be helped through collective goal setting. Often during practices, it can seem like there is no end in sight. Before practice, in setting a goal for how far we need to get that day as a whole, it gives the team something to work towards as well as an incentive to work harder and stay focused. These goals, through encouragement and said positive reinforcement, can then be met.

Time Management

Being a part of all AP and DC classes along with numerous in school and out of school extracurriculars, staying organized to ensure I'm on top of my work is vital, especially during my junior year. At the beginning of every week, I write down the assignments I have due that week in my planner along with any quizzes or tests. I also have the Highstepper Band calendar synced to my phone calendar so I know when practices are each day and what to prepare for. This allows me to see the week I have ahead of me and add to it as needed. Above all else, I always make sure that assignments or tasks are finished and done to the best of my ability by the due date. I have never turned in a late assignment and don't plan to in the future. While I may have forgotten the occasional dress out top for drill team, it has never become a habit and I always make sure I'm prepared for all other aspects of practice. This year has been one of the most academically challenging years I've ever experienced, with the added role of junior lieutenant being a lot to juggle. That said, the way I am able to put effort into every class, organization, and leadership role I dedicate myself to not only shows that I can prioritize my time, but also that I have what it takes to be a good Captain for the team and that I can prioritize Highsteppers the way I do everything else. Becoming ineligible would go against everything being an officer stands for and sets a bad precedent for not only current team members, but those wanting to join the team. For these reasons, time management is key.

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