PREFACE: The purpose of this website is to fulfill the program requirements necessary to obtain a Husky Leadership Certificate
Hello! My name is Brandon Michael Cain, and I am excited you are taking the opportunity to get to know just a little more about me through this Husky Leadership Certificate Portfolio. At the time of making this portfolio I was wrapping up my winter quarter courses during my 6th academic year as an undergraduate at the University of Washington.
Long story short, I originally went into college thinking I wanted to become a lawyer (majoring in “Law, Societies, & Justice”), but after my first year I switched over to aim for a degree in Business. Then in January of 2020, I came to the life-altering realization of why I was not happy with either of those directions... and upon listening to my heart, I had finally given in to my innermost aspiration to become a teacher! My whole life I have had a passion for helping, guiding, and leading others. People in my life told me I would make a great teacher; however, I was too caught up in the idea that I needed to make a lot of money to be happy. Well, I realized that money cannot buy the type of happiness that my heart desires... my desire to help teach future generations—to help the kids in our education system.
At the University of Washington, to study Music Education is a four-to-five year
minimum program once you have started it (due to the amount of credits required and certain courses being offered every other year or every three years). In fact, most students have to take an extra year to finish up other courses as well as student teaching and certification. This tends to be the case for people who knew they wanted to do the program starting as freshmen in college. Well, since I did not audition into the program until the middle of my sophomore year, and along with the effects of the pandemic, my 3rd year of college became the first year of the four-to-five-year teacher preparation program. Essentially speaking, I only recently completed my third (junior) year of the Music Education Program (5th year at UW), and now I am in my final 6th (senior-in-the-program). Hence, my original graduation date of 2022 is now 2024! As it stands in terms of my program, I am finally in my last required academic quarter of graded classes (Winter 2024) within the School of Music that is a part of the College of Arts & Sciences. This coming spring I will be doing my Full-Time Student Teaching requirement (which is technically a 15 credit pass/fail course) at Mount Si High School… a place that has arguably one of the biggest and best band programs in the state of Washington: four concert bands, three jazz bands, percussion classes, world music, pep band, etc.
If all goes as planned, I will be earning a dual-degree: a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a Washington K-12 Teaching Certification, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music; I will also be earning a minor in Education, Learning, & Society (ELS), as well as a Husky Leadership Certificate. In addition, because I already completed the university’s general education requirements, I have been able to spend my final academic year focusing on extra music courses that students on the normal track do not have time in their schedule for. Call it a blessing or a curse, but the circumstances of my journey has allowed me to spend more time in-the-books to learn more pedagogical skills. Who knows… maybe one day I will choose to get my Masters in Music Education and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting.
As I travel along this journey of life, there are five core values that I hold near and dear to my heart—to help guide all that I do ~
To me, this is about selflessly prioritizing the well-being and happiness of others over my own interests; It is important as it fosters a sense of community, empathy, and kindness, contributing to a more harmonious and supportive local community, larger society, and world as a whole. I find that Altruism encompasses other values like compassion, charity, generosity, helpfulness, kindness, philanthropy, and service… where one constantly strives to better the lives of others. It can also underpin and inform values like camaraderie, empowerment, and encouragement. In my life, I have had the privilege to witness many life-altering experiences (to myself and to others) that only occurred due to altruistic decisions. It is important that I continue to stay grateful & altruistic no matter how difficult my life becomes… even when unavoidable obstacles & challenges seek to distract me from what’s truly important—helping & guiding others with love in my heart, clarity in my mind, and peace in my soul.
To me, this entails the ability to foresee a future that is not immediately visible, creating an inspiring and strategic roadmap for achieving long-term goals. Vision goes beyond just seeing the future; it involves understanding, planning, and insight. Its importance lies in its capacity to guide decision-making, galvanize innovation, and provide a sense of direction and purpose. Vision encapsulates the forward-thinking, creative, optimistic, and aspirational aspects of dreaming, as well as the broader perspective required for adventure and the ever-changing ‘new’. It is about seeing beyond the immediate, envisaging a better future or possibilities through imagination & transformation. In my life, many of the things I have accomplished in the organizations & communities I have been a part of all occurred due to the fact that one day I set a seemingly ‘impossible’ vision. After setting the vision, I inspired others to believe in it. When things got tough, I encouraged them to keep going. Eventually, we always reached ‘it’... or at the very least were a lot further than where we started. Without motivation & commitment to the vision, I personally would not have started; without dedication & consistency, others would not have seen the glorious view that lay beyond the end of the tunnel. It is important to me that I always lead and go through life with a high standard (always striving to give more than 100%); to go through life with a beautiful & extraordinary vision in mind—goals to strive for ‘that’ which is much bigger than myself… with purpose & love for all at the center! Oh, and remember this: ‘they’ never built a statue of a critic.
To me, this is a comprehensive word that implies not only knowledge and good judgment but also the application of knowledge, experience, and deep understanding in making balanced and thoughtful decisions. Its value is in offering insight and guidance, helping to navigate complexities of life while making morally sound and considerate choices. Wisdom encompasses values such as intelligence, intuition, insightfulness, prudence, judiciousness, and reflection. Wisdom also implies the presence of virtues like humility, loyalty, and grace, which are integral to one’s journey through this world. In my life, there were many times that I rejected wisdom from others, made unwise decisions, and hence reaped the undesired consequences. I have found for myself that wisdom is better than any materialism the world can offer—nothing can compare with the outcomes that leading with wisdom will grant. It is important for me to forever seek wisdom, and to understand that I should plant all the seeds that I can… even though I will be long gone before I get to experience the shade of those trees.
To me, this refers to an intense, deep, driving enthusiasm & love for something (activities, ideas, pursuits, etc). This deep engagement can lead to a meticulous approach, where one pays close attention to the details and intricacies therein. Passion is important because it nourishes motivation, provides a sense of fulfillment and joy, and often leads to excellence and success in one's endeavors. It is a key component in charisma, optimism, and the energetic pursuit of what is at hand. Passion also encompasses other indispensable values like zeal, determination, vigor, and persistence. It fuels a desire to ‘strive-for-the-highest’ [& beyond] through continuous improvement… which requires a high level of thoroughness paired with an ongoing effort to learn, grow, and enhance skills & knowledge. In my life, I have found that the greatest outcomes occurred when I was most passionate about the situation, task, thing, etc. It is important for me to stay passionate, because it uplifts my heart to take initiative and do what others may not be willing to do. With leading life with passion, it becomes an honor to do anything. I always question: If not me then who; If not now, then when? Forever and always I will seek to stay passionate in whatever I do… to give undivided care & attention to what I am tasked with, and what is in my keeping.
To me, this represents a strong belief & trust in God, universal principles, and the inherent idea that everything happens for a reason, everyone deserves grace, and there is always a way to overcome the impossible. Faith is crucial as it provides a foundation of strength and hope—guiding one through life's challenges and uncertainties with a sense of peace and purpose. I truly believe that faith encompasses other values such as perseverance, resiliency, courage, confidence, loyalty, and devotion. In my life, I have had many moments where I wanted to ‘give-up’... and _FAITH_ is what pulled me through to the other side. I have only found true bliss and tranquility through having faith in every situation—no matter how difficult. It is eternally vital that I never lose faith in God, myself, humanity, and the future!
Throughout my ‘Husky Experience’, I have discovered three unique leadership identities that describe me and a few of my adventures ~
A leadership identity for someone who is a “change agent” emphasizes driving transformation and innovation within organizations or communities. This type of leader is proactive, forward-thinking, and motivated by the desire to make significant, positive changes. In essence, a “change agent” as a leader is not just someone who seeks to alter the status quo for its own sake but does so with a purposeful direction, guided by a strategic vision and a commitment to achieving lasting, positive impact. This leadership style is particularly valuable in dynamic environments where innovation, adaptation, and continuous improvement are essential for success.
A leadership identity for someone who is a “harmony maestro” could be characterized by several key attributes and behaviors. This type of leader would likely focus on creating a cohesive, collaborative environment, where teamwork and unity are prioritized. In essence, a “harmony maestro” as a leader prioritizes the well-being and collaboration of their team, steering them towards success through a balanced and empathetic approach. This leadership style can be particularly effective in environments where teamwork and interpersonal relationships are key to achieving objectives.
A leadership identity for someone who is a “pep pioneer” would focus on energizing, motivating, and inspiring their team or community with enthusiasm and positivity. This type of leader is characterized by their vibrant energy, innovative spirit, and the ability to spark excitement and passion in others. In essence, a “pep pioneer” as a leader brings an unmatched level of energy and positivity to their role, acting as a catalyst for enthusiasm, innovation, and collective achievement. This leadership style is especially effective in environments where motivation, creativity, and a strong sense of community are critical to success.