Emily Jensen

 One example of my leadership roles in the community was the time I took part in a day camp program run by the Girl Scouts of America. Years before I participated as a junior helper, teaching, guiding, and preparing the lessons the participants needed to learn. These different activities consisted of art projects, dances, songs, and games. In many instances these art projects or games were relative to one particular cultural group and would teach the children diversity and creativity. This experience made me want to help even more and when I reached the age where I was too old to be a junior helper, I volunteered to be a “pixie” (ages 2-4) leader. The roles and responsibilities of this job differed from the one I had previously had in that it required me to be in charge of the children without any help. I put together lesson plans and entertained the kids with new opportunities. I taught them how to get along with each other and how to listen to instructions while learning that being in charge is a lot more work than I originally thought it would be. I realized that there were many added responsibilities including safety, happiness, intellectual growth, and making sure their needs were met. 

As another one of my leadership experiences I was able to go to Adelaide Elementary in Woods Cross and teach 2^nd and 3^rd graders art. Each week I have been able to put together a lesson plan and teach the kids about the different mediums, perspective, and art history. The kids are able to follow my instructions and have enjoyed learning, and taking place in the activities. I have loved teaching the children and have learned much about myself and them. From teaching the children I have realized how important it is to me to get a degree in Elementary Education. I believe that it’s important to teach kids using art in any way you can. By using art the children are able to better connect what they are learning with something visible. The children are also able to take what they learn in art and apply the creativity toward making a difference in their lives. Having an artistic background allows children to see things differently and be more creatively and culturally rounded. I believe that if we can incorporate the arts into teaching young children then many of our companies will be more successful in that the generation that will soon run them will be more open to new ideas and able to see what can be changed.  

I have been participating in church activities most of my life. In the Young Women program, there is a huge accomplishment called Personal Progress. This requires many hours of service, leadership, and learning. I have successfully earned this award as well as the Honor Bee which requires 10 hours of leadership and service. In addition I have been called to be in a leadership position in the seminary organization. As part of the council I have the chance to organize assemblies, plan meetings, and help others to understand themes, challenges, and other things the council plans. I help plan activities that will help others to learn as well as be taught. It has been a great experience in teaching me what makes a good leader and how to run and organization. It has also taught what skills are needed to make an organization successful. I have seen that if a leader or group of leaders are not unified in a cause than it is substantially harder to succeed in making it a comfortable and successful environment.