This year, instead of going on an international CKSAP Trip, we started a new faction of the CKSAP Program called CKSAP Local. So far, we have already met three leaders:
Mr. Jim Davis – Mr. Davis was a very kind and cheerful man. He treated us like equals, and he wasn’t afraid to talk a lot to share what he felt about his job and his leadership. His key point was motivation. He believes that to be a leader, you have to be able to motivate yourself and the people around you. (Which is the primary difference between just a manager and a good leader.) He also explained about his past about how he grew up interested in computer programming and proceeded to find his calling in that field after a few jobs.
Mr. Hasan Jameel – Mr. Jameel seemed like a very casual, cheerful man as well. What was a bit unusual about this meeting was that he also asked us questions about our opinions on leadership, so it was almost like a Socratic seminar. He also placed great emphasis on how a leader must be a good motivator, and that a leader must also have core values to rely on. We also talked about his job, and he mentioned that he is currently working on a research project finding the most efficient way to convert wood into ethanol.
Legislator Jennifer Weiss – The majority of the interview was spent in the Legislative Assembly Hall, in which we were lucky enough to be able to enter the main floor and not just the viewing balcony (a very rare occurrence, as said by Legislator Weiss). Most of the interview was spent on the subject of legislature. Did you know that when you want to speak to another Legislator, you must request through a Speaker? Also, you would not refer to the fellow Legislator not as Mr./Ms._____ but as “The Gentleman from <county name here>” or “The Lady from <county name here>”? Ms. Weiss believes strongly that leadership is standing up for what you think is right.
