Christine in Her Second Life

[1]

Christine in Her Second Life

The idea of virtual world frightened me when I first gained knowledge of Second Life. I was not scared of it but could not imagine what one could gain from pretending to live in a world that does not really exist. As time passed by and I actually went through the process of creating an avatar, I learned that Second Life is like a refuge from the world we live in and is a place where one can control every aspect of their life. By transforming my role model, Christine Collins, into an avatar in Second Life, I was able to portray her leadership qualities in a controlled environment and improve my writing skills by discussing different aspects of leadership.

I choose my mother to be my role model, which was extremely helpful in imitating her in Second Life because I could easily create someone I saw everyday. She is a Supervisor at MHMRA, which is a company that deals with the care of the mentally handicapped; her attire in the workplace is very casual, which made it relatively easy to find clothes for “Daisy Bosatsu” in Second Life. My mother has always been my role model mostly because she raised me as a single parent. Her influence was impossible to not be implanted into me whether she wanted it to or not. When I was brainstorming for the first writing, I wanted to portray my mother as a hard working and determined individual who centered her life on helping others like the group of individuals in the picture above; they are working and helping each other accomplish their goal. In the first project, I displayed her qualities with words and in a subjective point-of-view. I attempted to get the reader to see my role model through my eyes and personal observations; to see her “as a real example of where determination can get you in life.” [2] Project two will allow the reader to actually form their own opinion of my role model; the actual text in the conversations I had with my peers, which was in the context of how my mother would talk, and the visual interactions will allow the reader to have their own personal experiences with my role model as I had in the first project. In writing both projects the most important goal was to portray the leadership traits of “responsibility, determination, and helpfulness” [3] my mother possesses that inspired me to want to become someone who makes a difference in the world.

Second Life at first was extremely frustrating; when there is a combination of things that includes technology, complications tend to surface. Trying to maneuver on the island and creating my avatar was a little difficult because I was not use to it. As I began to have more experience, I enjoyed transforming my mother into “Daisy.” It was fun and made me tap into my creative side when I went through the process of making the avatar resemble my mother.

Experimenting with different clothing and hairstyles left endless possibilities to find the right appearance for my role model; I felt a sense of accomplishment when “Daisy” was finished because I was responsible for the way she appeared. I made every single decision of how she would look. Being able to practice creativity helps with the process of writing because they both require you to think and use your imagination. Before writing a paper one has to brainstorm or think about the content and direction of their essay. Second Life provided me with practice to develop my creative skills. Since Second Life was a new experience for me, I had to read and follow directions constantly. Sometimes I was forced to reread instructions in order to perform certain functions such as sitting on the couch and flying around the island. Reading has always been an important component when trying to complete an assignment; not all prompts and instructions are the same so one has to read each one to make sure they will be doing the right thing. In comparison, my mother practiced the same skill of reading and rereading directions; she is responsible for making sure her clients receive the proper medical attention they need and to be knowledgeable about the different medications that was administered during her care, which required her to read medical journals that would ensure the clients are taken care of.

As mentioned before, when I first started Second Life I left felt curious as to how a virtual world could have any influence on my writing skills. It excelled in teaching me discovery learning; there are directions to maneuvering around and how to create your avatar but there are no directions that tells you what to do once you are on the island. It is open to your imagination to figure out what you want to do. Being able to make up your own rules is harder than following specific instructions given to you. Furthermore when the time came to chat with the different groups, which provided some guidance as to what to do, I became a little more frustrated. Trying to jump into a conversation that was going faster than you could type took some time to get adjusted to. Once I got into the flow of conversation it became an interesting technique of communication. We are accustomed to talking to one person at a time and being able to take turns talking, but that is not always the case in chatting in Second Life. There is no way to really know if the other members in the [4] group are done with their thoughts. As seen in the picture above, everyone in the group are typing at the same time. In the chat groups, I was talking to more than one individual at the same time. On several occasions, one member of my group was having one conversation with me and a different one with the other member; it was a little difficult to talk to more than one person at the same time because we all have different points we wanted to address in the chat session. As time passed, my stress level decreased or began to reach the point of optimum performance illustrated in the picture below because the conversations became more unified. Eventually we were able to feed off of each others comments and the conversation was able to flow easily. By being thrown in a situation without a lot of direction, I was able to learn how to figure things out on my own and make the situation more comfortable for myself. Conversation in Second Life was more formal than text messaging and facebook [5] communication. For me since it was in a classroom setting, I was aware of the observance our chats would encounter, which made me stray from the slang used in text messaging and on facebook. Even though I did not always use complete sentences in the conversations, I did not use “idk” for I don’t know or “lol” when I thought something was humorous like I do in text messaging and facebook. I was inclined to use vocabulary and clear thoughts when communicating with the other members. This caused me to inadvertently learn how to judge a situation and determine what skills are best suited for that environment. Second Life was a learning experience that resembled someone being thrown in a pool and told to swim to shore with no prior experience in swimming; it pressured you to think fast and come up with the best solution that would allow you to get the full experience of this virtual world.

Once our conversations got under way, we began to discuss the topic of leadership. My perception of leadership was not altered but I received a clearer understanding of a leader. The aspect of leadership that was discussed that stuck with me was a leader having enough determination to learn from their mistakes and to do whatever it takes to fix their mistake to accomplish the overall goal. It was touched on several times in the conversation. Being able to discover different options to situations will create a more versatile leader that can adapt to the different opinions of others. “Leaders who are adaptable can juggle multiple demands without losing their focus or energy, and are comfortable with the inevitable ambiguities of organizational life.” [6] Also, having certain passions can develop a leader to reach their potential of being a great leader. One’s passion helps to drive them to a different level of achievement; leaders with a passion will put forth extra determination and drive. The conversations were a good way for everyone to show their leadership qualities. Usually, the first one to talk has already expressed the leadership trait of taking charge of the situation, but those who introduce a new outlook on the subject are exhibiting the leadership quality of guiding others to different areas of the topic. Next in the discussion about leadership and diversity, I learned that diversity can help one to become a more open-minded individual, which will result in a better leader. Having an open mind will lead to decisions that are more willing to adapt to the present situation and not so much on traditional decisions. I also learned that leaders can come from diverse backgrounds and ages. My role model is an African-American woman that is forty-four years old and another classmate’s role model is their younger
Caucasian brother. This is illustrated to the left; leaders of all different races [7] and ethnicities can join together and make a difference in the lives of others. Another aspect of leadership and diversity that was touched on is the fact that a leader does not have to be publicly recognized as a leader; there should not be the desire to have praise for the influence they have made on others’ life. They should in a sense not have the awareness of the impact they have made; being praised for good deeds usually makes leaders constantly strive for that attention and make them move away from their main goal.

The chats in Second Life allowed one to discuss different aspects of leadership while being in a leadership position, which gave the full effect of the role.

The experience with Second Life in a classroom setting was better organized then trying to get on there at a random time and no one being on there. Since there was only one session of Second Life conversations, I don’t feel that I got a chance to really transform Christine Collins into “Daisy Bosatsu.” There was not enough time to sufficiently exemplify her leadership qualities in that short period of time. There were some points in the chat where I was able to portray my role model as a leader, which was in the discussion of her job and clients. This experience taught me that “Daisy” could blend in with extraordinary individuals as Denton Coolie and Mahatma Ghandi, and even though she is not known all over the world, she is just as much of a role model and leader as they are.

Second Life taught me that it is not always necessary to be spoon fed instructions in order to accomplish things and that I can enter a virtual world and still feel human. I’ve always had a preconceived notion that virtual worlds were the sort of hobby I would not engage in because I thought it consisted of individuals that were infatuated with an unrealistic life that would never exist. I was wrong, and I appreciate how Second Life introduced me into a different world that is as realistic or unrealistic as one makes it and ultimately shaped my reading and writing skills in a closed environment with my peers.

1. prblog.typepad.com/.../secondlife_1.jpg

2. Jessica Collins, "P1: My Role Model," (6).

3. Jessica Collins, "P1: My Role Model," (7)

4. http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~bump/E603A07/pics/SL%20groups%20in%20action/4B.jpg

5. flog.typepad.com/.../yerkesdodsonlawgraph.png

6. Daniel Goleman, "Primal Leadership: Realizing The Power of Emotional Intelligence," Harvard: 2002 (69).

7. www.nefrla.com/vision_mission.jpg

Word Count: 1,825

Appendix

Conversation 1: GROUP 3

[8:56] Pose Ball: Daisy Bosatsu, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[8:56] Pose Ball: Daisy Bosatsu, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[8:58] No room to sit here, try another spot.
[9:02] Pose Ball: Cameron Reinard, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:02] Pose Ball: Cameron Reinard, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:02] Pose Ball: Cameron Reinard, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:02] Pose Ball: Cameron Reinard, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:02] Pose Ball: Cameron Reinard, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:02] Pose Ball: Cameron Reinard, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:05] LincolnLog Rokocoko: hey nice of you to join me
[9:07] You: Good Morning Friend
[9:07] LincolnLog Rokocoko: gutten tag
[9:07] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i dont know if that's th correct spelling
[9:07] You: How have you been doing?
[9:07] LincolnLog Rokocoko: but you get the idea
[9:08] LincolnLog Rokocoko: pretty good and yourself?
[9:08] You: Ya more or less
[9:08] You: I'm doing great, I went on a 14 mile hike before this.
[9:08] You: So, we're supposed to be here to talk about what a leader is.
[9:08] LincolnLog Rokocoko: for real or are you in character?
[9:08] You: You decide
[9:08] You: haha
[9:08] LincolnLog Rokocoko: lol
[9:09] LincolnLog Rokocoko: ok make things interesting
[9:09] LincolnLog Rokocoko: lets see
[9:09] LincolnLog Rokocoko: I was just analyzing my dreams
[9:09] You: What are the top three qualities you believe a leader should possess?
[9:10] Denton Dawg: Good morning
[9:10] You: Then well talk aobut your dreams
[9:10] You: Good morning Denton
[9:10] LincolnLog Rokocoko: a good listener, conviction, and commitment
[9:10] You: Nice
[9:10] Denton Dawg: Morning Freud...and...?
[9:10] Denton Dawg: May I ask for your name?
[9:11] You: Mine I believe are someone willing to speak out, possesing the abbility to see the whole picture, and to listen to both sides of a story then make judgment on all information, whether popular or not.
[9:11] You: My name is Vida, But my friends call me Grayson.
[9:11] You: Denton what do you think a leader is?
[9:11] LincolnLog Rokocoko: alright Grayson
[9:11] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i think those are great qualities
[9:11] Denton Dawg: A leader knows how to teach by example
[9:11] You: Thanks, I really like yours too
[9:12] Denton Dawg: One who is persevering
[9:12] Denton Dawg: and confident
[9:12] Denton Dawg: and simply gets the job done as a collective
[9:12] You: I feel like all of these qualities sort of intertwine
[9:12] LincolnLog Rokocoko: definitely
[9:12] You: Like if you have the ability for speak for what you want, you must be confident
[9:12] You: And so forth
[9:12] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i think that there are some more vague underlying qualities that all of thes thigns share
[9:12] LincolnLog Rokocoko: we should try to figure out what they are
[9:12] You: And if your committed to an idea, you will speak out for it
[9:12] Denton Dawg: I definitely agree
[9:13] You: I would like that
[9:13] LincolnLog Rokocoko: so confidence
[9:13] Denton Dawg: Passion drives leaders, I believe
[9:13] You: We all have passions that propel us forward
[9:13] LincolnLog Rokocoko: passion
[9:13] Pose Ball: Daisy Bosatsu, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:13] Pose Ball: Daisy Bosatsu, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:13] You: Exactly Lincoln log
[9:13] Pose Ball: Daisy Bosatsu, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:13] LincolnLog Rokocoko: lol you can call me Siggy
[9:13] You: What are some of your guys passions?
[9:13] LincolnLog Rokocoko: haha
[9:13] Daisy Bosatsu: hey sorry i was in the wrong group
[9:13] Denton Dawg: Medicine.
[9:14] Denton Dawg: and music
[9:14] You: Alright Siggy, any nicknames for you denton?
[9:14] Denton Dawg: Just Denton.
[9:14] You: Hey daisy!
[9:14] Daisy Bosatsu: hey
[9:14] You: Alright that works
[9:14] Daisy Bosatsu: hi denton
[9:14] You: We have been talking about what qualities leaders should possess
[9:14] LincolnLog Rokocoko: my passions?
[9:14] You: Any things in particular?
[9:14] You: Let's wait for Daisy to answer first, then well all talk about passions
[9:14] LincolnLog Rokocoko: art, architecture, music, mocies
[9:15] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i think i just really like creating things or things that were created
[9:15] LincolnLog Rokocoko: but particularly things that a lot of thought were put into
[9:15] Daisy Bosatsu: i think a leader should first of all be a very strong person in several aspects
[9:15] You: Such as?
[9:15] LincolnLog Rokocoko: oh sorry
[9:15] You: Hold on Sig
[9:15] You: haha
[9:15] LincolnLog Rokocoko: lol
[9:15] Daisy Bosatsu: motivation, determination, etc
[9:15] You: Nice
[9:16] You: Ya we all decided passion
[9:16] Denton Dawg: Common threads
[9:16] Daisy Bosatsu: i really think straight right now!!!
[9:16] Denton Dawg: Daist, may I ask for your name?
[9:16] You: So Siggy, anything created- does that include nature?
[9:16] Daisy Bosatsu: jessica
[9:16] Denton Dawg: Embodied by?
[9:16] LincolnLog Rokocoko: absolutely
[9:16] You: I mean ultimately it was created by some thing
[9:16] Daisy Bosatsu: hey what are guys talking about
[9:16] You: Fantastic, nature, or exploring an discovery are my passions
[9:17] Denton Dawg: We are talking about passions
[9:17] You: What passions motivate us
[9:17] Daisy Bosatsu: ok, cool
[9:17] You: What about you denton?
[9:17] Denton Dawg: Medicine and music.
[9:17] Denton Dawg: And of course, my wife, Louise
[9:17] Daisy Bosatsu: my biggest passion is working hard and helping others
[9:17] You: Those are all fantastic.
[9:17] Daisy Bosatsu: that was sweet denton
[9:18] You: So in what ways of you guys pursued your passions while exhibiting leadership?
[9:18] You: have*
[9:18] You: Or exhibited leadership while pursuing passions rather
[9:18] Daisy Bosatsu: being promoted to supervisor at my job
[9:18] LincolnLog Rokocoko: what about you Grayson? what are your passions?
[9:18] You: Very nice, working hard definetely got you there
[9:19] You: Exploring, discovering, growing
[9:19] LincolnLog Rokocoko: growing in what way?
[9:19] LincolnLog Rokocoko: learning from mistakes?
[9:19] Daisy Bosatsu: vida what have you explored
[9:19] You: I feel happiest when I am in nature, so hiking fishing and camping are some of my favorite activities
[9:19] You: Yes precisely,
[9:19] LincolnLog Rokocoko: actual growing as in nature
[9:19] You: I have lived a long life, and learned most through experience gained from mistakes
[9:20] Daisy Bosatsu: mistakes is one of the best ways to learn from
[9:20] You: Nepal, Mongolia, Turkey, India, Russia, Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Italy, France, England, many more
[9:20] You: But my house, in Colorado, offers the most tranquility
[9:20] Daisy Bosatsu: wow, those are amazing places
[9:20] LincolnLog Rokocoko: why is that do you think?
[9:20] You: What learning from mistakes?
[9:21] LincolnLog Rokocoko: no, that CO is the most tranquil?
[9:21] Daisy Bosatsu: i have never got to travel much, but i would love to
[9:21] You: It is hard to make a mistake, and recognize how you erred and how it affected you enough to make an effort to not repeat it
[9:21] Daisy Bosatsu: thats true vida
[9:21] Denton Dawg: Shall we unify this convesation?
[9:21] Daisy Bosatsu: yes please
[9:21] You: It offers mountains and streams, memories of childhood, and a sense of place and identity
[9:22] You: I have gone through many rebirths there, much self discovery
[9:22] You: and Much change and growth
[9:22] LincolnLog Rokocoko: thats great
[9:22] You: Because it is so important, I am on the President of the Board in Boulder
[9:22] Denton Dawg: would you say that CO embodied the birth of your leadership traits?
[9:22] Daisy Bosatsu: denton what do you feel is the best trait a leader shoul posess
[9:22] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i bet it offers a lot of opportunity for reflection and introspection
[9:22] You: It certainly motivated them
[9:22] LincolnLog Rokocoko: Colorado that is
[9:22] Denton Dawg: Me?
[9:23] Daisy Bosatsu: yes
[9:23] Denton Dawg: Aside from passion, confidence
[9:23] You: Very much so, as an extrovert naturally I always need a place to gain some inner perspective
[9:23] Denton Dawg: Confidence allows you to do the unexpected
[9:23] Daisy Bosatsu: yes thats very important
[9:23] Denton Dawg: and follow through
[9:23] You: Tell me more about that denten
[9:23] You: denton*
[9:23] Denton Dawg: and eventually succeed
[9:23] You: What unexpected things have you accomplished thanks to confidence?
[9:23] Daisy Bosatsu: i can imagine that being a successful doctor, you have to have alot of confidence
[9:23] Denton Dawg: Being a doctor, confidence is one thing I was instilled from the beginning
[9:23] You: Lets each take turns answering this
[9:24] You: Very true.
[9:24] You: ANd you Daisy?
[9:24] LincolnLog Rokocoko: does anyone else have a particular place that they go to for introspection?
[9:24] Daisy Bosatsu: whats the ? again i got lost in all of the typing
[9:24] You: Hey, let's stay on this confidence track for a bit and then roam to introspection?
[9:24] Denton Dawg: I concur
[9:24] You: Just because we have plenty of time
[9:24] LincolnLog Rokocoko: yeah sorry, im jsut having trouble keeping up
[9:24] You: But write that down Siggy
[9:24] You: haha
[9:25] You: Sig what accomplishments have you attained due to confidence?
[9:25] LincolnLog Rokocoko: I have put forth many new and challanging idea in the feild of psychology
[9:25] Daisy Bosatsu: like what
[9:25] You: I am sure that takes confidence, as many people probably doubted you
[9:26] Pose Ball: Denton Dawg, say 'Hide' to hide me, or 'Show' to make me show. Or just right-click and sit on me to use me.
[9:26] LincolnLog Rokocoko: like the idea that everything you do is driven in some way by the unconstious
[9:26] Daisy Bosatsu: thats interesting
[9:26] You: So that is where your analyzing dreams comes into play
[9:26] LincolnLog Rokocoko: haha
[9:26] LincolnLog Rokocoko: yes
[9:26] LincolnLog Rokocoko: and introspection
[9:26] You: Very nice
[9:27] You: it is hard to be introspective, I very often get so caught up in the now, i don't have time to truly evaluate my self
[9:27] Daisy Bosatsu: denton where did u go
[9:27] LincolnLog Rokocoko: it takes a great deal of honesty to the self to be able to admitt the uncontious drives for certian actions
[9:27] You: Hence why colorado is my sanctuary
[9:27] You: It certainly does, that ties into the whole idea of learning from mistakes as well
[9:28] LincolnLog Rokocoko: yes it does
[9:28] You: Being able to recognize a characteristic in yourself that caused you to act in a certain way, good or bad
[9:28] LincolnLog Rokocoko: to be able to admitt where the mistake actually occured
[9:28] You: Precisely
[9:28] LincolnLog Rokocoko: even the small ones
[9:28] LincolnLog Rokocoko: and seeming accidents
[9:28] Denton Dawg: That, too, is part of leadership!
[9:28] Denton Dawg: Would you think so?
[9:28] You: Confidence, one of my best characteristics, has pushed me to do new things as well
[9:29] LincolnLog Rokocoko: what things?
[9:29] You: Most definetely, a good leader is a sympathetic leader
[9:29] LincolnLog Rokocoko: you run marathons
[9:29] LincolnLog Rokocoko: you seem to be very driven
[9:29] You: Well, for instance, I fought for the feminist movement, as well as civil rights movements
[9:29] Daisy Bosatsu: people really respond to sympathetic leaders
[9:29] LincolnLog Rokocoko: is there something particular that drives you?
[9:29] Daisy Bosatsu: good for you vida
[9:29] You: Growing up in a small town, I knew I was meant for more
[9:30] You: It was hard though, we had servants who called me "Miss Grayson" and it was practically custom
[9:30] Daisy Bosatsu: i know what you mean about the small town vida
[9:30] You: But After fighting for what I believed in, losing friends and family, then gaining them back by leading them with me, I became a very successful attorney
[9:30] LincolnLog Rokocoko: did you also feel a need to escape daisy?
[9:30] Denton Dawg: What sparked you to lead, Vida?
[9:30] LincolnLog Rokocoko: that you were meant for something greater?
[9:30] Daisy Bosatsu: yes i did
[9:31] You: yeah
[9:31] You: Tell me about your small town, maybe ours are similar
[9:31] You: Although I was born almost 75 years ago
[9:31] Daisy Bosatsu: small towns shelter you, and they dont allow you to fully develop into the person you become
[9:31] You: yes, they can be a huge deterrence, most of the time just because communities can be that more judgmental
[9:31] Daisy Bosatsu: well. its very country. alot of land
[9:32] You: The "social norm" is much harder to break when everyone talks
[9:32] Denton Dawg: I grew up in Houston
[9:32] Daisy Bosatsu: but its beginning to grow, more people are moving there
[9:32] You: I grew up in Beaumont
[9:32] You: What city is it?
[9:32] Denton Dawg: and I have lived a majority of my life there
[9:32] LincolnLog Rokocoko: it is hard to really listen in a small town becuase you get caught up in what you want to ehar and think you should be hearing
[9:33] You: Right.
[9:33] You: It's hard to break free
[9:33] Daisy Bosatsu: thats very true
[9:33] You: College really opened that up for me
[9:33] LincolnLog Rokocoko: there are so many social morres
[9:33] You: I went to Randolph Macon, a decision I later regretted , because they considered a college education practically unnecessary since we were all supposed to end up as Housewives
[9:34] Daisy Bosatsu: well i didnt really get a chance to go to college until recently, but working in the city helped my mind to expand
[9:34] You: Did any books in particular help you guys learn what or how to be a leader?
[9:34] Daisy Bosatsu: i dont get a chance to read much
[9:34] Denton Dawg: Why is that?
[9:34] You: Oh, big worker?
[9:34] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i love poetry and philosophy
[9:34] Daisy Bosatsu: well, im a single mother. so im working most of the time
[9:34] LincolnLog Rokocoko: passions that are somewhat strange for a dotor to have
[9:35] You: I feel like reading is extremely important, because learning not only from your mistakes but also others can be useful.
[9:35] Daisy Bosatsu: i agree
[9:35] Denton Dawg: I do too
[9:35] You: I know the feeling, My husband died when my eldest of three boys was only 8.
[9:35] Daisy Bosatsu: wow, that had to be challenging
[9:35] Denton Dawg: however, in a highy stressful environment of a doctor, we usually learn from each other rather than from books
[9:35] LincolnLog Rokocoko: reading and listening
[9:36] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i suppose reading could be a form of listening
[9:36] Denton Dawg: Journals are the key to our unification, however
[9:36] You: It was... i tried so hard to create a happy home, a good living, and be a supportive mother
[9:36] Cameron Reinard shouts: until otherwise shown, we can
[9:36] You: In the end, they all turned out like fine individuals
[9:36] Daisy Bosatsu: i think books and one on one interactions with people helps you learn
[9:36] You: Yes.
[9:36] You: Listening is key.
[9:36] Denton Dawg: How do each of you instill positive traits in others?
[9:36] Daisy Bosatsu: yes, so did i but i wasnt able to spend alot of quality time with my children
[9:37] You: Listening most of the time
[9:37] LincolnLog Rokocoko: listening is definitely key!
[9:37] LincolnLog Rokocoko: and passion
[9:37] You: I also don't like to project my ideas on others, i just lead through example
[9:37] You: I firmly believe actions speak louder than words
[9:37] Daisy Bosatsu: well, i install positive traits in my children by telling them how much i love them everyday
[9:37] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i think listening is one of the best way to help people
[9:38] Daisy Bosatsu: ...and to go after their aspirations
[9:38] LincolnLog Rokocoko: only then can you truely understand their problems
[9:38] You: If people recognize your passions, they feel compelled to understand them, and if they are good passions, the learners ultimately gain positive traits
[9:38] Daisy Bosatsu: i agree vida
[9:38] Denton Dawg: I try to make an environmen conducive to growth
[9:38] You: Being a good leader is knowing how to listen, to lead, and to love all at the same time
[9:38] Denton Dawg: envorinment*
[9:38] LincolnLog Rokocoko: leading through example is great, but action is necessary too i think
[9:38] You: Me too Denton
[9:39] You: Well by example i mean action- liking making a stand or example
[9:39] Daisy Bosatsu: i agree lincolnlog: by practicing what you preach shows that it can be done
[9:39] You: That is one of teh main reasons I started going to Colorado, it is an environment conducive to growth
[9:39] LincolnLog Rokocoko: actively seeking opporunities to help other poeple, by showing them the light for instance
[9:40] You: Right
[9:40] LincolnLog Rokocoko: illuminating the lives of others through what you have learned in yours
[9:40] Denton Dawg: Works well in psychotherapy
[9:40] Daisy Bosatsu: i do that with my clients
[9:40] LincolnLog Rokocoko: do you really?
[9:40] LincolnLog Rokocoko: i do too....
[9:40] LincolnLog Rokocoko: lol
[9:40] Daisy Bosatsu: i try to help them make the best out of their situations
[9:40] You: So nice talking to you all.
[9:40] LincolnLog Rokocoko: likewise

Conversation 2: Group 4 (leadership and diversity):
[9:46] Daisy Bosatsu: hey is everyone here
[9:46] Lennon Balbozar: It would appear so
[9:46] Lennon Balbozar: hello everyone!
[9:46] Daisy Bosatsu: hi
[9:46] You: hello!
[9:46] Lennon Balbozar: don't you fellows look wonderful
[9:46] Lennon Balbozar: well onto our task
[9:47] Daisy Bosatsu: show what do we think about the topic
[9:47] Lennon Balbozar: it is quite a question
[9:47] Daisy Bosatsu: i agree
[9:47] You: So the question is what is the relationship between leadership and diversity
[9:47] Daisy Bosatsu: diversity and leadership go hand in hand
[9:48] Lennon Balbozar: true
[9:48] You: I believe that in order to lead one must be willing to lead a diverse group of people.
[9:48] Lennon Balbozar: and I suppose provlems in diversity can be overcome by a positive leader
[9:48] Daisy Bosatsu: diversity allows you to be open minded
[9:48] You: One must also be diverse in order to understand everything that occurs in the world.
[9:48] You: Exactl Daisy!
[9:48] You: Exactly*
[9:48] Daisy Bosatsu: very true...
[9:49] Lennon Balbozar: which is important for leadership because you can better guide people to make positive choices when you have better understanding
[9:49] Daisy Bosatsu: in order to sucessfully lead a group you cant have any prejudices towards them
[9:49] Lennon Balbozar: of course
[9:49] Lennon Balbozar: well it is still possible to lead an undiverse and equally prejudiced group
[9:49] You: Right. Because a leader. hopefulyl one is fighting against those negative aspects such as prejudices
[9:49] Lennon Balbozar: the nazis for instance
[9:50] Lennon Balbozar: but to be a GOOD leader than yes that is essential
[9:50] You: Well if the leader is a "negative" leader
[9:50] Daisy Bosatsu: they are two major components of being a postive person
[9:50] Lennon Balbozar: love?
[9:50] Lennon Balbozar: i think that has to be one
[9:50] Daisy Bosatsu: i like love
[9:50] Lennon Balbozar: it is hard to have true passion for those following your guidance if there isn't love in your body
[9:51] Daisy Bosatsu: love leads to being passionate and vice versa
[9:51] Lennon Balbozar: exactly
[9:51] Lennon Balbozar: they go hand in hand, they connect
[9:51] Daisy Bosatsu: ecxactly....they unify
[9:51] You: what about selflessness? or do you think people always do things for a certain motive?
[9:51] Lennon Balbozar: Daisy, what were you going to say are the two major components of being positive?
[9:52] Lennon Balbozar: I believe some people are genuinely interested in helping others
[9:52] Lennon Balbozar: however it is a rarer and rarer thing to find
[9:52] Daisy Bosatsu: helping others and being open minded
[9:52] Lennon Balbozar: ah yes
[9:52] You: I think both those go hand in hand too.
[9:53] You: in order to help others one must have an open mind to encounter any types of people and situations
[9:53] Lennon Balbozar: indeed
[9:53] Daisy Bosatsu: so in what ways have you both used diversity and leadership at the same time
[9:53] Lennon Balbozar: and the ones that most need our help are the ones that are different
[9:53] Daisy Bosatsu: thats true lennon
[9:54] Lennon Balbozar: I have written songs over the years that inspire people to join hands and unite
[9:54] Daisy Bosatsu: i work with the mental retardation and it is essential to have an open mind and adapt to them because they are differnet
[9:54] Lennon Balbozar: of course
[9:54] Daisy Bosatsu: songs are good...they can capture your attention easily
[9:54] Lennon Balbozar: society seems to ignore them and to show them love and compassion is to show them that they are important souls in the world
[9:55] Lennon Balbozar: yes, and truly bare the intentions of the soul
[9:55] Daisy Bosatsu: society does ignore them...they just act like they arent apart of our world
[9:55] Lennon Balbozar: We all must "come together" to quote myself!
[9:55] Lennon Balbozar: i know
[9:55] You: Well, back in the day in India, people were divided into various classes. There were the Brahmans or so called upper class, the kshatrias or warriors, the vaishyas or businessmen, and then at the very bottom were the Sudras or untouchables, which were people that no one would acknowledge. I worked with all these diverse groups of people to free India from Britains's rule.
[9:55] Lennon Balbozar: which is wrong
[9:55] Lennon Balbozar: wonderful
[9:56] Daisy Bosatsu: thats great mahatma
[9:56] Lennon Balbozar: the ability to help people rise up from the ashes is the ultimate sense of leadership
[9:56] Daisy Bosatsu: its a certain feeling you get when you help others that are not use to being helped
[9:57] Daisy Bosatsu: a true leader is someone who is willing to be different
[9:57] Lennon Balbozar: I helped the American people understand that they could end the travesty in Vietnam if they rose their voice and I have spread a lifelong message of world peace, but I must say I am in your shadow Mahtma
[9:57] Lennon Balbozar: being different and displaying diversity is important
[9:57] Daisy Bosatsu: me too...
[9:57] You: Oh no! you have also been a great leader yourself Lenon
[9:57] Lennon Balbozar: the ability to stand out for positive reasons
[9:58] Lennon Balbozar: I appreciate that
[9:58] You: and Daisy!
[9:58] Daisy Bosatsu: even though my help hasnt reached the national level, i still fell im a leader
[9:58] Lennon Balbozar: leaders can be found in all levels of society
[9:58] Lennon Balbozar: in a sense there are a very diverse group of leaders
[9:58] You: You are a leader. A leader IS a leader no matter what level they reach!
[9:58] Daisy Bosatsu: an important aspect of a leader is knowing that you will not always be praised for what you did
[9:59] Daisy Bosatsu: ..but it will take away the influence you have made on others life
[9:59] Lennon Balbozar: ranging from 6 year olds teaching their brothers the ways of life all the way up to important political figures who influence on a worldwide scale
[10:00] Lennon Balbozar: being praised must be the last thing on your mind
[10:00] Daisy Bosatsu: i believe that we can all be leaders and that we probably have been a leader and didnt realixe it
[10:00] Lennon Balbozar: that is where selflessness can come in and corrupt causes
[10:00] You: It i s im[portant that leader does not expect anything in return
[10:00] You: but if he does get praised, he sould humble accpe tit
[10:00] Daisy Bosatsu: exactly
[10:00] Lennon Balbozar: of course
[10:00] Lennon Balbozar: it can be encouraging too
[10:00] Daisy Bosatsu: yes...they should accept it
[10:01] You: Because if they do not accept it, they seem as if they are obnoxious or have a big ego.
[10:01] Lennon Balbozar: I have been guilty of letting fame get to my head when I was younger and that destroyed one of the best things I ever had, the beatles
[10:01] Daisy Bosatsu: i feel great when one of my clients come up to me and tell how i have made a difference in their life
[10:01] Lennon Balbozar: of course
[10:02] Lennon Balbozar: screaming fans can get annoying but they remind me that I'm doing something that makes people happy
[10:02] You: Explain to us how you felt when you left the beatles at that time?
[10:02] Daisy Bosatsu: but lennon, learning from your past mistake will help you to become a better leader
[10:02] Lennon Balbozar: I was angry and excited that I could now create by myself
[10:02] Lennon Balbozar: I thought my own work could be far superior without them holding me back
[10:02] Lennon Balbozar: but yes I have become a better man from it, I think
[10:02] You: But now you regret it?
[10:03] Lennon Balbozar: I understand that people banded together with love and a cause can accomplish far more than one being
[10:03] You: Just as Daisy said, you can learn from your past mistakes. It is not about what happened in the past but what you want to do and change in the future.
[10:03] Lennon Balbozar: I mostly regret it yes
[10:03] Lennon Balbozar: I now direct my songwriting efforts to spreading awareness of inequality and lovelessness around the world
[10:03] Daisy Bosatsu: i can imagine you came across a diverse group of people while being in the beatles??
[10:04] Lennon Balbozar: oh of course
[10:04] Lennon Balbozar: In fact, I love your homeland Mahatma
[10:04] Daisy Bosatsu: its amazing what a little music can do to some people
[10:04] Lennon Balbozar: some of the most enlightening times of my life were spent there
[10:04] Lennon Balbozar: indeed
[10:04] You: As mentioned earlier, songs are a great way to spread awareness of certain causes and to make people feel emotiional about certain things.
[10:04] Lennon Balbozar: people will listen more carefully when there is a message hidden in music
[10:05] Lennon Balbozar: especially when it is a figure that they love and trust
[10:05] Daisy Bosatsu: i believe "message songs" are the best
[10:05] Lennon Balbozar: "with great power comes great responsibility", right?
[10:05] Daisy Bosatsu: those are the ones you never forget
[10:05] Lennon Balbozar: yes
[10:05] Daisy Bosatsu: right
[10:05] Lennon Balbozar: little poppy clap your hands songs are nice
[10:05] Lennon Balbozar: but they miss the meaning of music
[10:05] You: every song has a purpose and a meaning behind it.
[10:05] Lennon Balbozar: to reveal the soul
[10:06] Lennon Balbozar: fair point
[10:06] Lennon Balbozar: except those rolling stones bastards!
[10:06] Lennon Balbozar: just kdding though
[10:06] Daisy Bosatsu: since you mention soul, a leader has to be in touch with their soul in order to help others
[10:06] Lennon Balbozar: indeed
[10:07] You: Back to the diversity aspect, I think that if there is an impact of negative diversity it must be fixed. Thus, I do not think diversity is always a good thing.
[10:07] Daisy Bosatsu: really why
[10:07] Lennon Balbozar: i dont completely understand
[10:08] Daisy Bosatsu: i think not accepting diversity is the bad thing
[10:08] You: Well when there is too much diversity where people are placed in different classes of society and are treated differently, I do not believe this to be true.
[10:08] You: good*
[10:08] Lennon Balbozar: i think we should see all people as one
[10:08] Lennon Balbozar: completely equal
[10:09] Daisy Bosatsu: thats the problem, people should learn how to accept those that are different from them
[10:09] Daisy Bosatsu: we are all gods children
[10:09] Lennon Balbozar: all it communism if you will, but I imagine a world where we all live together in complete peace
[10:09] Daisy Bosatsu: i hope that happens
[10:09] Lennon Balbozar: however I can see your point Mahatma
[10:09] Lennon Balbozar: you can't force this diversity in a place where it is so ingrained in the people's minds
[10:10] Lennon Balbozar: however perhaps you can slowly make a difference
[10:10] Daisy Bosatsu: so can i, people who are close-minded cannot accept diversity
[10:10] Lennon Balbozar: anyways it seems we are near the closing hour
[10:10] You: exactly. diversty should be there but people shoudl accept it without any prejudices
[10:10] Daisy Bosatsu: lets be good leaders and accept the diverse world we live in!!!
[10:11] You: ye! if we were all the same, then what fun would there be in this world?
[10:11] You: Diversity it is1
[10:11] You: !*
[10:11] Lennon Balbozar: An understanding that diversity exists and that we can overcome our problems with it is a major component of being a leader
[10:11] Lennon Balbozar: well i bid you farewell, my new friends
[10:11] Lennon Balbozar: Peace
[10:11] Daisy Bosatsu: bye
[10:11] You: Farewell!

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