Portfolio Page 1: Initial Letter
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2023
Welcome to the third lunar phase of my portfolio, the full moon! In this phase, the sun illuminates the moon, showcasing all of it's alluring beauty. It signifies completion, reflection, and transformation. As always, these themes can be reflected in my life, specifically in entering my junior year of high school. I believe that the summer and beginning of the schoolyear are best fitting with reflection. Although I regularly try to remain self aware and introspective, the past few months have been heavy in that area of my life. After a...decently tough sophomore year...I've tried to analyze every aspect of my life and see where changes need to be made. In these conscious efforts, I was able to pick out many of the things that had been causing me tension and stress. And while it's amazing that I was able to identify many negative factors, what really mattered was how I acted upon realizing them. This is where transformation comes in. A mantra that just won't seem to go away in my head has recently been, "you don't want a repeat of last year." And yes, this does seem very dramatic and slightly pessimistic, but there is a sense of motivation to be understood with it as well. I want to build upon the mistakes that I made and use what I learned to grow healthier habits. I think in my sophomore year phase of burn out I was lacking a lot of determination and balance. Now that I've had time to recuperate, I want to be more proactive and take a stronger initiative to prevent that from happening. And this is where completion finally comes in. My hope at the end of this year is to be able to look back on the work that I've done and feel accomplished. I want the efforts that I've been making in self improvement to be worthwhile. I'll know I've done a good job when I feel proud and fulfilled for the change that I've enacted.
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2023
Welcome to the third lunar phase of my portfolio, the full moon! In this phase, the sun illuminates the moon, showcasing all of it's alluring beauty. It signifies completion, reflection, and transformation. As always, these themes can be reflected in my life, specifically in entering my junior year of high school. I believe that the summer and beginning of the schoolyear are best fitting with reflection. Although I regularly try to remain self aware and introspective, the past few months have been heavy in that area of my life. After a...decently tough sophomore year...I've tried to analyze every aspect of my life and see where changes need to be made. In these conscious efforts, I was able to pick out many of the things that had been causing me tension and stress. And while it's amazing that I was able to identify many negative factors, what really mattered was how I acted upon realizing them. This is where transformation comes in. A mantra that just won't seem to go away in my head has recently been, "you don't want a repeat of last year." And yes, this does seem very dramatic and slightly pessimistic, but there is a sense of motivation to be understood with it as well. I want to build upon the mistakes that I made and use what I learned to grow healthier habits. I think in my sophomore year phase of burn out I was lacking a lot of determination and balance. Now that I've had time to recuperate, I want to be more proactive and take a stronger initiative to prevent that from happening. And this is where completion finally comes in. My hope at the end of this year is to be able to look back on the work that I've done and feel accomplished. I want the efforts that I've been making in self improvement to be worthwhile. I'll know I've done a good job when I feel proud and fulfilled for the change that I've enacted.
Portfolio Page 2: Favorite Quotes Pt. 1
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2023
"Time spent loving someone is never a waste" - unknown
I think this quote provides a really beautiful way to reflect on ended relationships and bonds. Oftentimes, when things don't end the way we want them to we resort to considering them a "waste of time." And while this is supposed to make it easier to cope, as if we don't consider it of value we miss it less, that doesn't always end up being the case. Regardless of how a situation ended, the good memories and special moments are still not easily forgotten. We should focus on remembering things for what they were, and accepting how they are now, rather than simply leaving it behind.
"Art does not reproduce the visible ; rather, it makes it makes it visible" - Paul Klee
Sometimes all it takes to make a message clear is seeing it in a new light. I think art is a really cool way to emphasize this as the different forms of it can reach so many people. It can provide a new way to look at a situation and various perspectives on the same thing. This quote also stretches beyond just art, I think that trying to interpret things in new ways to reach more people is important.
"Life isn't about how to survive the storm, it's about how to dance in the rain." - Taylor Swift
While cheesy, this quote is from Taylor so of course I believe it to be true. In life, you're going to encounter a lot of shitty situations that you just cannot fix. No matter how hard you try, they won't budge. I like this quote because it encourages working with what you've got instead of trying to manifest a change that just won't come.
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2023
"Time spent loving someone is never a waste" - unknown
I think this quote provides a really beautiful way to reflect on ended relationships and bonds. Oftentimes, when things don't end the way we want them to we resort to considering them a "waste of time." And while this is supposed to make it easier to cope, as if we don't consider it of value we miss it less, that doesn't always end up being the case. Regardless of how a situation ended, the good memories and special moments are still not easily forgotten. We should focus on remembering things for what they were, and accepting how they are now, rather than simply leaving it behind.
"Art does not reproduce the visible ; rather, it makes it makes it visible" - Paul Klee
Sometimes all it takes to make a message clear is seeing it in a new light. I think art is a really cool way to emphasize this as the different forms of it can reach so many people. It can provide a new way to look at a situation and various perspectives on the same thing. This quote also stretches beyond just art, I think that trying to interpret things in new ways to reach more people is important.
"Life isn't about how to survive the storm, it's about how to dance in the rain." - Taylor Swift
While cheesy, this quote is from Taylor so of course I believe it to be true. In life, you're going to encounter a lot of shitty situations that you just cannot fix. No matter how hard you try, they won't budge. I like this quote because it encourages working with what you've got instead of trying to manifest a change that just won't come.
Portfolio Page 3: Favorite Quotes Pt. 2
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2024
"There are three essentials to leadership: humility, clarity and courage." - Chan Master Fuchan Yuan
I believe that this quote has made itself prominent throughout the duration of this year. There have been challenges to overcome and complicated problems to handle, and the three most helpful tools in any situation showed to be humility, clarity, and courage time and time again. I think that humility is critical because all people make mistakes, no matter what role you have. There is a crucial importance to admitting when you are at fault and taking the necessary steps to fix what is needed after that. A lack of humility results in arrogance and distrust in your team. If someone can never admit to being in the wrong then they will loose sight of how it impacts others. Clarity is important as it offers perspective on how other people may walk through their life. I've experienced situations where I was confused as to why someone was acting a certain way, but gaining clarity on their side of the event changed the way I perceived the problem. I believe clarity ultimately results in empathy and peace. And finally, a leader is nothing without courage. If you do not believe in yourself or the project you are committing to then why is anybody else supposed to believe in it.
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2024
"There are three essentials to leadership: humility, clarity and courage." - Chan Master Fuchan Yuan
I believe that this quote has made itself prominent throughout the duration of this year. There have been challenges to overcome and complicated problems to handle, and the three most helpful tools in any situation showed to be humility, clarity, and courage time and time again. I think that humility is critical because all people make mistakes, no matter what role you have. There is a crucial importance to admitting when you are at fault and taking the necessary steps to fix what is needed after that. A lack of humility results in arrogance and distrust in your team. If someone can never admit to being in the wrong then they will loose sight of how it impacts others. Clarity is important as it offers perspective on how other people may walk through their life. I've experienced situations where I was confused as to why someone was acting a certain way, but gaining clarity on their side of the event changed the way I perceived the problem. I believe clarity ultimately results in empathy and peace. And finally, a leader is nothing without courage. If you do not believe in yourself or the project you are committing to then why is anybody else supposed to believe in it.
Portfolio Page 4: Goals Pt. 1
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2023
Two Self Goals (Leadership)
- Come up with a creative prom theme:
Prom is a highly anticipated event at RHS and I want to make it really special for all those attending. Winter Formal was very successful last year and I hope to do even better with Prom this year. I want to make it creative, and something that people aren't used to seeing. I feel that there is so much freedom to come up with special themes and I'm looking forward to creating the event.
-Elevate the class's decorations for competitions:
I think this is a goal that always evolves, as you learn more as the years go on. This year especially a lot of changes have been made and I want to use that as a platform to do better in events. We have more bodies to help and more ideas to share so I believe we can do a lot better than in the previous years.
Two Short Term Goals For Life
-Develop a better plan for my post-high-school life:
As I've been getting older I've come to realize that time really does fly by quickly. With that, I've noticed that I have a lot of loose ideas of what I see in the near future for myself, but don't have many details of how to get there. I think that I will feel more prepared and confident with graduating once I create a clearer plan of where I want to go in my life. Of course I'm aware that nothing will go exactly as I want it to, but having a foundation to build off of is always helpful in paving your path.
-Establish a better routine:
One thing that I've grown to notice about myself is that I strive off of a balance of both routine and freedom. I think that in order to feel prepared I need structure in my day, but that goes to a limit. I feel sticking to a strict routine can lead to burnout after too long. I want to develop a routine that sets my day up for success but allows me to be flexible with what I want to do at the moment.
Two Long Term Goals For Future
-Follow the path that works for me, regardless of others:
In high school it can be really easy to fall victim to the stereotypical post-high-school path. There is a lot of pressure to know exactly what you want to do, when you want to start a family, and where you want your life to take you. I truly wish it was more normalized to not have everything planned out. As an emerging adult it can be really overwhelming to have those around you going down one path that doesn't match up with what you want to do. I hope in my life I am able to see past those ideals and proceed with what works for me.
-Still create art:
Something that has always been consistent in my life is my love for art. Whether that's in the form of drawing, photography, or writing it has spoken to me. Growing up naturally means that our lives get busier. It can be harder to keep up with our hobbies as we have less time of leisure in the day. I hope as I get older I don't lose that love for art and the urge to create.
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2023
Two Self Goals (Leadership)
- Come up with a creative prom theme:
Prom is a highly anticipated event at RHS and I want to make it really special for all those attending. Winter Formal was very successful last year and I hope to do even better with Prom this year. I want to make it creative, and something that people aren't used to seeing. I feel that there is so much freedom to come up with special themes and I'm looking forward to creating the event.
-Elevate the class's decorations for competitions:
I think this is a goal that always evolves, as you learn more as the years go on. This year especially a lot of changes have been made and I want to use that as a platform to do better in events. We have more bodies to help and more ideas to share so I believe we can do a lot better than in the previous years.
Two Short Term Goals For Life
-Develop a better plan for my post-high-school life:
As I've been getting older I've come to realize that time really does fly by quickly. With that, I've noticed that I have a lot of loose ideas of what I see in the near future for myself, but don't have many details of how to get there. I think that I will feel more prepared and confident with graduating once I create a clearer plan of where I want to go in my life. Of course I'm aware that nothing will go exactly as I want it to, but having a foundation to build off of is always helpful in paving your path.
-Establish a better routine:
One thing that I've grown to notice about myself is that I strive off of a balance of both routine and freedom. I think that in order to feel prepared I need structure in my day, but that goes to a limit. I feel sticking to a strict routine can lead to burnout after too long. I want to develop a routine that sets my day up for success but allows me to be flexible with what I want to do at the moment.
Two Long Term Goals For Future
-Follow the path that works for me, regardless of others:
In high school it can be really easy to fall victim to the stereotypical post-high-school path. There is a lot of pressure to know exactly what you want to do, when you want to start a family, and where you want your life to take you. I truly wish it was more normalized to not have everything planned out. As an emerging adult it can be really overwhelming to have those around you going down one path that doesn't match up with what you want to do. I hope in my life I am able to see past those ideals and proceed with what works for me.
-Still create art:
Something that has always been consistent in my life is my love for art. Whether that's in the form of drawing, photography, or writing it has spoken to me. Growing up naturally means that our lives get busier. It can be harder to keep up with our hobbies as we have less time of leisure in the day. I hope as I get older I don't lose that love for art and the urge to create.
Portfolio Page 5: Goals Pt. 2
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2024
Two Self Goals (Leadership)
- Come up with a creative prom theme:
This goal was met and it exceeded my expectations! Our Prom theme this year is "A Midsummer's Night Dream." It's going to have such a springy and fantastical look with all the florals and warm lighting we have. I think that while it was kind of an "out there" idea I was scared of how it would be received but there have actually been positive reviews. I wanted to create something that wasn't overdone.
-Elevate the class's decorations for competitions:
I believe my class has really thrived in doing this. In past competitions this year we've been able to put our best foot forward and make serious progress from past years. While we faced roadblocks like any year, we spent less time dwelling on them and more time on how to solve the issue. I'm proud of our growth.
Two Short Term Goals For Life
-Develop a better plan for my post-high-school life:
I am extremely happy to share that I have accomplished this. There was a lot of anxiety I had built up going into this year and college so I did some work of my own. I met with my counselor and we talked about the different paths I could take. I feel a lot more stable and ready than I did initially.
-Establish a better routine:
I think that I've partially done this goal. I'm not sure if I'm the person that can thrive off of a concrete routine but I have surely implemented healthier practices into my life. I'm working on being on my phone less and making sure that I take care of myself and my environment.
Two Long Term Goals For Future
-Follow the path that works for me, regardless of others:
This is something that I am always trying to keep up with. I believe as I get older this gets easier to do since everyone is on a different course of life. I am just focused on my future and what will be good for me, and less worried about the views of those around me.
-Still create art:
With my interest growing for graphic design I've definitely been trying to get more into my artistic side. I think with my schedule this year it has been hard to consistently create art but taking Art 2 has helped with that a lot. I've felt very inspired recently.
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2024
Two Self Goals (Leadership)
- Come up with a creative prom theme:
This goal was met and it exceeded my expectations! Our Prom theme this year is "A Midsummer's Night Dream." It's going to have such a springy and fantastical look with all the florals and warm lighting we have. I think that while it was kind of an "out there" idea I was scared of how it would be received but there have actually been positive reviews. I wanted to create something that wasn't overdone.
-Elevate the class's decorations for competitions:
I believe my class has really thrived in doing this. In past competitions this year we've been able to put our best foot forward and make serious progress from past years. While we faced roadblocks like any year, we spent less time dwelling on them and more time on how to solve the issue. I'm proud of our growth.
Two Short Term Goals For Life
-Develop a better plan for my post-high-school life:
I am extremely happy to share that I have accomplished this. There was a lot of anxiety I had built up going into this year and college so I did some work of my own. I met with my counselor and we talked about the different paths I could take. I feel a lot more stable and ready than I did initially.
-Establish a better routine:
I think that I've partially done this goal. I'm not sure if I'm the person that can thrive off of a concrete routine but I have surely implemented healthier practices into my life. I'm working on being on my phone less and making sure that I take care of myself and my environment.
Two Long Term Goals For Future
-Follow the path that works for me, regardless of others:
This is something that I am always trying to keep up with. I believe as I get older this gets easier to do since everyone is on a different course of life. I am just focused on my future and what will be good for me, and less worried about the views of those around me.
-Still create art:
With my interest growing for graphic design I've definitely been trying to get more into my artistic side. I think with my schedule this year it has been hard to consistently create art but taking Art 2 has helped with that a lot. I've felt very inspired recently.
Portfolio Page 6: Magazine Cover
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2023
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2023
Portfolio Page 7: Magazine Article
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2023
In this modern day and age, the pressures teenagers are faced with are significantly different than what they used to be. We got the chance to talk to sixteen year old Claire Morris about her life and how she works through the challenges our world presents. Claire is a junior in high school and says that one of the biggest parts of her high school career has been the leadership program she's involved with. "I have been in the program since I was a freshman and can definitely say each year brings something new." Claire tells us. This year, Claire holds the position of Junior Class President. She reveals that while this program has truly impacted her life for the better and has taught her extremely valuable lessons, it isn't always easy to manage. "One of the things I've struggled with the most is separating my personal life and my leadership life," Claire explains "Last year really brought that to light as I was going through some hardships so I'm especially trying to work on it now." She says that it can be hard to take the role of a leader in times where you don't feel like one. Claire tells us that what especially helped her was learning how to ask for help when you need it. "I think that I put a lot of pressure on myself to always know what to do," she explains, "In trying to balance everything alone, I set myself up for failure." Claire says that although this lesson was learned due to her leadership life, it applies to her personal life just as well. "Knowing that you have a support system is so important." Claire says. She tells us that for a long time she thought that doing everything alone made her stronger, when in fact it was the opposite. "To ask for help and be vulnerable is one of the bravest things anyone can do." she expresses. Claire says that becoming more aware of this has helped her to lessen the pressure she puts on herself and has allowed her to build deeper relationships with those around her. "This year I really feel like I'm growing up and not only learning what I want, but realizing what I need." she explains, "I'm feeling more confident in myself through my style, my passions, and my relationships." Claire encourages us to listen to our heart and do what we feel is right.
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2023
In this modern day and age, the pressures teenagers are faced with are significantly different than what they used to be. We got the chance to talk to sixteen year old Claire Morris about her life and how she works through the challenges our world presents. Claire is a junior in high school and says that one of the biggest parts of her high school career has been the leadership program she's involved with. "I have been in the program since I was a freshman and can definitely say each year brings something new." Claire tells us. This year, Claire holds the position of Junior Class President. She reveals that while this program has truly impacted her life for the better and has taught her extremely valuable lessons, it isn't always easy to manage. "One of the things I've struggled with the most is separating my personal life and my leadership life," Claire explains "Last year really brought that to light as I was going through some hardships so I'm especially trying to work on it now." She says that it can be hard to take the role of a leader in times where you don't feel like one. Claire tells us that what especially helped her was learning how to ask for help when you need it. "I think that I put a lot of pressure on myself to always know what to do," she explains, "In trying to balance everything alone, I set myself up for failure." Claire says that although this lesson was learned due to her leadership life, it applies to her personal life just as well. "Knowing that you have a support system is so important." Claire says. She tells us that for a long time she thought that doing everything alone made her stronger, when in fact it was the opposite. "To ask for help and be vulnerable is one of the bravest things anyone can do." she expresses. Claire says that becoming more aware of this has helped her to lessen the pressure she puts on herself and has allowed her to build deeper relationships with those around her. "This year I really feel like I'm growing up and not only learning what I want, but realizing what I need." she explains, "I'm feeling more confident in myself through my style, my passions, and my relationships." Claire encourages us to listen to our heart and do what we feel is right.
Portfolio Page 10: The Best Things About Me
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2023
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2023
Portfolio Page 11: The Impact of Sounds and Words
Claire Morris Junior Class President 2023 -Not Strong Enough, Boygenius Black hole opened in the kitchen Every clock's a different time It would only take the energy to fix it I don't know why I am The way I am, not strong enough to be your man I try, I can't stop staring at the ceiling fan and Spinning out about things that haven't happened Breathing in and out Drag racing through the canyon Singing "Boys Don't Cry" Do you see us getting scraped up off the pavement? I don't know why I am The way I am, not strong enough to be your man I lie, I am just lowering your expectations Half a mind that keeps the other second guessing Close my eyes and count Always an angel, never a god Always an angel, never a god Always an angel, never a god Always an angel, never a god Always an angel, never a god Always an angel, never a god Always an angel, never a god Always an angel, never a god Always an angel, never a god Always an angel, never a god Always an angel, never a god Always an angel, never a god I don't know why I am the way I am There's something in the static, I think I've been having revelations Comin' to, in the front seat, nearly empty Skip the exit to our old street and go home Go home alone |
The song that I picked is "Not Strong Enough" by the band Boygenius. When I first listened to this song I was pulled in by the upbeat instrumentals and wistful tone, but the more I listened to it the more I began to appreciate the lyrical significance. "Not Strong Enough" is more than just a song about mental illness. It shows the struggle behind not understanding why you think and act the way that you do. The song emphasizes the internal conflict between hating yourself, but also having a God complex at the same time. It's about not believing you can be the person that people want you to be, but thinking that you cannot be understood. "Not Strong Enough" also touches on the feeling of women's inferiority to men in the line, "Always an angel, never a God." It provides a creative comparison to always feeling second best. It suggests that women have higher standards placed on themselves, yet receive less praise for the things they accomplish. This song is really special to me as it's relatable to experiences I have and things I care about. In my life I've struggled with self image and have always felt the pressure of high standards from external forces. "Not Strong Enough" is a complex song in that it's able to perfectly depict the conflicting internal battles we believe are so personal and unique to us.
|
Portfolio Page 12: Homecoming Picture Spread
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2023
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2023
Portfolio Page 13: What I Like Best About Being A Member Of Leadership
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2024
Leadership is always something that I can count on to supply me with random memories that I love to look back on. One of my favorite memories from this year has surely been watching the Dude Be Nice winner, Mr. Herrin, get revealed. Planning this event was something that brought me a lot of joy because I wanted it to be a week full of service and gratitude. Getting to praise someone who has shown me so much kindness and compassion in my time at RHS was really fulfilling. Another favorite memory of mine was absolutely Homecoming float decoration. While I didn't love ALL of it, there were moments that made spending time with my leadership class really worth it. I always look forward to these times because despite the hard work that must be done, I know that there will be something crazy or fun to remember. My final favorite is not quite a memory, but an experience that I got the privilege of working on this year. At Core Camp this past year Morty told me she would like me to take part in the Elder Projects and asked me to create one of my own. For the past two years in this program I've watched upperclassmen I admire give lessons on their legacy and the messages they want to leave behind so getting asked to take part in this was a huge honor.
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2024
Leadership is always something that I can count on to supply me with random memories that I love to look back on. One of my favorite memories from this year has surely been watching the Dude Be Nice winner, Mr. Herrin, get revealed. Planning this event was something that brought me a lot of joy because I wanted it to be a week full of service and gratitude. Getting to praise someone who has shown me so much kindness and compassion in my time at RHS was really fulfilling. Another favorite memory of mine was absolutely Homecoming float decoration. While I didn't love ALL of it, there were moments that made spending time with my leadership class really worth it. I always look forward to these times because despite the hard work that must be done, I know that there will be something crazy or fun to remember. My final favorite is not quite a memory, but an experience that I got the privilege of working on this year. At Core Camp this past year Morty told me she would like me to take part in the Elder Projects and asked me to create one of my own. For the past two years in this program I've watched upperclassmen I admire give lessons on their legacy and the messages they want to leave behind so getting asked to take part in this was a huge honor.
Portfolio Page 14: Reflection of a Peer in Leadership
Claire Morris Junior Class President 2024 A peer in leadership I want to reflect on for their hard work, dedication, and compassion is Spencer Redula. Throughout the past few years I've been able to observe his character as both a friend and as a peer. In his school work and leadership life, Spencer is extremely diligent. He understands that education is a privilege and treats it accordingly, taking every opportunity to do his best that he can. Spencer goes above and beyond in order to set himself up for success in every facet of his life. He analyzes where things can use improvement and fixes them with detail and care. In his personal life, Spencer is thoughtful and reliable. While some may reference his occasionally brutal honesty, or blunt advice, I would say that his intentional actions are his most notable trait as a person. He recognizes the value in giving your all into friendships and relationships. I admire Spencer for many things, but especially for the respect he has for himself and the drive to achieve his goals. I think that being his friend and in his presence has made me a better person and will continue to. |
Portfolio Page 15: RHS Pride Photo Gallery
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2024
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2024
Portfolio Page 16: What I Love To Do
Claire Morris Junior Class President 2024 The hobbies that I love to do keep me motivated to push through the not so fun times! I love to go to museums and look at art. It has always been a huge interest of mine and art lets me express myself creatively. The second thing I love to do is take photos. Capturing memories and views allows me to look back on times I enjoyed. I love sharing the photos I take. Another thing I love to do is explore bookstores. Reading is like an escape for me and the actual stores are even more like an escape. I also love hanging out with my favorite people. I care a lot about quality time and this is a way for me to grow my relationships with them. Lastly, I love going on drives by myself. It's therapeutic for me and I can blast my favorite music. |
|
Portfolio Page 17: Letter To Parents
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2024
Dear Mama and Dad,
As I get older and grow more into the person I want to become, I appreciate the way you both raised me. You taught me how to be strong, yet sensitive- serious, yet easy going- and kind, yet confident. I feel incredibly grateful to have had such a loving environment and positive upbringing where I could feel safe to express myself and be who I truly feel I am. Not all children get the chance to be as vulnerable and comfortable at home as I did, and for that I am forever thankful. While I don't want kids at this point, if I were to ever have them I think I would hope for them to grow up like you. Without the lessons I learned about independence from my mom, or the valuable advice about persistence from my dad, I would not have been able to accomplish as much as I have at this point in my life. Raising three very unique girls could not have been easy, but the both of you have done an amazing job at ensuring they are on the right path. You both never fail to inspire me in the way you carry yourselves and interact with those around you. I love you both endlessly, and owe it all to you.
All my love, Claire
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2024
Dear Mama and Dad,
As I get older and grow more into the person I want to become, I appreciate the way you both raised me. You taught me how to be strong, yet sensitive- serious, yet easy going- and kind, yet confident. I feel incredibly grateful to have had such a loving environment and positive upbringing where I could feel safe to express myself and be who I truly feel I am. Not all children get the chance to be as vulnerable and comfortable at home as I did, and for that I am forever thankful. While I don't want kids at this point, if I were to ever have them I think I would hope for them to grow up like you. Without the lessons I learned about independence from my mom, or the valuable advice about persistence from my dad, I would not have been able to accomplish as much as I have at this point in my life. Raising three very unique girls could not have been easy, but the both of you have done an amazing job at ensuring they are on the right path. You both never fail to inspire me in the way you carry yourselves and interact with those around you. I love you both endlessly, and owe it all to you.
All my love, Claire
Portfolio Page 21: The Professional
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2024
This year I believe that I've faced a lot of growth within the professional world, not only dealing with my role as class president but also in other facets of leadership. I believe that every year I develop better skills in public speaking especially. Besides getting the usual practice, I think that doing presentations for the community with the Mental Health advocate has really helped me to advance my abilities. It has not only been beneficial for helping my community, but also has allowed me the chance to speak better to a different range of audience types. It gave me the chance to get over a lot of my fears and nerves as every audience was a unique, whether it be with how many people I had to speak in front of or the energy of the audience, Along with this, I think that as this year has required more from me as a leader I've been able to work on and improve my people skills. As I'm getting to be an upperclassmen in leadership that means there are more things that I've had to be a group lead for or take charge in. This has helped me learn delegation, how to work with a wide demographic of people, and especially how to react in the face of adversity. As well as my development with social professionalism, I think that I've also learned more in the work of work professionalism. As I've began applying to jobs and thinking more about my future I've gotten to apply a lot of my leadership knowledge to that platform. For example, my resume and cover letters have gotten to be a lot more clean and advanced. I believe that what I've learned and the growth I've experienced in this program over the years is truly evident in my leadership skills as well as my ability to enter the professional world moving forward in my future.
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2024
This year I believe that I've faced a lot of growth within the professional world, not only dealing with my role as class president but also in other facets of leadership. I believe that every year I develop better skills in public speaking especially. Besides getting the usual practice, I think that doing presentations for the community with the Mental Health advocate has really helped me to advance my abilities. It has not only been beneficial for helping my community, but also has allowed me the chance to speak better to a different range of audience types. It gave me the chance to get over a lot of my fears and nerves as every audience was a unique, whether it be with how many people I had to speak in front of or the energy of the audience, Along with this, I think that as this year has required more from me as a leader I've been able to work on and improve my people skills. As I'm getting to be an upperclassmen in leadership that means there are more things that I've had to be a group lead for or take charge in. This has helped me learn delegation, how to work with a wide demographic of people, and especially how to react in the face of adversity. As well as my development with social professionalism, I think that I've also learned more in the work of work professionalism. As I've began applying to jobs and thinking more about my future I've gotten to apply a lot of my leadership knowledge to that platform. For example, my resume and cover letters have gotten to be a lot more clean and advanced. I believe that what I've learned and the growth I've experienced in this program over the years is truly evident in my leadership skills as well as my ability to enter the professional world moving forward in my future.
Portfolio Page 22: Change
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2024
Reflecting on this year gives me a headache, not necessarily a bad one, but it has just been a huge learning experience! This being my third year in leadership I have gone through so much change. I've developed more professionally, grown as a person, and learned how to deal with the good and the bad whether it be in this program or in my own life. I think that this year especially I have been able to see the change in myself. I've become more confident in my abilities and have seen how my work in my commitments has gotten me to where I am today. My priorities and values have definitely shifted, but I believe that it has been for the better. I am trying to focus less on making everyone less happy and living to their standards. Instead, I've been thinking about what I want from my life and what I want to be known for. I think that this year it has helped me to find more joy and go easier on myself. In turn, I've been able to be a better person in my interactions with others. I think that a lot of this has come with both age and experience. I think that in order to change for the better I had to face some hard truths and go through some difficult times. I am grateful for who I have become and feel proud of myself for becoming a better leader in all facets of my life.
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2024
Reflecting on this year gives me a headache, not necessarily a bad one, but it has just been a huge learning experience! This being my third year in leadership I have gone through so much change. I've developed more professionally, grown as a person, and learned how to deal with the good and the bad whether it be in this program or in my own life. I think that this year especially I have been able to see the change in myself. I've become more confident in my abilities and have seen how my work in my commitments has gotten me to where I am today. My priorities and values have definitely shifted, but I believe that it has been for the better. I am trying to focus less on making everyone less happy and living to their standards. Instead, I've been thinking about what I want from my life and what I want to be known for. I think that this year it has helped me to find more joy and go easier on myself. In turn, I've been able to be a better person in my interactions with others. I think that a lot of this has come with both age and experience. I think that in order to change for the better I had to face some hard truths and go through some difficult times. I am grateful for who I have become and feel proud of myself for becoming a better leader in all facets of my life.
Portfolio Page 23: The Ideal Leader
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2024
I believe that there are a lot of qualities that go into what the ideal leader would look like, but I think that the most important quality a leader must have is humility. When you are in a position where you're in charge of others and are the head of a task it is critical that you hold yourself accountable. It is hard to want to work with or listen to somebody that does not admit when they are wrong, practice what they preach, or take into account their own flaws. I think that expressing humility in a leadership environment crushes toxic standards of perfection and builds trust within a team. Once people see that even those in charge mess up at times it makes for a lot more vulnerability to be shared. When humility is shown it also displays responsibility and self awareness. On the contrary to the ideal leader, one of the worst traits a leader can have is ignorance. If whoever is in charge never takes responsibility for their own actions then it creates both hierarchy and resentment. An extreme lack of trust and connection will be harbored throughout the team and it will ultimately show in practice. While I think there is not one specific mold of the ideal leader, I do think that no leader is ideal if they do no carry, express, and emphasize humility.
Claire Morris
Junior Class President
2024
I believe that there are a lot of qualities that go into what the ideal leader would look like, but I think that the most important quality a leader must have is humility. When you are in a position where you're in charge of others and are the head of a task it is critical that you hold yourself accountable. It is hard to want to work with or listen to somebody that does not admit when they are wrong, practice what they preach, or take into account their own flaws. I think that expressing humility in a leadership environment crushes toxic standards of perfection and builds trust within a team. Once people see that even those in charge mess up at times it makes for a lot more vulnerability to be shared. When humility is shown it also displays responsibility and self awareness. On the contrary to the ideal leader, one of the worst traits a leader can have is ignorance. If whoever is in charge never takes responsibility for their own actions then it creates both hierarchy and resentment. An extreme lack of trust and connection will be harbored throughout the team and it will ultimately show in practice. While I think there is not one specific mold of the ideal leader, I do think that no leader is ideal if they do no carry, express, and emphasize humility.