In the 7th seminar, Tayah was talking about how each leader has traits they value the most. In my perspective, I value my independence, personal growth and continuous learning, and ambition. Sadly, I did not get to finish the seminar because my group and I had to set up for the Open House in the suite. Although the Open House did not go as planned, it created an environment where the leaders can just relax and get to know one another a little better. It was nice to all be together in a more casual environment. Even though I was a little upset of the turnout for our Open House, it brought out the values in my that I admire the most: personal growth and continuous learning. In my perspective, I feel as if these two traits needed to be combined because I learn through growth. Trial and error something I am familiar with; although, I do not call it an error if I learn something from it. Since the Open House did not go as planned, I immediately thought of what we could have done too improve the turnout. Through trial and improvement, I learned that we could have more outings to talk to students. Through trial and error or personal growth and continuous learning, I tend to learn what works, not just for me, but for most people around me.

In the 6th seminar, Tayah was talking to us about how we should try and make our degrees more appealing by adding a minor. Many considered minoring in areas that would enhance their chances of getting a job they want. When Tayah was talking about this, I was happy because I already planned on majoring or minoring, haven’t decided yet, in Spanish. I feel like Spanish would help me in the work force because I would be bilingual. Especially if I plan on working in LA, being bilingual would work to my advantage. I do also feel like I need another minor to accommodate accounting. I was thinking along the line of management or so because I learned my leadership style is being a planner. I feel like being a planner could be an advantage in managing because they contemplate a lot of plans and like to be the leaders of the group.

In the 5th seminar, Devon was just talking to us about the different parts of business: finance, accounting, marketing, ISOM and management. He also talked about the characteristics that come with each section. BBLs then started to pass out papers to my class and I. It had classes that we needed to complete in order to get into the business school and to also be on the road for our major. It is just crazy to think that the future is almost here. It’s not a distant dream anymore, but closer into becoming reality.

In the 4th seminar, we got a deeper look into each learning style. Each group had 10 minutes to put up what some of the learning styles they or their peers use day to day. What we all learned is that closers learn by lectures and to listen. Builders learn by reviewing the material in a group of classmates. Front runners learn by redoing homework problems and review course material. Planner, such as myself, learn by reorganizing or organizing their notes in a specific way and my doing so individually.  It was crazy to hear that other planners in BBL take on the same methods of learning as I do. It was like listening to a play-by-play of how I study. Even though I do have some front runner methods when I study, I feel like I am much more suitable in being a planner.

In the 3rd seminar, we chose our project. My group received the privligde of getting the project of making the winter BBL seminar more aware. My group is planning on sitting up a table outside of Lillis and start talking to people about the program. We will also have snack or drinks on the table because everyone is attracted to food. I have not discussed it with my group yet, but I would also like to have a sign up sheet were future leaders could put down their contact info and if there are enough sign ups, I would want to talk to Tayah and see if she would be willing to have an info session for them. Just a thought, but I would really want to tackle this project to the best of my groups ability.

At the second seminar, we began to learn about the leadership styles.  There is the front runner, the builder, the planner and the closer.  I come to find out that I am a planner.  I learn by putting thoughts into action, but I do have a blindside. My blindside is that I think of the plan of action so fast that I forget to stop and listen to others.  I have noticed my style of strength in action every time I want to make a decision.  I always have to think ahead before I do something, but soon after I know what I want, I can not help but get it done my way.  I am aware of my style challenge.  I have noticed it before the seminar and started taking action to fix it, but it does sometimes bother me internally because it is not the way I would like to get things done. What I can do to protect my blindside is to always try to include others by asking for their feedback or asking what and how they want to get things done.

The first seminar was used more for an introduction.  We got to get to know everyone, where they came from, how many siblings they have and if they were missing home.  Tayah made us play this game that served as an ice breaker. It turns out we are more similar than we thought.  We all collide in one room, every Friday, to reach a common goal.  We all want to become a leader, not only in the classroom, but out in the real world as well. Building Business Leaders exists because it wants to unite the minority to help beat the statistics of the majority.  It’s a support group, a personal mentor, and a family all in one classroom.  It is used to help encourage each other to do the best they can. By the end of each term and each generation, it will give us insight on becoming a better person, leader and mentor.

My experiences in Building Business Leaders.