To Protect and Serve

These single stories and the lasting impressions they put on us really hinder our ability to open up or to want to associate with those that fall within the stories. For me it is easier to just stick to the assumptions than it is to go outside of my comfort zone to attempt to either dismiss or confirm them. I think one of the bigger single stories that are associated with being on a college campus is the stigma behind Greek life. There are so many stories around fraternity and sorority life that get scrutinized and bashed, but the mission and the people behind these organizations are passionate, motivated, and want to make a difference.  I have plenty of friends and classmates in Greek organizations and they don’t fall into this single story. My personal impression of the dangers of a single story has to do with a cop and this is a story that I think has become larger in society in the past weeks with all the police brutality seen in the news. Less and less people believe they are able to trust cops and that is becoming a problem.

About five years ago a friend of mine told me that his mom was dating a cop. There are always assumptions made when it comes to people of authority, but the assumption I made about this cop was because of what city he was a cop for.  In Akron there is a city called Fairlawn and there aren't many good stories associated with cops of this city. All my life I heard about how callous, devious, and relentless these cops were so I obviously felt like I couldn't trust this man. When I was around him I felt uneasy and I felt as if I had to watch what I said or how I acted. After I spent some time around him my assumptions were soon dispelled. I came to find that he was a very entertaining, adventurous and caring individual. I saw how he treated the kids and was interested in what we were doing. As I said earlier it would have been easier to just assume he was like all the cops that I hear about, but that would not have been fair. I am glad I got to know him and I think it is funny looking back at how I perceived him to be. 

Cleveland's Leader

“I have a responsibility to lead, in more ways than one, and I take that very seriously. My presence can make a difference in Miami, but I think it can mean more where I’m from.”

For this week’s blog post I am going to write about a man that is from my hometown.  He is just a kid from Northeast Ohio and he made the decision to bring his talents back to Ohio over the summer. I chose Lebron James not only because I think he is a very talented athlete, but also because I’ve had the chance to actually experience and see the changes that he has made in the lives of thousands of students.

In his letter stating his return to Cleveland Lebron said, “I see myself as a mentor now and I’m excited to lead some of these talented young guys.” LeBron has proved himself as a leader on the court and I had the opportunity to attend his welcome home event where he showed himself as leader in the Northeast Ohio community.   

Through the LeBron James Family Foundation and his Wheels for Education program LeBron has supported hundreds of students who  have made the pledge to LeBron to go to school, respect their teachers and parents, and to do all their work. LeBron is a passionate and charismatic leader that all these kids in the community look up to. Even during his time in Miami he made frequent visits to his students and was always in touch with them through writing and videos.

LeBron is determined to make a difference in his community and he has gone above and beyond his calling and will continue to do so. 

Introduction

My name is Matthew Kinley and I am currently in my junior year here at Ohio State. Besides Columbus, the other city that I call home is Akron, which after this summer many know it as the place where LeBron James is from. I started my undergrad at Miami University and shortly after found out that it just wasn't for me. I ended up here at Ohio State and have never looked back. I am a student in the Fisher College of business with my specialization in Accounting.

I am an active person so I spend as much time outside playing frisbee, soccer, baseball, or really anything that keeps me moving.  I spent my childhood riding dirt bikes and ATV’s with my best friend so, against my parent’s wishes, I decided to purchase a motorcycle this summer and I spent a lot of my free time riding around the city with my good friend. I have always had a need for speed so having a motorcycle was something that, as a kid, I dreamed of having so I really enjoyed being able to do that these last couple of months.

   

I feel extremely lucky to be here at Ohio State and in Columbus where I am just surrounded by opportunities. Everywhere I look there is another event or activity that is encouraging students to do something new or to network with professionals in their field. I have met some amazing people here and it is hard to believe how fast time has gone. I feel like I will never run out of new things to experience in this city.

This is my second leadership course and the first one I took was Leadership in Community service. Last semester, I found myself at a food pantry serving individuals with HIV and cancer every week and it truly was an eye opening experience. I look forward to this semester and seeing how this class will continue to help mold me into a better individual.