It's January 4th. Four days into the new year. Most people have already made their resolutions and set their goals. I made mine...it's to make this blog. You know what that means? I made a resolution to write so I can find my resolutions.
Basically, as it stands, I have no idea what I'm doing. Yes, I'm going to finish my term as President strong. And yes, I intend to pick up my grades and start learning to be more self sufficient....but where to begin?
Shit. I don't even have my classes set up. I guess it's because I still don't know where I want to go with CKI.
My term is almost up. Looking back at my caucus speech and all the promises I made...I really didn't get to do much of it. Sure, we accomplished so much and I am damn proud of this club but at the same time....
Am I done? Will I fade away like so many past leaders this club has had in the past?I've learned a valuable lesson when it comes to CKI. This club will be there for you if you need it. For those who have already gotten what they can out of the club - the service and need to help others, the chance to develop and grow as a leader, and an opportunity to meet and grow relationships with great many people - once that is all done and they can do no more with the club...they move on.
I don't know if it's my time to move on. A great part of me is saying, "look, you didn't do everything that you could have done. There is so much left for you to do and accomplish. This club still needs you and you still need it." At the same time, another part of me is saying, "you've had your shot. Now it's time to try a different avenue, a different approach. Stop focusing your time and effort in this and move on to something else."
It's weird. I used to think that all those who have left before me lost their passion and love for this club. It's not true. They just have moved on. The love is still there but the time is past. I just don't know if it's my time yet.
I'd be lying if I said that I didn't fill out my schedule for next year because I was lazy. No. It's because I don't know where to put my time and energy. I already know many of my friends and all of my family want to see me out of CKI. That in itself is motivation for me to stay, actually, as a show of defiance and dedication to this honorable club. However, I do feel that I have become distant...
When I commit myself, I fuckin do it. I just haven't decided yet. Time is running out.
I don't know if anybody reads this, but if you could please help me out, just talk to me. Please.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Epiphany
So I'm not gonna lie or try to hide it. I'm pretty religious. I know, I should keep this club neutral and all, but I can't help it if I am motivated at least in part by my values and faith system. I'm not trying to preach or convert anyone. I just want to recall something that I was thinking while practicing my faith. So if the word "God" offends you or turns on your warning alarm, I apologize.
I was sitting in church listening to the gospel about the epiphany of Jesus Christ. The priest had a joke to start off his rant:
"In a quiet village, there was a lonely religious man living in a home. One day, there was a terrible flood, and the villagers were urged to evacuate. When the police arrived at this man's door offering help, he replied, "it's OK. My God will save me." The flood raged on and the man was forced to his second floor. There, firefighters on a raft offered to save him, but he replied again, "it's ok. My God will save me." On went the storm, and the man fled to the roof. There, he saw a helicopter hovering above and rescue teams sending ropes to help him. One more time, the man refused saying, "it's OK. My God will save me."
He drowned.
In heaven, he got a chance to confront God. "Why didn't you come and save me??"
God said in return with a bit of frustration, "I sent you the police, firefighters, and even a helicopter!"
___________
Funny joke. It got the whole church chuckling. I understood though. If you've ever watched the "Almighty" movies (Bruce Almighty and Evan Almighty), this makes even more sense.
Every day, I have the opportunity to be a miracle to someone else. I make my life a challenge to be a source of positive change in the lives of those around me. I was happy hearing this joke in church. This is how I live my faith...by living my life the best that I can for myself and for others.
Why am I motivated to do the things I do? Not only is it in accordance to my religious beliefs, the way my parents raised me, and just being a good kid in today's society, but makes me feel hella good. This is one thing I am proud of: that I can be a difference.
There is no real proof that God exists. However, through my actions and deeds I can embody him. I'll be living proof.
I was sitting in church listening to the gospel about the epiphany of Jesus Christ. The priest had a joke to start off his rant:
"In a quiet village, there was a lonely religious man living in a home. One day, there was a terrible flood, and the villagers were urged to evacuate. When the police arrived at this man's door offering help, he replied, "it's OK. My God will save me." The flood raged on and the man was forced to his second floor. There, firefighters on a raft offered to save him, but he replied again, "it's ok. My God will save me." On went the storm, and the man fled to the roof. There, he saw a helicopter hovering above and rescue teams sending ropes to help him. One more time, the man refused saying, "it's OK. My God will save me."
He drowned.
In heaven, he got a chance to confront God. "Why didn't you come and save me??"
God said in return with a bit of frustration, "I sent you the police, firefighters, and even a helicopter!"
___________
Funny joke. It got the whole church chuckling. I understood though. If you've ever watched the "Almighty" movies (Bruce Almighty and Evan Almighty), this makes even more sense.
Every day, I have the opportunity to be a miracle to someone else. I make my life a challenge to be a source of positive change in the lives of those around me. I was happy hearing this joke in church. This is how I live my faith...by living my life the best that I can for myself and for others.
Why am I motivated to do the things I do? Not only is it in accordance to my religious beliefs, the way my parents raised me, and just being a good kid in today's society, but makes me feel hella good. This is one thing I am proud of: that I can be a difference.
There is no real proof that God exists. However, through my actions and deeds I can embody him. I'll be living proof.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Resolution
1/1/11
Welcome to the year 2011. It's been a rough journey getting here, and the story that has been left is much to long to recount, but no doubt chock full of memories and important lessons. We are finally here.
To tell the truth, I'm not ready. Yea yea, fresh start and all, but I haven't really gotten to the point where I can just put the past away and focus on the future,
Mistake. A leader is always forward looking. Whether you are leading from the front, back, or side, you must always keep a steadfast eye on the future, t know where your destination lies, and to stay vigilant of the new challenges that approach.
This is what I will do. I have two resolutions that I will follow this year. I will do my best, but nobody is perfect. They are:
1. Look to the future. I will strive to keep my head forward. Not down in shame or defeat. Not up in lofty and grand visions or dreaming vicariously of other lives. Not to the side trying to be like those around me and not back always thinking about things in hindsight. I will strive too keep that forward view and be the leader I set out to be so long ago.
2. I will strive to document and log my thoughts and ideas in a daily blog. Yes, I will write every day. My communication is horrible. E-mails, ironically, are so formal and need to be proof-read and structured and clear...and nobody reads them anyways right? If I cannot reach the masses via e-mail, facebook, twitter, etc....I will leave my thoughts here, for the random passerby or curious member. No, it's not being active in gathering listeners, but I have come to terms that I am introverted and that I much prefer the ability of blogs to allow me to write without fear of judgment or being imposing on readers. This is simple, suits my style, and will keep me on track. Yes, this is for me and for all those who choose to read what I have to say. If I'm going to have something to say, I need to get it out somewhere and not just let it rot and fester in my mind.
This is i. 2011. I will never forget 010 and I don't want to. I will keep it there and learn from it, and make 2011 better and more productive. That is what I am resolved to do.
Now to get on adjusting to writing "/11" at the end of all my dates. Happy New Year Everyone!
Welcome to the year 2011. It's been a rough journey getting here, and the story that has been left is much to long to recount, but no doubt chock full of memories and important lessons. We are finally here.
To tell the truth, I'm not ready. Yea yea, fresh start and all, but I haven't really gotten to the point where I can just put the past away and focus on the future,
Mistake. A leader is always forward looking. Whether you are leading from the front, back, or side, you must always keep a steadfast eye on the future, t know where your destination lies, and to stay vigilant of the new challenges that approach.
This is what I will do. I have two resolutions that I will follow this year. I will do my best, but nobody is perfect. They are:
1. Look to the future. I will strive to keep my head forward. Not down in shame or defeat. Not up in lofty and grand visions or dreaming vicariously of other lives. Not to the side trying to be like those around me and not back always thinking about things in hindsight. I will strive too keep that forward view and be the leader I set out to be so long ago.
2. I will strive to document and log my thoughts and ideas in a daily blog. Yes, I will write every day. My communication is horrible. E-mails, ironically, are so formal and need to be proof-read and structured and clear...and nobody reads them anyways right? If I cannot reach the masses via e-mail, facebook, twitter, etc....I will leave my thoughts here, for the random passerby or curious member. No, it's not being active in gathering listeners, but I have come to terms that I am introverted and that I much prefer the ability of blogs to allow me to write without fear of judgment or being imposing on readers. This is simple, suits my style, and will keep me on track. Yes, this is for me and for all those who choose to read what I have to say. If I'm going to have something to say, I need to get it out somewhere and not just let it rot and fester in my mind.
This is i. 2011. I will never forget 010 and I don't want to. I will keep it there and learn from it, and make 2011 better and more productive. That is what I am resolved to do.
Now to get on adjusting to writing "/11" at the end of all my dates. Happy New Year Everyone!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Rebirth
Hello.
I have gone through a tough turmoil that we all have or are going through at the moment: studying for and taking finals. I'm not some super smart ace or anything, and I'm lucky to have scraped by by the skin of my teeth this year, but I sure as hell tried. I made a sacrifice though. For three weeks, I shirked my responsibilities as a president.
Suuure....you say "well, student before president so don't worry". NO! dammit. NO! You are right about being a student first. After all, if I weren't a student in good standing, I would not, according to our bylaws, be able to serve as your president. However, a good president wouldn't have to shirk responsibility to get shit done.
If I were a good president, I would have a) prepared far enough in advance with as much detail that I wouldn't have to worry about the events during and after studies weeks (i.e. have a plan) or b) have dedicated, willing, and able members be appointed to take care of the responsibilities for me while I struggle to save my ass from the impending doom of probation and suspension (by the way, option two seems damn near impossible to fulfill because you are technically the most dedicated, so there is nobody else besides you who is willing to give up precious time and attention to cki rather than study, at least from my experience)
Do you really want a list where I messed up?
No. I won't give you that list. It's a sign of weakness, which, yes...I am showing. Buuut...that's not the point of this message.
The point is, for future presidents and CKI leaders, be prepared! First message: be prepared. Elementary in theory, difficult in practice. Shit will get thrown your way, distract you, and soon enough....crap the event is nigh! Then again, maybe it's just me. I see other people who make it look like cake. I'm sorry, but I am working toward that enlightened status. I just hope that this wake up call reaches you future leaders so it doesn't reach you like it did to me. Use your summer and winter break wisely!!
Second message: move on. I am almost done sulking and beating myself up for screwing up. President's don't normally get second chances. So I've been thinking, "crud, I botched my only chance to have a great secret santa bonding event" or " damn, another WaW weekend come and gone and NOBODY KNEW ABOUT IT".
Well, nothing I can do about it now. I SINCERELY APOLOGIZE TO THOSE WHO I HAVE LET DOWN.
You see, feeling guilty about failure shows that you really do care, but at the same time you can't let it slow you down. If you REALLY cared, you wouldn't let it happen again.
I lost sight of why I ran for president in the first place. All I saw were my failures and let them get to me. With all the stress of the past few weeks, it's easy to see that, but so much harder to see all the wins along the way. I've finally taken the time to reflect and see what is truly important to me. Thanksgiving is once a year, but really we should be thankful every day.
I'm thankful for:
the dozens of benefit walks we have helped out and cheered at
the memorable trips to California with new faces
the funky icebreakers that we do
the stories told at happy/sad change
our post meeting socials
all of our awesome videos
our visits to the boys and girls club
helping out at kids carnivals and events
getting swiped into the dining commons
spending a miserable night being homeless together
supporting a contestant in a pageant
meeting a real life hero - a child cancer survivor
scaring kids in a haunted house
bringing Christmas to a family in need
delivering food to the homeless every week
invading and claiming a study room
spending a weekend of getting lost and living in the forest
going out to the middle of nowhere to clean up the environment
getting to know each and every one of my new friends
Every day, we spend so much time thinking about what should have been done or what could have happened. We forget to think about what actually did happen and how much we have grown or experienced from it. I let myself be guided by clouded visions of "what ifs" that I forgot to see what I have always seen from the beginning: an amazing club with awesome potential.
I wasn't ready to lead before. I had no clear vision of the future I would be leading us to. Now I do. It's a new year and we all deserve fresh starts. Let's end this one not by thinking about what could have been, but what has and what will be. I am ready to lead once again, and I hope that you will be willing to help me.
I have gone through a tough turmoil that we all have or are going through at the moment: studying for and taking finals. I'm not some super smart ace or anything, and I'm lucky to have scraped by by the skin of my teeth this year, but I sure as hell tried. I made a sacrifice though. For three weeks, I shirked my responsibilities as a president.
Suuure....you say "well, student before president so don't worry". NO! dammit. NO! You are right about being a student first. After all, if I weren't a student in good standing, I would not, according to our bylaws, be able to serve as your president. However, a good president wouldn't have to shirk responsibility to get shit done.
If I were a good president, I would have a) prepared far enough in advance with as much detail that I wouldn't have to worry about the events during and after studies weeks (i.e. have a plan) or b) have dedicated, willing, and able members be appointed to take care of the responsibilities for me while I struggle to save my ass from the impending doom of probation and suspension (by the way, option two seems damn near impossible to fulfill because you are technically the most dedicated, so there is nobody else besides you who is willing to give up precious time and attention to cki rather than study, at least from my experience)
Do you really want a list where I messed up?
No. I won't give you that list. It's a sign of weakness, which, yes...I am showing. Buuut...that's not the point of this message.
The point is, for future presidents and CKI leaders, be prepared! First message: be prepared. Elementary in theory, difficult in practice. Shit will get thrown your way, distract you, and soon enough....crap the event is nigh! Then again, maybe it's just me. I see other people who make it look like cake. I'm sorry, but I am working toward that enlightened status. I just hope that this wake up call reaches you future leaders so it doesn't reach you like it did to me. Use your summer and winter break wisely!!
Second message: move on. I am almost done sulking and beating myself up for screwing up. President's don't normally get second chances. So I've been thinking, "crud, I botched my only chance to have a great secret santa bonding event" or " damn, another WaW weekend come and gone and NOBODY KNEW ABOUT IT".
Well, nothing I can do about it now. I SINCERELY APOLOGIZE TO THOSE WHO I HAVE LET DOWN.
You see, feeling guilty about failure shows that you really do care, but at the same time you can't let it slow you down. If you REALLY cared, you wouldn't let it happen again.
I lost sight of why I ran for president in the first place. All I saw were my failures and let them get to me. With all the stress of the past few weeks, it's easy to see that, but so much harder to see all the wins along the way. I've finally taken the time to reflect and see what is truly important to me. Thanksgiving is once a year, but really we should be thankful every day.
I'm thankful for:
the dozens of benefit walks we have helped out and cheered at
the memorable trips to California with new faces
the funky icebreakers that we do
the stories told at happy/sad change
our post meeting socials
all of our awesome videos
our visits to the boys and girls club
helping out at kids carnivals and events
getting swiped into the dining commons
spending a miserable night being homeless together
supporting a contestant in a pageant
meeting a real life hero - a child cancer survivor
scaring kids in a haunted house
bringing Christmas to a family in need
delivering food to the homeless every week
invading and claiming a study room
spending a weekend of getting lost and living in the forest
going out to the middle of nowhere to clean up the environment
getting to know each and every one of my new friends
Every day, we spend so much time thinking about what should have been done or what could have happened. We forget to think about what actually did happen and how much we have grown or experienced from it. I let myself be guided by clouded visions of "what ifs" that I forgot to see what I have always seen from the beginning: an amazing club with awesome potential.
I wasn't ready to lead before. I had no clear vision of the future I would be leading us to. Now I do. It's a new year and we all deserve fresh starts. Let's end this one not by thinking about what could have been, but what has and what will be. I am ready to lead once again, and I hope that you will be willing to help me.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
To the new members of UNLV CKI:
In the animal kingdom, there are packs, herds, schools, prides, flocks, colonies...all kinds of groupings for the different species out there.
In CKI we have a family.
In my lifetime, I have been, for the most part, a lone wolf. I was content playing video games without a player two, I didn't join any clubs, and didn't really need a study buddy or anything. Ever since being exposed to CKI, all that has changed.
I was once a freshman member like you - fresh into college, low motivation, high apathy for the things around me. I was kinda forced into my first CKI event by my friend, Calvin Luo. It was there I met Nathan Viloria, the president at the time, and he welcomed me into the club.
Now all of that is history. I had the best time getting to know new people, reaching out to my community, learning fun new games and cheers, being a part of videos, going out to Cali for the first time without my parents, and doing things I never thought I would have done alone. For once in college, I felt like I belonged and it could never have been with a better bunch of people.
It felt like being in a family.
It is with these memories that I ran for president, hoping to create the opportunity for you to experience what I had and much more.
Now you are being installed. The past 2 and a half months have been a crazy ride - just about as crazy as my first year - and I hope you loved every bit of it as much as I did. It was a pleasure getting to know all of you at our projects, during and after meetings, and on the loooong ride to our Cali adventures. I am damn proud of all that you have accomplished as part of the club and welcome you to the next level of your experience.
In CKI, we are a family. I'll admit, it feels weird when I have to be a president and all and tell volunteer coordinators "I have some members coming along," because what I really want to say is "I have my friends coming too". I love each and every one of you, and I can see the potential that you all have. I know you will do great things, whether it be with us or out in the world on your own path, but I can say that tonight I am damn proud to make you officially one of us.
We are a family. We support each other through the good times and the bad. I hope you can count on us when you need a helping hand just as much as you know we will be there to share in the good times. Don't be afraid to step out of your shell, try out new things, live and learn. You will always have the support of your new family, after all.
"...dedicate ourselves to the realization of mankind's potential." It's the line we scream out the loudest in the pledge. You are a member of UNLV Circle K, now. It's your time to shine. It's your time to be the best. I already know you will do great.
Welcome to the family!
In CKI we have a family.
In my lifetime, I have been, for the most part, a lone wolf. I was content playing video games without a player two, I didn't join any clubs, and didn't really need a study buddy or anything. Ever since being exposed to CKI, all that has changed.
I was once a freshman member like you - fresh into college, low motivation, high apathy for the things around me. I was kinda forced into my first CKI event by my friend, Calvin Luo. It was there I met Nathan Viloria, the president at the time, and he welcomed me into the club.
Now all of that is history. I had the best time getting to know new people, reaching out to my community, learning fun new games and cheers, being a part of videos, going out to Cali for the first time without my parents, and doing things I never thought I would have done alone. For once in college, I felt like I belonged and it could never have been with a better bunch of people.
It felt like being in a family.
It is with these memories that I ran for president, hoping to create the opportunity for you to experience what I had and much more.
Now you are being installed. The past 2 and a half months have been a crazy ride - just about as crazy as my first year - and I hope you loved every bit of it as much as I did. It was a pleasure getting to know all of you at our projects, during and after meetings, and on the loooong ride to our Cali adventures. I am damn proud of all that you have accomplished as part of the club and welcome you to the next level of your experience.
In CKI, we are a family. I'll admit, it feels weird when I have to be a president and all and tell volunteer coordinators "I have some members coming along," because what I really want to say is "I have my friends coming too". I love each and every one of you, and I can see the potential that you all have. I know you will do great things, whether it be with us or out in the world on your own path, but I can say that tonight I am damn proud to make you officially one of us.
We are a family. We support each other through the good times and the bad. I hope you can count on us when you need a helping hand just as much as you know we will be there to share in the good times. Don't be afraid to step out of your shell, try out new things, live and learn. You will always have the support of your new family, after all.
"...dedicate ourselves to the realization of mankind's potential." It's the line we scream out the loudest in the pledge. You are a member of UNLV Circle K, now. It's your time to shine. It's your time to be the best. I already know you will do great.
Welcome to the family!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
The President Position
Hello visitors, curious minds, and bored people. My name is Ryan, and I am the current President of UNLV Circle K International. I have decided that I would like to start documenting some important, or at least what I deem to be important, information using this blogger. Do I have time? Yes. Should I be using it for something else? Yes. Is that something else homework? Yes. However, this is what I deem important and I would like to share it with you.
What is the role of President in Circle K?
This is quite a difficult question. You will spend a weekend with other presidents in the middle of nowhere trying to figure that out. You will attend numerous workshops and have many people tell you different things. You will spend your entire year as president trying to figure it out, and, when you have finally gotten things straight, you are retired and the new president steps in. I, however, will sum it up for you like this.
A president is the club bitch.
Done.
That's it. Plain and simple.
Why do I put it this way? Well, this stems from the NUMBER ONE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF CIRCLE K. Are you listening? It's in caps for a reason. OK.
The NUMBER ONE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF CIRCLE K IS THE....
...members.
It is the member. No, it is not service. It is not fellowship. It is not leadership. The member is what keeps the club alive. It is the member that defines the character of a club. It is the member that chooses how awesome the club will be by choosing how dedicated and committed they are to the club.
So how does this relate to the club president being the club bitch? Well, the president is there to make sure that the members are happy. As president, you make sure that the club is happy and is accomplishing its goals. Therefore, you are making sure the MEMBERS are happy and accomplishing their goals.
You exist to serve. Live to serve, love to serve. The title of president is responsibility. You are accountable for all the crap that your club suffers, but it is the members who get the credit for the accomplishments.
The upside down pyramid. In normal hierarchies, the top of the pyramid is supported by all the subordinates and followers. In this club, the top (the president) is actually the one that supports everyone else. They are in charge of their officers who are in turn in charge of their chairs who are in charge of their committees who are in charge of the regular dedicated members. Ultimately, the president is on the bottom making sure the pyramid is balanced and supported and, following the properties of gravity, if shit happens, it falls on the president's accountability.
It is tough being president, and I know that this year has had its ups and downs. I am not saying it is glamorous or miserable, but it is a lot to take on. I am damn proud of this club and hope for only better goals and hold higher expectations for next year and the generations to come.
As President, I hope that you, the member, are having the time of your college life, are really enjoying yourself, have found a home and new family in this club. I hope you are experiencing a new side of life through community service, are expressing your individuality and exploring new horizons through our leadership opportunities and chances to break out of your comfort bubble, and ultimately, I hope that you are having fun making new friends and creating lasting and supportive relationships with some interesting and diverse individuals.
If I have done this, and you can say that you are happy at this point, then I am being a good President. I will continue to do all I can to make this the best college experience you have ever had. I know there is not much time left to my term, but I will do my best. I love this club and you know that really means I love you.
~Ryan
What is the role of President in Circle K?
This is quite a difficult question. You will spend a weekend with other presidents in the middle of nowhere trying to figure that out. You will attend numerous workshops and have many people tell you different things. You will spend your entire year as president trying to figure it out, and, when you have finally gotten things straight, you are retired and the new president steps in. I, however, will sum it up for you like this.
A president is the club bitch.
Done.
That's it. Plain and simple.
Why do I put it this way? Well, this stems from the NUMBER ONE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF CIRCLE K. Are you listening? It's in caps for a reason. OK.
The NUMBER ONE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF CIRCLE K IS THE....
...members.
It is the member. No, it is not service. It is not fellowship. It is not leadership. The member is what keeps the club alive. It is the member that defines the character of a club. It is the member that chooses how awesome the club will be by choosing how dedicated and committed they are to the club.
So how does this relate to the club president being the club bitch? Well, the president is there to make sure that the members are happy. As president, you make sure that the club is happy and is accomplishing its goals. Therefore, you are making sure the MEMBERS are happy and accomplishing their goals.
You exist to serve. Live to serve, love to serve. The title of president is responsibility. You are accountable for all the crap that your club suffers, but it is the members who get the credit for the accomplishments.
The upside down pyramid. In normal hierarchies, the top of the pyramid is supported by all the subordinates and followers. In this club, the top (the president) is actually the one that supports everyone else. They are in charge of their officers who are in turn in charge of their chairs who are in charge of their committees who are in charge of the regular dedicated members. Ultimately, the president is on the bottom making sure the pyramid is balanced and supported and, following the properties of gravity, if shit happens, it falls on the president's accountability.
It is tough being president, and I know that this year has had its ups and downs. I am not saying it is glamorous or miserable, but it is a lot to take on. I am damn proud of this club and hope for only better goals and hold higher expectations for next year and the generations to come.
As President, I hope that you, the member, are having the time of your college life, are really enjoying yourself, have found a home and new family in this club. I hope you are experiencing a new side of life through community service, are expressing your individuality and exploring new horizons through our leadership opportunities and chances to break out of your comfort bubble, and ultimately, I hope that you are having fun making new friends and creating lasting and supportive relationships with some interesting and diverse individuals.
If I have done this, and you can say that you are happy at this point, then I am being a good President. I will continue to do all I can to make this the best college experience you have ever had. I know there is not much time left to my term, but I will do my best. I love this club and you know that really means I love you.
~Ryan
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thanksgiving 2009
Thanksgiving 2009 (CKI)
For those of you who were there for our UNLVCKI 2009 installation banquet, first of all I’d like to say thanks. Thank you for putting up with that hellish night and for staying with us this long. I hope you have found a home in Circle K and will continue to stick with our awesome organization. Welcome to the club!
Second of all, if you were listening during my service speech rundown, the theme went along the lines of “take a step back”. I talked about looking back at our history, how our club has grown, the impact we have been making on our community and our members, and the awesome service we have done in the past year. Well, I want to take this time out to really “take a step back” and look at what I am so very grateful for in CKI.
Ok, I first have to give thanks to my parents. I don't have a job, and I have no clear direction of where I'm going with my academics, but they still allow me to dedicate so much time, effort, and money to this club. We are going through some rough times right now, but I am glad that I have spent all this time with CKI and I hope my parents will see the fruits of what I have done with this great organization. Thanks Mom and Dad for being so patient with me.
Second, I want to give a special thank you to my board brothers. The board of 4/19 a.k.a ESF (Executive Sausage Fest) has a great chemistry and we work very well with each other and get our stuff done as best we can. Francis, you are doing an awesome job leading us. I know the position of President is stressful and you are often busy with other business, but you always seem able to do what you need to do for the best of CKI. Kevin, my wifey, you are always so busy and working hard on managing our chairs and big events. Your understanding of organizational infrastructure and functionality is surpassed only by your knowledge of fun and video games. Mike, somehow you really do make being secretary a sexy position - you're doing a great job. Also, your energy and enthusiasm, something unheard of in a typical secretarial type person, helps make not just our board, but our club even more loud and awesome. Glen, suave and cool as you keep our checkbook and paper trail neat and organized. You keep professionalism in line along with your quirky jokes and UNLV spirit. Thank you so much guys for making this year friggin epic! We survived the hell months! WOOOOOOOT!
And lastly, but not leastly...THE MEMBERS! Yes YOU, average member! But YOU are not so average in my book. YOU, the member that I see sitting anxiously at the meetings, taking note of the club activities and service projects. YOU the member that I have served with setting up a race, tutoring kids, spreading awareness, making boo boo bunnies, cleaning up the environment, serving ice cream to the elderly, and doing all the service stuff we do. YOU, the member that I have laughed with and played battle ax with or sang karaoke with at a social. YOU, the member who is always asking if they can help or be involved. It is because of YOU that our club is so awesome, that our club has done over 4,000 hours of service and really impacted our community, that our club can be considered a family to other members, that our club is platform from which future leaders can rise....
Thank you. You have really made this year friggin awesome!!!!
As I take this STEP BACK, I am reminded to be thankful for all of this and more. You new members have taken your first STEP FORWARD amongst many into becoming greater people. I am proud and very thankful to be able to aid you, to walk forward with you, in this journey that you have chosen with Circle K.
~Ryan Max Ocampo
UNLVCKI Vice President of Service
UNLVCKI Vice President of Service
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