Section 1: The Initial Letter
As a Technology Commissioner at Ripon High School, I hope to improve our campus by bringing music to school events and editing videos so that the students of Ripon High can recap their years and see how far they have come. I was a part of Leadership when I was a freshman and I believe that that experience has prepared me enough to be a part of this program. Additionally, the year that I took away from Leadership gave me the opportunity to see the perspective of most students in our school that are not in Leadership. This perspective gave me insight on what can be improved in and out of the Leadership classroom. Taking a break from Leadership showed me what it means to be a leader with initiative and gave me the opportunity to start fresh. This brings me to the theme of my portfolio this year, which is rebirth and the importance of change. Each first day of school for the past three years has felt like a new beginning–a new opportunity to improve myself and change for the better. For example, I would never have considered being in choir for the school during my freshman year, and it took the experience of being in the school play to change that. I found a new appreciation for art and music as I learned the effect that storytelling can have on others. So, this year, I want to emphasize that changes in perspective are important, and how refreshing it can be to begin every day as one would begin a new life.
Section 2: Meaningful Quotes
“The world is more malleable than you think, and it’s waiting for you to hammer it into shape.” - Bono (U2)
This quote is meaningful because it simplifies the idea of changing the world. While sometimes changing the world can seem like an incredibly daunting task, Bono believes that the world is malleable and changeable. In fact, he believes that the world is meant to be changed. Changing the world makes sense from his perspective as someone who has changed the world through his music, spreading messages of love and kindness through his songs.
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Make your own victories. Make your own mistakes.” - Joan Jett (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts)
I like this quote because it includes the idea of making one’s own mistakes. Mistakes are essential on the path to success, as one must learn how to learn and grow through said mistakes. To never experience failure is to be inexperienced and immature. Failure teaches us that we have the strength to get back up after falling. Joan Jett achieved the success of a rockstar despite the negative perception of girls playing rock and roll at the time. However, it was through this success despite adversity that she paved the way for many of her listeners to chase their dreams and become what they want to be, no matter what people think of them.
“Everyone's different. If everyone was the same, it would be boring as shit.” -James Hetfield (Metallica)
This quote is meaningful mostly from its context. James Hetfield became one of the most popular, greatest musicians of all time, with his band selling out as many tickets as Taylor Swift despite starting in the 1980s. Yet, Hetfield explains here how it is important to embrace one’s differences to add some variety to life. Everybody is different. Everybody has their own ideals and beliefs, talents and skills–and that’s alright. In fact, it’s amazing how people can have differences and each contribute something different to the world.
This quote is meaningful because it simplifies the idea of changing the world. While sometimes changing the world can seem like an incredibly daunting task, Bono believes that the world is malleable and changeable. In fact, he believes that the world is meant to be changed. Changing the world makes sense from his perspective as someone who has changed the world through his music, spreading messages of love and kindness through his songs.
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Make your own victories. Make your own mistakes.” - Joan Jett (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts)
I like this quote because it includes the idea of making one’s own mistakes. Mistakes are essential on the path to success, as one must learn how to learn and grow through said mistakes. To never experience failure is to be inexperienced and immature. Failure teaches us that we have the strength to get back up after falling. Joan Jett achieved the success of a rockstar despite the negative perception of girls playing rock and roll at the time. However, it was through this success despite adversity that she paved the way for many of her listeners to chase their dreams and become what they want to be, no matter what people think of them.
“Everyone's different. If everyone was the same, it would be boring as shit.” -James Hetfield (Metallica)
This quote is meaningful mostly from its context. James Hetfield became one of the most popular, greatest musicians of all time, with his band selling out as many tickets as Taylor Swift despite starting in the 1980s. Yet, Hetfield explains here how it is important to embrace one’s differences to add some variety to life. Everybody is different. Everybody has their own ideals and beliefs, talents and skills–and that’s alright. In fact, it’s amazing how people can have differences and each contribute something different to the world.
Section 4: Goals
- I will understand each aspect of Technology at Ripon High School and be able to set up said technology independently by the end of the year.
- I will show gratitude to my classmates by performing at least one act of gratitude per week.
- I will set up another event at which Rock and Roll Club can showcase their talents.
- I will get a PR in Cross Country.
- I will publish a book that will become a bestseller.
- I will submit an entry for the Young Writers Awards.
Section 6: People Magazine Cover
Section 7: People Magazine Article
James Wilkins: Jack of All Trades
Throughout his high school career, James Wilkins has gone through many personal changes in his ambitions and his goals. While he has stayed consistent in participating in Cross Country every year, he has grown in his diversity of interest, going so far as to begin taking music classes such as Advanced Choir and Orchestra. He strives to succeed in all of his artistic and academic endeavors as he hopes to change his world with stories and art. This diversity in interest has led to Wilkins gaining a variety of skill sets that have been utilized throughout his high school career. During his current Junior year, he works as the Technology Commissioner for Leadership as well as the vice president of both Drama Club and Rock and Roll Club at Ripon High School.
Despite the difficulties and stress that can come from his ambitions, Wilkins states that he believes he has changed for the better. He states, “I think rebirth is an important part of all human life, or all life in general, for that matter. I believe that it’s natural for us to be reborn so that we can flourish in our own skin. Like a caterpillar, you could say…” Wilkins believes that his personal “rebirth” regarding his sudden pursuit of the arts will lead to a wild experience that he could learn and grow from.
However, the perceived change in ambition does not mean that Wilkins hopes to abandon any of his previous plans. He still hopes to attend college and get a degree in engineering so that he may build things to help others around the world. He still hopes to write and publish a bestselling novel. Most of all, he still hopes to be an inspiring and kind role model for those around him.
Throughout his high school career, James Wilkins has gone through many personal changes in his ambitions and his goals. While he has stayed consistent in participating in Cross Country every year, he has grown in his diversity of interest, going so far as to begin taking music classes such as Advanced Choir and Orchestra. He strives to succeed in all of his artistic and academic endeavors as he hopes to change his world with stories and art. This diversity in interest has led to Wilkins gaining a variety of skill sets that have been utilized throughout his high school career. During his current Junior year, he works as the Technology Commissioner for Leadership as well as the vice president of both Drama Club and Rock and Roll Club at Ripon High School.
Despite the difficulties and stress that can come from his ambitions, Wilkins states that he believes he has changed for the better. He states, “I think rebirth is an important part of all human life, or all life in general, for that matter. I believe that it’s natural for us to be reborn so that we can flourish in our own skin. Like a caterpillar, you could say…” Wilkins believes that his personal “rebirth” regarding his sudden pursuit of the arts will lead to a wild experience that he could learn and grow from.
However, the perceived change in ambition does not mean that Wilkins hopes to abandon any of his previous plans. He still hopes to attend college and get a degree in engineering so that he may build things to help others around the world. He still hopes to write and publish a bestselling novel. Most of all, he still hopes to be an inspiring and kind role model for those around him.
Section 8: Role Model
Someone that I have really come to admire and see as a role model is Bono from the rock and roll band U2. Not only has he written some extremely influential music during his time, but he has also participated in many foreign aid efforts, even going so far as to start a nonprofit named after one of his most famous songs: “One.” Furthermore, he and his band have performed at two Live Aid performances, which are large concerts featuring a variety of artists in order to raise money for aid in Africa. In his early years, Bono’s lyrics were primarily centered around stopping violence and war, which he witnessed much of in his home city of Dublin, Ireland. Despite U2’s punk rock roots, the band quickly became an instrument for emotion, faith and love, starting with their fifth album: “The Joshua Tree.” Bono switched from singing about troubles in his home to singing against injustice and oppression around the world. Additionally, Bono put forth personal efforts to change the world for the better, meeting with politicians and world leaders to advocate for peace and unity throughout the world. I think that it is quite admirable that Bono uses his position as an influential figure in the world of music to influence politics in a positive way that encourages people to be united and loving to each other. Nonetheless, Bono is not afraid to show a bit of rebellion in his music and action. In many of Bono’s songs, he criticizes large organizations or even governments, compelling them to function without corruption and have integrity. Bono has been an innovative and inspiring rock and roll artist, making him a role model for an aspiring artist and writer such as myself.
Section 9: Inner Animal
I believe that an animal that well represents who I am or, rather, who I aspire to be, is a dog. My idea for this mainly comes from the word: “cynic,” which I believe represents me kind of accurately, despite my unorthodox perception of the word. In most contexts, a cynic is supposed to be someone who believes that everyone has selfish intentions, so it is alright to be selfish and arrogant because everyone else is doing it as well. I disagree with this definition. The word comes from a Greek legend of a man named Diogenes, who aspired to live deliberately, taking only that which he absolutely needed to survive, without caring at all what others thought of him. Although I don’t believe in everything that Diogenes stood for, the Greeks invented a term for his followers: “Kunikos,” which means “dog-like.” I do consider myself a cynic, but only when the word is taken in context. Dogs are creatures of unconditional love and trust. Although the people around them may be untrustworthy and selfish, a dog will still show love and compassion to those who need it. In some cases, they will also protect others. While I do believe that a majority of people in this world are in it for themselves, I do not see a reason to be just like them. If most people are selfish, to me it seems the best option to be the exception. I want to show unconditional love and friendship to all, like a dog–like my perception of what a cynic should be. That being said, I would like to take from Diogenes in that I want to live life deliberately, taking every moment as it comes naturally. Dogs have little worry about the past or future, allowing them to participate in activities that can cheer others up. I want to live in the moment as a dog does, taking every opportunity to be joyous and cheerful so that I can share that joy with others. Dogs are also quite empathetic, which I always strive to be.
Section 10: The Best Things About Me
Section 11: The Impact of Sound and Words
A song that I have found myself singing in times of contemplation is the opening track for U2’s 1991 album: “Achtung Baby.” The song is titled, “Zoo Station,” and it describes the rebirth of the band as it grew and changed to account for the band members’ changing perspectives on the world after the cold war ended. The album was written in Germany following the fall of the Berlin wall, which gave the album a greater sense of purpose, as if the band was realizing that their place in the world was so much bigger than on a stage. I believe that this song relates quite well to my theme of growth through rebirth because it symbolizes the concurrent themes of the band at this time. The lyrics state that the singer is ready for change, ready for anything that will bring something new to their world. I often listen to this song when I fear change because it brings me comfort to know that “Time is a train, makes the future the past, keep you standing in the station, with your face pressed up against the glass.” I want to get on that train, allowing it to take me further to my place in eternity.
I'm ready for the laughing gas
I'm ready
I'm ready for what's next
I'm ready to duck
I'm ready to dive
I'm ready to say
I'm glad to be alive
I'm ready
I'm ready for the push, uh huh
In the cool of the night
In the warmth of the breeze
I'll be crawling 'round
On my hands and knees
Just down the line
Zoo Station
Got to make it on time, oh Zoo Station
I'm ready
I'm ready for the gridlock
I'm ready
To take it to the street, uh huh
I'm ready for the shuffle
Ready for the deal
Ready to let go of the steering wheel
I'm ready
Ready for the crush, uh huh
Zoo Station
Zoo Station
Zoo Station
Alright, alright, alright, alright, alright
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Hey baby, hey baby, hey baby, hey baby
It's alright, it's alright
Time is a train
Makes the future the past
Leaves you standing in the station
Your face pressed up against the glass
I'm just down the line from your love (Zoo Station)
Under the sign of your love (Zoo Station)
I'm gonna make it on time, make it on time (Zoo Station)
Just a stop down the line (Zoo Station)
Just a stop down the line
I'm ready for the laughing gas
I'm ready
I'm ready for what's next
I'm ready to duck
I'm ready to dive
I'm ready to say
I'm glad to be alive
I'm ready
I'm ready for the push, uh huh
In the cool of the night
In the warmth of the breeze
I'll be crawling 'round
On my hands and knees
Just down the line
Zoo Station
Got to make it on time, oh Zoo Station
I'm ready
I'm ready for the gridlock
I'm ready
To take it to the street, uh huh
I'm ready for the shuffle
Ready for the deal
Ready to let go of the steering wheel
I'm ready
Ready for the crush, uh huh
Zoo Station
Zoo Station
Zoo Station
Alright, alright, alright, alright, alright
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Hey baby, hey baby, hey baby, hey baby
It's alright, it's alright
Time is a train
Makes the future the past
Leaves you standing in the station
Your face pressed up against the glass
I'm just down the line from your love (Zoo Station)
Under the sign of your love (Zoo Station)
I'm gonna make it on time, make it on time (Zoo Station)
Just a stop down the line (Zoo Station)
Just a stop down the line
Section 12: Portfolio Photo Gallery
Section 13: What I like best about being a member of Leadership
The first of my favorite Leadership memories from this year would be the time that Deep and I were tasked with setting up the technological tools required for the yearly powderpuff game, at which the Homecoming court winners would be announced. Deep had been working to provide a theatrical entrance for the powder puff players, which was ambitious, but he knew that it would pay off if we could do it correctly. With that vision in mind, Deep and I got to work in setting up a tunnel and fog machine as well as a fan to blow the fog out of the tunnel when it came time to introduce the players. To our surprise, when we finally got all of the technology up and running, the power suddenly cut out. Deep and I looked at each other with horrified smiles as we rapidly considered our options. With the start of the game being just minutes away, we got to work finding another outlet to get power and setting up all of the technology once more. It was mildly stressful to put all of that back together in such a short time, but in the end everything worked out. The powder puff team got an epic entrance to the football field and I got to commentate the game with Elias and Mr. Perez. Another one of my favorite memories in Leadership will always be our late nights that we spent decorating things for Homecoming. Homecoming decoration days were so much fun for me because I loved gathering with a group of people to work toward a common goal to serve others, in this case, our community. We always get into deep conversations and have so much fun during these decoration days and I believe it is some of the best social quality time that I have ever had in high school. Another very fond memory of mine was our secret santa at the end of last semester. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing everyone’s reactions to their gifts and seeing how the classroom can change when we are all sat together in a circle to celebrate each other. The gift that I received was a very nice, leather journal and pen. This gift was extremely personal to me because I aspire to be a writer someday and I love to write books, whether it be online or handwritten. I sincerely appreciate Jenna’s gesture and I already know what kind of story I wish to write in this new journal.
Section 14: A reflection of a peer in leadership
I have known Alana Jones since the beginning of our Drama Club production of “The Wizard of Oz” in 2023. In addition to her awesome acting skills, Alana Jones has shown immense responsibility and initiative during her time in Leadership. The other day during rehearsal for our upcoming production of “Little Women,” a newer member of the drama club began to rehearse a solo song that he had in the musical. During and after this rehearsal, Alana was very encouraging and enthusiastic with our newer members of the drama club. It’s an incredible amount of work to direct a whole show like she is doing, and her passion for the craft really shows in the performance. What our club lacks in people and time, Alana makes up for in passion and encouragement. I’ve really enjoyed going from acting with her in the Wizard of Oz to seeing her run the show in our latest musical endeavor. Alana Jones shows her immense selflessness and kindness through her work in both the Drama Club and Leadership.
Section 15: RHS Pride Photo Gallery
Section 16: What I Love To Do...
Something that I really love to do is play the guitar. For the past few years, since I’ve picked up the instrument, it has been an amazing tool for me to express myself through. To be able to hold an instrument like the guitar and create something out of what once was nothing is one of the most liberating things I’ve ever felt. Learning the guitar has led me to join rock bands, jazz bands, even to experiment with writing my own music. The instrument has really helped me to grow out of my shell and experience what it’s like to create art. Additionally, the foundational music knowledge that the guitar has given me has brought me to a variety of musical experiences that have helped me to grow. Since picking up the guitar, I’ve learned how to play the bass guitar, the drums, a little bit of piano, and the viola. As for the rock bands I’ve joined, I’ve got two main ones that have had the most impact on me so far. The first of which has been the Rock and Roll Club of Ripon High School, which I helped to start and get running. Jamming with the Rock and Roll club has taught me a lot about professionalism in all aspects of life, despite rock and roll being usually considered an informal genre of music. My other band, The Amber Room, has been a great experience with learning how to play music in a band in general. Local concerts playing the guitar have been great experiences for me in my journey of overcoming stage fright and being able to put myself out there with pride.
Section 17: Letter to Parents
Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you so much for the life you’ve given me thus far. I don’t say this enough, but it is hard to put into words how much I appreciate everything that you have done for me. I know you’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices for me and you’ve always pushed me to be successful and I cannot thank you enough. Thank you for raising me into the person I am today, despite the failures I’ve had and the mistakes I’ve made along the way. Even through my toughest times–times that I surely didn’t deserve it–you both treated me with immense love and kindness. Even in my darkest times, you’ve made me feel loved and appreciated. So, thank you for raising me to be a part of this fortuitous home and family that you’ve created for my siblings and I. Furthermore, I would like to thank you for my siblings, who have each played important roles in raising me as well as you have. I love each and every one of our family members and I greatly appreciate you for bringing me into this amazing world we live in. Thank you for giving me the best life I could ever ask for.
Love,
James Wilkins
Thank you so much for the life you’ve given me thus far. I don’t say this enough, but it is hard to put into words how much I appreciate everything that you have done for me. I know you’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices for me and you’ve always pushed me to be successful and I cannot thank you enough. Thank you for raising me into the person I am today, despite the failures I’ve had and the mistakes I’ve made along the way. Even through my toughest times–times that I surely didn’t deserve it–you both treated me with immense love and kindness. Even in my darkest times, you’ve made me feel loved and appreciated. So, thank you for raising me to be a part of this fortuitous home and family that you’ve created for my siblings and I. Furthermore, I would like to thank you for my siblings, who have each played important roles in raising me as well as you have. I love each and every one of our family members and I greatly appreciate you for bringing me into this amazing world we live in. Thank you for giving me the best life I could ever ask for.
Love,
James Wilkins
Section 23: The Ideal Leader
I believe that the ideal leader takes care of themself more than anything. In order to lead well and to one’s greatest potential, one has to be at their own greatest potential. In this sense, a leader has to develop themself before they develop others. However, I believe that a true leader won’t do this in a selfish sense. Someone who leads will lead by example, taking care of themself not to be selfish or egotistical, but for the sake of the group. The difference between a leader and a narcissist is humility. A good leader will develop themselves, make themselves better with hopes to spread their skills and experience among the group, furthering the development of the group as a whole. A narcissistic leader will develop themselves to brag and prove themselves to the group, displaying insecurity in their own skills. Having an insecure ego can be the downfall of a leader, and the downfall of a leader can very well lead to the downfall of a group. In order to foster a sense of development and growth in a group, the leader must have a desire to develop and grow personally, knowing that they may be in the wrong. A sense of humility is crucial to a good leader so that there can be a comfortable environment in a team in which questions are welcomed and so is criticism. Criticism is integral to the development of a team, so it should be exhibited in a good leader. Overall, I think humility and altruism are tied close together in the development of a good leader. To be able to know oneself is to know how one leads and therefore how one can be the best leader that they can be. As such, I believe that, above all else, the ideal leader is humble.