Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

"When we put people in boxes where they can only be one or another, we miss the opportunity to see people as diverse as they are."

Thinking about this quote, I think that this is very true. Each person has multiple personality traits, characteristics and tendencies that make up who they are, no matter if it fits into one specific reference frame or another. I do not think that anyone can necessarily put one person into category A or category B. Yes, I agree that we all have inherent personalities that overshadow other aspects of ourselves, but saying that people can only be in this category or that category based one traits x,y, and z, is something I do not agree with.

Doing so personally makes me feel like I am in a prison--that I am confined to only certain characteristics because I am who I am. I believe that every individual is unique in their own way with characteristics that cover the entire spectrum. I personally feel like I am this way. As an introvert, there are definitely times where I feel physically drained and overwhelmed with certain situations, and I am not one to necessarily become exhilarated by interaction with others. However, this does not necessarily mean that I do not have instances in time or certain characteristics that display the tendencies of an extrovert. Overall, I believe that people are too diverse to be forced into categories that they may not necessarily embody entirely.

In my opinion, all of the MBTI characteristics are looked at fairly equally. While many accept that there are great differences between the different MBTI traits, when creating an effective and cohesive team, choosing people from people with all characteristics on the MBTI. Virtually all people with an array of MBTI characteristics are valued in some way and all have their certain strengths and weaknesses that balance out each other. 

In the perfect society, one would believe that society would accept and value diverse people that do not fit into any category or type. However, in some instances, there are times where I feel that society values the more charismatic and logical thinkers. These are people who are extremely personable and are able to make clear cut decisions without letting feelings or hesitations get in the way. In many instances, these kinds of people are able to gain the glorification of people across the world. Very rarely are true introverts and feelers celebrated as much as the charismatic and loved extroverts. There are of course many exceptions, but as a whole, I believe that society favors these kinds of people. 

For instance, take Kim Kardashian. She is a very influential extrovert who much of society idolizes and celebrates. She is undoubtedly looked and favored upon because of her charismatic and sociable behavior, and it is only because of this kind of personality that she is favored throughout society.

A true leader is one who can see all the differences in his or her group to see all of their personality types. It is only in understanding each of these differences that one is able to utilize their group to their fullest potential. If they are able to see all the strengths and weaknesses and understand how each group member balances out the other, then the group becomes a cohesive and truly effective team. It is only by understanding their group members that leaders are able to be in that leadership role. 

Heroic Leadership

For me to become the most successful leader, my goal is to use the Heroic Leadership model to its fullest capabilities. In order to use a model like this, key aspects like integrity, commitment, and selflessness are imperative. However, my favorite aspect of this leadership is something that almost no other leadership model has--love. It is such a simple thing, yet for many in leadership roles, has no position whatsoever. How can leaders lead without knowing who they are leading, by having compassion for those who they represent, or showing understanding for the obstacles and triumphs that others face? It is not only the inclusion of love that makes this leadership model the most appealing. Essentially, the Heroic Leadership model is the art of influencing others to their personal best in any task or project by putting their needs and your goal's needs above your own. Shouldn't this be the goal of any leader? I think that meeting a goal or ensuring that your team performs to their highest potential outweighs any personal issues that one may have.The key to being a truly great leader is bringing out each individual's true potential, that one thing that clicks for them so that they, along with the rest of your team, can succeed in their own personal way. I love this aspect of the Heroic model because what could be better than seeing others succeed and blossoming into truly inspiring people.

Now, I'm pretty sure we can all agree the Optimus Prime represents the Heroic Leadership model perfectly. He leads his team of Autobots with integrity, valor, and love, caring for each one without limits. He is a true example of why this leadership model is awesome! (Sorry for geeking out a little).

Although I find myself leaning towards this leadership model, I do have some hesitations and reservations about it. My one question is: how does one forgo their own personal desires, wants, and agendas completely solely for the benefit of others? Now, maybe this is just me being selfish, but I don't know if I would be able to completely let go of everything that I want and all of my own personal goals just to ensure that others are able to accomplish theirs. I mean, we all have goals, so how are we individually supposed to succeed if we have to give up our own goals every time someone else is in need? 

Being in student body president in high school, there were many times where I had to give up my own personal ideas because other members of my government team had ideas that would benefit the everyone instead of just a select few. Also, there were many times where I spent my own personal time to help others with their plans, ideas, and events reach true success. Also, here at Santa Clara, I'm in Associated Student Government, and part of the role is being able to work with others collaboratively. Part of that is being able to understand other peoples' mentalities when it comes to planning different events or when trying to create beneficial change on campus to better meet a group's expectations. Being in such leadership roles, I am definitely starting to get used to this idea that in order for leaders to reach their fullest potential, the idea of love and compassion needs to take form. 

I think this picture connects really well with the Social Change model. We are all individuals with different personalities, ideas, cultures, and more, however, when we come together and collaborate without discrimination, our world truly creates something special. We need to work together not only individually or within small groups, but our actions are all interwoven with the rest of our communities. By having common values and by working together, we accomplish the impossible! 

Who Are You?

Who are you? We all seem to be looking for the answer to this question in some way, shape, or form. The most basic question, yet we feel totally lost when asked this question. Who are you? Often times, even in things as formal as a college application, this question always seems to appear, and it is hard for all of us to tell others who we are with no other context as to what they are specifically asking. Who are you? Well honestly, I know just as much about my self as all of you are about to find out. I'm still looking for the answer to this question, but here are some things about myself that I know help me answer this question: Who are you?
Asian American. Now, obviously you can all tell I'm Asian, but the color of my skin or the slant of my eyes has nothing to do with the fact that being Asian has had a huge impact. Not only do I love pretty much all Asian food, including the weird dishes that everyone thinks are gross, but Asian culture has always been a huge place in my life. The traditions, holidays, beliefs--I've experienced it all and I love everything about it. Now some make fun of "Asian parents," but honestly, I could not think of better people to be raised by. Being raised in an Asian household, you learn a lot about morals, values, and most importantly, family pride. I would not trade being Asian American for anything!
Friends. Friendships are number one for me. I value friends above all else because these are people who do not share the same blood as you, yet they protect you and have your back as if they were kin. Friends are the family you can choose, and that's why I value my friendships above all else. True friends are irreplaceable. 
Now there's nothing much else I know about myself aside from a coupe other things. I love playing basketball and volleyball. I smile and laugh a lot. Overall, I'm just one who likes to live life to its fullest. This is who I think I am, now who are you?

Attached is a picture of one of my favorite quotes. Although a little dark, it's something I never forget. See if it has any meaning for you!