Wow, I cannot believe that I am actually a senior now, it is my last year in high school and it is my fourth and final year in leadership. Going to Core Camp this past summer made me realize how much I have grown personally and how far I have come all around. I have such high expectations for senior year for me personally and I have my own personal goals that I would like to achieve, but also within our leadership family. Core Camp really opened my eyes and seeing what talent and adversity this class has this year made me realize how great the year will be. I think that we will be one of the strongest groups of individuals anyone could collaborate on campus. We are all strong-willed, independent and well represented young leaders that Ripon High School is very lucky to have. Personally, I plan to make my senior year the best it can possibly be and I want to walk across that stage on May 29 with no regrets in my high school years, especially during my senior year. I want to make the most out of every moment, even the bad ones. I want to make senior year my year, where I begin my long and complicated path towards life and what my future is going to look like. I plan to make the “most of the lasts,” and I plan to do this by doing everything with my whole soul. Putting forth all the energy I can possibly produce and leave it all out there for my peers to see. My goal is to leave a legacy at Ripon High as a girl who was not afraid of anything and who represented herself as a good person with good morals. I also want to be known as the girl who would do just about anything for anyone and did it with a smile on her face.
Favorite Quotes
“This is the beginning of anything you want.” This quote is one of my favorite quotes this year especially because it is my last year in high school and around this time next year I will be at college starting my adulthood path in life and paving my own path. If I approach anything with the right mindset I will be able to do whatever I set my mind to, by being positive and persevering through the hard times. I have great aspirations for myself and by having confidence and the right amount of knowledge I am capable of anything.
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” Especially in our society, everyone is worried about the future and what or if something will happen or all the things one has to accomplish and no one simply lives in the moment. Be present with those in which you choose to surround yourself with, those whose present you genuinely enjoy and cherish and stop worrying about what the next thing to do has to be. Take what time you know you have, in the present, and put it to use. Stop stressing about tomorrow because in all honesty, no one knows if there will be a tomorrow, so live everyday as if it were your last. Take chances and be who you want to be. “If you want to fly, give up everything that weighs you down.” Stop allowing others weigh you down with their negative energy who just speak low of you. In high school especially, everyone is always the first to judge and speak poorly of someone without looking in the mirror before opening their mouth. Do not allow others to influence you and your life choices.
Quote Part 2
" Someday, everything will make perfect sense. So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears, be strong and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason." -John Mayer This quote applies to every aspect of life itself. Throughout this entire year so far, I have been all over the place, mentally, emotionally and physically. My senior year has been the most emotionally draining year of my life because I was and I still am struggling with my own inner issues and I am really just trying to figure out my purpose in life. This quote specifically applied to this year in leadership because some things did not go my way and whenever I wanted to give up, I tried to remind myself that this was meant to happen and there is a lesson to be learned from the sorrow I was feeling. I have and always will be a firm believer in everything happening for a reason and purpose, I personally view this moto from a religious point of view. I think this quote is important because it continuously reminds people that pain is only temporary and that there will always be a purpose or lesson to be learned at the end. This teaches people to stop stressing and to just accept and move on from the hardships. This quote is very simple, yet it can have such a deeper meaning, for me, this spoke to my soul and reminded me of my hardships this past year and how I coped with them and learned and moved forward.
Goals
A goal of mine is to be a peer or friend on campus that everyone knows they can rely on. I am not scared of putting myself out there or being an example to others, because I am confident with my own decisions and how I present myself. Another goal is that, this year I truly want to not have any regrets and or be on bad terms with anyone. It is the last year I have to spend with most of these people and I will more than likely not be friends with them a year from now, except for a few. I really just want to have a good time this year and have fun!!! A short term goal that I have for myself is to be the best version of myself I can be. This past summer has really changed who I am and what I stand for. I experienced some of my lowest points that I am not proud of, but I did overcome those obstacles and now I could not be any happier. Another short term goal that I would like to accomplish for myself would be to commit to playing volleyball at the collegiate level. I have been training and working very hard to accomplish this goal. A long term goal of mine is to attend a four year school that specializes in the field of medicine. Ideally, I would like to attend a school here in California so I am close to my family and earn academic money and even better, athletic money. My goal is to become a kinesiology major and becoming a sports physical therapist. It would be such a blessing to continue to play volleyball throughout my life and it will hopefully help me throughout college, whether it is a scholarship or just having the privilege to play on a team. I am constantly making strives to accomplish these goals.
Goals Part 2
This year I made some big strides in being a friend and peer on campus to anyone and everyone. I definitely broadened my friends and I am now good friends with people that I never thought I would talk to, especially the underclassmen. WIth this, comes new and unfamiliar experiences that I would have never gotten the opportunity to explore if it was not for talking to new people. I would not say that I am not on "bad terms" with anyone as of right now, I have my people that I talk to but I kind of keep my business to myself and I did not have any drama with friends. I do have regrets and I wish I did things differently, but that I human and I will make mistakes, but I can say that I had a great time doing what I have done and I can proudly say that I am extremely pleased with my high school experience as a whole. This short term of being the best version of myself was not successful because I did some things that I am not so proud of, but I have learned and I am human so I am going to make mistakes. I am doing a lot better and I am making more of an effort to do good because I have good intentions. I accomplished my short term goal of committing to play collegiate volleyball. I decided to play at Delta Junior College, but I did have an athletic scholarship to Menlo college in the Bay Area. I think that after my two years at Delta I am going to transfer to San Diego State University and earn my bachelors in human resources and I will probably doubly major in psychology as well. When I transfer I will definitely will play intramural volleyball or even club volleyball in San Diego.
People Magazine Cover
People Magazine Article
Caryssa McKeon plans to attend Delta junior college to continue her passion for volleyball and is planning to study kinesiology and possibly become a physical therapist with her own business. Ever since she was a young girl and all throughout her life, she knew she wanted to work in the medical field and help people. Caryssa Mckeon attended Ripon High School, which is where she recently graduated. She grew up in Ripon, California. Her parents are Aaron and Andrea McKeon. Caryssa has two younger siblings, a brother named Evan and a sister named Shayla. Caryssa began playing volleyball in elementary school for three years. She played 4 years of club volleyball, her first year was on Pulse Volleyball club, she played at Pacific Coast Volleyball club for her second year and played for Pulse for her last two years of club volleyball. Caryssa is an inspiration to many because of her hard work and her effort. She is working on and off the court to better herself as an athlete and teammate. Caryssa steps on the court each day with a drive and hunger to lead and perform to the best of her ability. Caryssa is a hard worker and she never gives up on anything. She would not stop until she finished her goal by exceeding her expectations. Nothing could stand in her way, nor would she allow it. Caryssa was extremely involved in her school and community. She was apart of her leadership program for all four years of high school and became a very strong and outgoing, according to her peers. She was apart of several clubs on campus and was thought about highly in school and around the halls. Some of her past peers stated, “Caryssa was known as a loyal, honest friend that honestly cared about her friends. Everyone always went to her for advice and she was always willing to help and guide someone. She was known as a mom too.” Caryssa McKeon was top ten in her class and took challenging courses in math, science and english. Her teachers had a great amount of respect towards her because she was always so diligent and meticulous about her work. She set the bar very high for herself and always went above and beyond even if it was not asked. Caryssa would like to continue her career in volleyball in coaching. She hopes to someday get married and have three children. Caryssa would ideally like to have three children, two sons and a daughter; in that order. Caryssa hopes one day her daughter will fall in love with volleyball just as she did. “To not only have my daughter follow in my footsteps in playing volleyball would a dream come true, but for me to coach her along the way would be a blessing.” this was stated by Caryssa. She has many aspirations and dreams for herself and she plans to accomplish every single one of them. She plans to be a great mother whom is highly involved in her children’s lives. As Caryssa states,” I know that I am not capable of doing it all but I am ALWAYS going to give it my best effort and make others happiness a priority. Caryssa ends her interview with this, “One day I am going to accomplish these dreams of mine and I am going to look back at how I got here; hard work, dedication and never losing sight as to what I wanted.”
Role Model
One of my role models is Bethany Hamilton. She was a professional surfer until one day a tiger shark attacked her and bit her left arm off completely. She fought for her life even though she lost most of her blood instantly but she battled. She survived this attack and not only did she survive but she worked against all odds and won. She returned to her normal life and worked ten times harder to return to her passion of surfing. She showed what true passion, hard work and dedication was by never losing sight of her goal and making strides to do so each and every day, no matter how hard it was. She inspires me to continue to work hard with everything I do and to always see the good and be the best I can, even at my worst moments. I hope to be like Bethany, especially for my volleyball career and what my future will be like for that. Along with hard work, dedication, passion and hope, I would like to find her drive and motivation to be the way she is.
Inner Animal
If I would be an animal, I would be a dog because I am loyal and honest. But I am also very competitive. Dogs are known for their loyalty to their owners and to each other. They will do just about anything for the things they care about, I do the same. I cannot express the importance of my friends and family and how I would do just about anything for the people that I care about the most. With this, comes protection. I am extremely protective over my friends and family because I care and want the best for them. I would protect them from harm and make sure that they are being taken care of properly. I am always fighting to be the best and look the best because I have that mindset that I always have to be perfect when in reality, I am not. I believe that I symbolize strength and courage of a dog because I am strong-minded and will never give up. I am also never afraid of a challenge and will always take charge and lead others as best as I can. I am also very opinionated and when I do not get my way I get very angry. I am always striving to be the best version of myself. I am a very caring and compassionate person who is kind to others but if you get on my bad side you will regret it.
The Best Parts about Me (part 1)
The Best Parts about Me (part 2)
Human by Christina Perri I can hold my breath I can bite my tongue I can stay awake for days If that's what you want Be your number one I can fake a smile I can force a laugh I can dance and play the part If that's what you ask Give you all I am I can do it I can do it I can do it But I'm only human And I bleed when I fall down I'm only human And I crash and I break down Your words in my head, knives in my heart You build me up and then I fall apart 'Cause I'm only human, yeah I can turn it on Be a good machine I can hold the weight of worlds If that's what you need Be your everything I can do it I can do it I'll get through it But I'm only human And I bleed when I fall down I'm only human And I crash and I break down Your words in my head, knives in my heart You build me up and then I fall apart 'Cause I'm only human, yeah I'm only human I'm only human Just a little human I can take so much Until I've had enough 'Cause I'm only human And I bleed when I fall down I'm only human And I crash and I break down Your words in my head, knives in my heart You build me up and then I fall apart 'Cause I'm only human, yeah This song relates to me because I hold myself to this obligation to be there for everyone and be everyone’s number one supporter. I try and help people that cannot necessarily help and I take others’ problems on as my own. I become very sad and emotional and do nothing but cry and overthink everything. I have to remind myself that I am only one person in this entire universe and I do not have time to be messing around and to be concerned with everyone else problems because I have my own life to live. I have people in my life that claim to care so much for me yet they treat me so poorly. I constantly feel let down and so belittled around people and I allow people’s words and actions affect me. I care when I should not, but I am only so much and I need to learn to step back and focus on me.
Homecoming Activities (part one)
Homecoming Activities (part two)
What I Like Best About Being A Member of Leadership
One of my favorite memories in leadership was my freshman year when Roland Davis and Jack Nelson started wrestling in our classroom when Morty was not paying attention and Jack ripped his pants. Everyone was recording it and posting it and it was actually really funny. To top it all off, Morty got really mad and gave our whole class lectures on child pornogrpahy that no one really took that serious because we all thought it was innocent and funny. A memory that I will be grateful for is Mock Interviews because it showed me what the real world was like and opened up a lot of opportunities for me. I was able to explore different potential career path interest of mine and really see what is best for me. This also taught me about professionalism and how to properly prepare for an interview. My final favorite memory was at core camp this past year when we piled into one dorm and stayed up super late sharing funny stories and talking with the girls. Sarah, our counselor actually came and talked and gossiped with us too which was super fun and hilarious. I actually had a great time at core camp this past tear even though I did not want to go at all.
Refelction of a Peer
Gabbi Ilardi. I have known her my entire life and we have grown up together so I would say that we are pretty close and we know each other very well. She has always been such a kind-hearted and compassionate girl. She always did her best to try and include everyone and was never one to judge someone for their actions or difference in opinion. I cannot think of just one time Gabbi stood out to me because she has always been this way, there has been countless scenarios that she has been a role model and leader to others by sacrificing herself for the benefits for others. I know she is still very young and has a lot of growing and maturing, but even for her age she is a remarkable young lady. Watching her grow into the strong, independent, supportive and passionate young lady she is to this day has been such a blessing. I cannot wait to see all the great things she will do in her life and in high school. Love you lots Gabbi and keep doing you!!
RHS Pride (part 1)
RHS Pride (part 2)
What I Love To Do
Volleyball is a true passion of mine and I cannot express my gratitude for having the opportunity to play such an amazing sport. I genuinely love playing and getting better each and every time I step on the court. I have made more memories than I thought I ever would as well as friendships that will last a lifetime. Volleyball has also taught me a few life lessons about work ethic and team skills. Some of my other hobbies include spending time with my family and friends. I love my family so much and I cannot be more grateful for them, they are my everything and I wouldn’t be who I am today without them. My friends never fail to make me smile or laugh. We are always making memories that I will cherish forever and they are my people when I am sad.I am so grateful to have been blessed with such amazing people being apart of my life. I truly would not be who I am today without the people I have met along the way.
Letter to Parents
Dear mother and father, I know for a fact that I am a lot to deal with most of the time, with my constant flow of crazy emotions. Along with my stubborn personality, laziness, annoying and argumentative self. You guys are literally the best thing that has ever happened to me, you have helped me grow into the person I am today. Not just because of your duty as parents to do the simple things, but you have taught me so much more. The constant life lessons and lectures about perseverance, procrastination, work ethic, loyalty, honesty and many many other things have truly impacted my life for the better. Dad, you only get small glimpses of what mom deals with while you’re at work, paying and working for everything we have. I would not have even a small amount of theses experiences if it was not for you working each and every day to provide for your family. Mom, you are always dealing with my emotional self and always giving me advice (even when I don’t want it) but I listen and take what I can out of it. I know I sit and stare at you furiously as you’re lecturing or yelling at me, but I promise I am listening. I cannot thank you both enough for all that you do and I love you both. You are truly the BEST !! I can honestly say that everything you have taught me has affected me and my life as well as my choices and decisions. I am the person I am today because of you both. You both inspire me to be the best form of myself and I know I don’t always take it that way, but I know that you guys want the best for me. With love, Your first born, Sis and Kiddo Caryssa
Do's and Don'ts
DO serve as a leader and role model all the time because people will look up to you and have high expectations for your capabilities. DO attend as many school events because it will reflect badly on you and your dedication to the program. DO make sure that you meet every single deadline prescribed because it is a deadline for a reason. DO know that you are being watched everyday even if you do not think you are because Morty will notice whether you are working or not. DO take advantage of work days because you are limited on them and there is always something to be done in this program. DO communicate everything with all of your team members because everyone needs to be involved, not just a select few. DO check in with Morty during big events because if something goes wrong it will reflect poorly on you and her. DON’T ever procrastinate on anything, events, homework, projects and paperwork. DON’T make excuses because Morty expects you to be at all of leaderships’ and school events because we want others to support us. DON’T make other group members angry because there will be less communication and the event will most likely not occur successfully. DON’T expect something to be done for you, you are serving as a leader to this school. DON’T assume something, always clarify and ask questions.
Contact Page
Custom Ink Address: 2910 District Ave Suite #300, Fairfax, VA 22031 Phone number: (800) 293-4232
Mrs. Pendleton Address: E building Phone Number: (209) 541-4020
Mrs. Ochoa Address: F building Phone Number: (209) 596-6389
The Professional page
I have learned a great amount of information throughout my years in leadership. I have greatly improved my professionalism; which I can not only use now, but take these skills and apply them to my future. I have gained more knowledge in the areas of resumes, cover letters, and a potential career path for myself. For example, mock interviews have helped me develop stronger communication and interview based skills that I can take to my future career or job. Professionalism also includes responsibility, organization, reliability and trustworthiness. Whether it is as an employer or a student, you as a person will be much more respected and recognized by being someone who others know they can count on. Honesty and forgiveness teaches us to forgive those who may have not been honest with us, but never to forget what that person did to us. It also says that forgiving someone will help you resist the urge to get revenge on the person that angered or upset you. By being honest you will not only benefit yourself in the long run, but it will cause yourself less stress and anxiety if you are always honest. As the expression ‘Honesty is always the best policy’ comes into play because you will not feel guilty. Forgiveness can help you create better relationships, you will have less anxiety, stress and hostility, lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system and many more positive things.
Change
This program has influenced me as a person and leader and I cannot be more grateful for that. If I had to say a time that I have been very frustrated and felt overwhelmed would be selling pride tribe shirts this year. Over summer I immediate;y hopped on designing the shirts and I worked very closely with Morty in doing so. I came up with this really cool design and I got all the paperwork done and I posted them all over social media and everyone seemed to love them. Therefore I talked to Morty and I ordered close to 400 shirts because there was a short sleeve and long sleeve version. We ordered 275 of the long sleeves because they had all of the sports logos down the sleeves and then 125 short sleeves which just had the “you wish you were an indian” logo across. They took awhile to get here but one they did we sold them like crazy and I made efforts to sell at lunch and or at games. A lot of the time, I had other commitments such as volleyball or other plans with friends that got in the way and I know I should have done a better job of selling the shirts and I know Morty was not happy with me. A change for a future class would be to have more to do as a spirit coordinator so they are more involved and have more of a role rather than just spirit counts and jamba juice. As a class we could collaborate as a whole and share ideas to incorporate in activities throughout the year. Comparing myself of the first day of freshman year to who I am this present day I feel as if I am a completely different person and I have seen myself grown and change so much than I thought I ever would. A lot of this had to do with leadership and the opportunities and experiences I got.
The Ideal Leader
An ideal leader is someone who is not scared to take lead on activities and who represents themselves as a role model to others. They are a responsible person whom aren't afraid to be themselves. For example, going all out on dress up days to show the student body to dress up and to not care what others think of them. They participate in all our activities and put forth one hundred ten percent towards anything they set their minds to. Showing school spirit and having a positive mindset on and off campus is also a key role in being an ideal leader. Having a positive mindset will rub off on people around you and will make the campus a more positive atmosphere. Being an ideal leader would also include not caring what others think of you and being proud of yourself and or your school by thinking very highly about it. Someone who is apart of the program should not be afraid to speak their mind and share their opinion to the class. Someone whom people look up to as a role model and as a good example as to who they want to be more like. The ideal leader would represent themselves and act respectively and know right from wrong. Everyone should be accountable for their own actions and responsibilities as being a leader on campus. You are expected to follow all the rules on campus along with being respectful towards staff. Late work is not accepted, all deadlines are expected to be met because they are deadlines for a reason, and you have to be responsible and diligent with your work. During class time, you should take advantage of work days because there is always something that can be done. An ideal leader is someone who is seen as a role model whom is involved, accountable, respected, responsible, spirited, respectful and has a positive mindset.
You
Persistent is a word that I would use to describe myself because I am always striving to work hard and never give up, especially when it comes to things that I really care about and love. I often find myself getting carried away with how much effort and thought I put into making something the best it can be. I am constantly pushing myself and especially others such as my friends and family to do better and I am always a shoulder for them to cry on. When it comes to relationships, I feel as though I put more than enough effort and time into them, sometimes too much. I take on other people’s problems as my own and try my absolute hardest to help that person find a solution. The people that mean the most to me such as Nico, Troy, Kelsey, Grant, Danny, Mara and Bianca are the people who I constantly think about and always push my hardest for them. Whenever a problem arises, I am not one to sit back and let things unfold, I am a problem solver and I like to talk, discuss and process things as it goes.