Page 1
Initial Thoughts
Going into my very first year of leadership as a senior honestly feels quite daunting. A lot of my friends throughout high school were already involved in the program, so I was always aware of how much work was needed to be put into it and the opportunities they had. I always wanted to be a part of it, but never had the chance to until this year. This year I want to focus on my growth and be able to soak up any information possible, while also having time to reflect on it. With covid I know my job will be different than it has been in previous years. However, I’m unsure of how different it will be as I have no other years to compare it to. I’m also curious to find out if I’ll be needed more, less, or the same now that we are all socially distanced. No matter what, I'm still excited and thankful for what’s ahead, and eager to work as much as I’m needed. I’m anxious and thrilled to see any of my work put out and the responses towards it. Overall, I’m delighted to be given the opportunities I have, and plan to take full advantage of them.
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Favorite Quote
“I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring.”
- David Bowie
- David Bowie
I believe this quote perfectly sums up how I live my life. I truly tend to go with the flow, and I kind of like not knowing what the future holds. However, I know I want to live a thrilling and exciting life.
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
It was difficult for me to pick just one quote from this book, because there are so many wonderful quotes in there covering things like friendship, loving someone, and a child’s imagination. However, this one probably speaks to me the most, because of how much I think it’s true. Oftentimes I feel people focus too much on materialistic things, while really they should take time to consider their emotional health, mental health, or relationships.
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”
- Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
- Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
This quote simply just provides hope. It’s a reminder that the bad eventually ends. All it takes is time. There’s really no other way to put it.
“Life happens wherever you are, whether you make it or not.”
- Iroh, Avatar: The Last Airbender
- Iroh, Avatar: The Last Airbender
This quote reminds me of what I often tell myself: time moves on. Life will continue to happen no matter what. Therefore it’s better not to dwell on the past or worry too much about the future, and just be active in the present.
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Quote II
“It’s the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.”
- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
To preface, ‘waste’ isn’t the word I would use to describe my time in leadership. I would use the word ‘spent’, since ‘waste’ has many negative connotations. However, in the context of the story 'waste' is the right word.
The Little Prince is the best and most impactful novel I have ever read. I’ve gained so many lessons from the several times I have read it and highly recommend it as it has a lesson for everyone. This specific quote is about the value of the time you have put into something and the relationship you gain with it. With leadership, my time and effort I put into the program is what determines the value leadership has to me. I’ve only spent a year in the program and I know others have a stronger connection with it than I do because they may have had four years in the program. Reflecting back, this quote really tells me, when I apply it to leadership, that I wish I had spent more time in the program and earned the connection others have with it.
- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
To preface, ‘waste’ isn’t the word I would use to describe my time in leadership. I would use the word ‘spent’, since ‘waste’ has many negative connotations. However, in the context of the story 'waste' is the right word.
The Little Prince is the best and most impactful novel I have ever read. I’ve gained so many lessons from the several times I have read it and highly recommend it as it has a lesson for everyone. This specific quote is about the value of the time you have put into something and the relationship you gain with it. With leadership, my time and effort I put into the program is what determines the value leadership has to me. I’ve only spent a year in the program and I know others have a stronger connection with it than I do because they may have had four years in the program. Reflecting back, this quote really tells me, when I apply it to leadership, that I wish I had spent more time in the program and earned the connection others have with it.
Page 4
Goals
Leadership Goals:
1. One of my biggest goals for leadership is improving my communication skills.
2. I want to be active in the class. I hope to engage in conversations and participate in group tasks.
1. One of my biggest goals for leadership is improving my communication skills.
2. I want to be active in the class. I hope to engage in conversations and participate in group tasks.
Short Term Goals:
1. Be accepted into some of the colleges I am applying to. If possible attend one of the schools in southern California, as close to L.A. as possible. I also want to try to get into my dream school, Loyola Marymount.
2. I’ve never had the chance to film and complete one of my short film ideas. So my goal is to write, film, and edit two short films by the end of this year.
1. Be accepted into some of the colleges I am applying to. If possible attend one of the schools in southern California, as close to L.A. as possible. I also want to try to get into my dream school, Loyola Marymount.
2. I’ve never had the chance to film and complete one of my short film ideas. So my goal is to write, film, and edit two short films by the end of this year.
Long Term Goals:
1. I want to move to L.A. and pursue a career in screenwriting and directing feature films.
2. I want to have the opportunity to travel around the world. I would love to learn about different cultures. Learning three languages is also a part of this goal (Spanish, Italian, and French).
1. I want to move to L.A. and pursue a career in screenwriting and directing feature films.
2. I want to have the opportunity to travel around the world. I would love to learn about different cultures. Learning three languages is also a part of this goal (Spanish, Italian, and French).
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Goals II
Leadership Goals:
1. While I still have a long way to go, I feel my communication skills have improved incredibly. Looking back where I was and my level of comfort, I am actually proud of myself.
2. This goal was one I had more of a difficult time with. I’ve improved a bit, but definitely not as much as I would’ve liked to.
Short Term Goals:
1. I am extremely excited to say that I have been accepted into all three colleges I applied to, one of them being my dream school, Loyola Marymount University.
2. I’m disappointed in myself for not completing a short film. I’ve still been writing a lot, but I haven’t filmed and completed one.
Long Term Goals:
1. I have made a big step forward in this goal of mine. I’m going to Loyola Marymount in L.A., majoring in screenwriting. I also have three short film scripts completed and am working on a script for a full length film
2. This year I took AP Spanish, which is a step in the right direction and I know in college I’ll have the opportunity to study abroad, specifically a semester in Budapest my junior year. My dad and I are also starting to learn Italian together and in the process of getting dual citizenship in Italy.
1. While I still have a long way to go, I feel my communication skills have improved incredibly. Looking back where I was and my level of comfort, I am actually proud of myself.
2. This goal was one I had more of a difficult time with. I’ve improved a bit, but definitely not as much as I would’ve liked to.
Short Term Goals:
1. I am extremely excited to say that I have been accepted into all three colleges I applied to, one of them being my dream school, Loyola Marymount University.
2. I’m disappointed in myself for not completing a short film. I’ve still been writing a lot, but I haven’t filmed and completed one.
Long Term Goals:
1. I have made a big step forward in this goal of mine. I’m going to Loyola Marymount in L.A., majoring in screenwriting. I also have three short film scripts completed and am working on a script for a full length film
2. This year I took AP Spanish, which is a step in the right direction and I know in college I’ll have the opportunity to study abroad, specifically a semester in Budapest my junior year. My dad and I are also starting to learn Italian together and in the process of getting dual citizenship in Italy.
Page 6
Magazine Cover
Page 7
Magazine Article
From the outside, Isabella DiGiulio is the typical quiet girl in the back of the class. If you ask most people about her they probably won’t say much. You’ll likely hear them say, “she’s quiet, but she seems nice” and that’s probably all. However, behind the scenes she spends her time dreaming of life beyond high school and coming up with fantastical stories.
DiGiulio claims she often has her head in the clouds, only coming back to the ground to jot down any sudden ideas. Her family will attest to her idealist ways, often teasing her about a fantasy world they say she lives in. Though, she doesn’t mind the jokes and prefers the view of the world from up in the clouds.
“I’m happy to be an idealist. It’s a big part of who I am, and there are a lot of benefits from it. Though, there are definite downsides to it,” DiGiulio exclaims.
One of those downsides is forgetting about negative consequences. DiGiulio says there have been times where she’s only thought about the end result and not the work it takes to get there. This has led to procrastination and a lot of unnecessary stress. Over the years she has gotten much better about this, spending a lot of focus on time management.
“I still have to work on myself constantly and once in a while have the occasional slip up, but I’m on the right path to achieve my dreams,” DiGiulio says.
Speaking of those dreams, what exactly are they? Well, one of them is to be able to go to college in Los Angeles. DiGiulio hopes to pursue a career in the film industry as a screenwriter and director. She also dreams of traveling around the world, and learning about different cultures.
“I have a lot of dreams that I hope to achieve. Though, my biggest dream is to just live an interesting life and enjoy every moment,” DiGiulio claims.
DiGiulio claims she often has her head in the clouds, only coming back to the ground to jot down any sudden ideas. Her family will attest to her idealist ways, often teasing her about a fantasy world they say she lives in. Though, she doesn’t mind the jokes and prefers the view of the world from up in the clouds.
“I’m happy to be an idealist. It’s a big part of who I am, and there are a lot of benefits from it. Though, there are definite downsides to it,” DiGiulio exclaims.
One of those downsides is forgetting about negative consequences. DiGiulio says there have been times where she’s only thought about the end result and not the work it takes to get there. This has led to procrastination and a lot of unnecessary stress. Over the years she has gotten much better about this, spending a lot of focus on time management.
“I still have to work on myself constantly and once in a while have the occasional slip up, but I’m on the right path to achieve my dreams,” DiGiulio says.
Speaking of those dreams, what exactly are they? Well, one of them is to be able to go to college in Los Angeles. DiGiulio hopes to pursue a career in the film industry as a screenwriter and director. She also dreams of traveling around the world, and learning about different cultures.
“I have a lot of dreams that I hope to achieve. Though, my biggest dream is to just live an interesting life and enjoy every moment,” DiGiulio claims.
Page 8
Fall Fest Gallery Spread
Page 9
Role Model
Personally, I am less impacted or inspired by people and more so by moments, places, films, books, songs, and works of art, so picking a role model was in a way difficult. I grew up watching a lot of Jim Henson’s work, almost all of which helped my imagination grow and left me with many fond memories. My sister and I used to watch Fraggle Rock at my grandparents house, I remember owning a dvd of Labyrinth, and growing up A Muppets Christmas Carol was my favorite movie for that season. Looking back at his work now that I’m older and watching documentaries about him, I’ve seen how much thought and care he put into his projects. For his movie The Dark Crystal, which on a side note scared the pants off me when I was a kid, he fully developed a completely new and complex world. Unfortunately, he didn’t have enough time in the film to fully show the audience his creation, which caused the film to suffer. Luckily, years later people have returned to his work and added on, creating comic books and a Netflix series that was recently released. Not to mention, Henson revolutionized the world of puppets. Before him, puppets were often made from wood and very limited. However, after him, puppets started being made from different materials and became more movable and able to react to things. Henson’s creativity and work has inspired me throughout the years and his films and shows brought me so much joy growing up.
Page 10
Inner Animal
The animal that best represents me is a house cat. I can be quite lazy and definitely value my sleep, needing a minimum of 8 hours of sleep to even function throughout the day. My family often jokes that I’m high maintenance, as on trips I’m always the one who’s has a headache or stomach ache, hungry, or tired. All of which seem very cat-like to me. I’m also very much an introvert. I’m often seen as quiet and/ or serious and value my time alone. Like a cat, I’m not much of a people person and it takes a while for me to warm up to someone I just met. In a room full of people a cat usually sits silently on a table, chair, or counter, observing the different conversations and occasionally accepting a pet from someone they’re comfortable with. That is very much how I am, mostly listening during group conversations, but jumping in when a good friend opens up a possible entry point for me to get out a comment or question. I am also caring, fully willing to help and be there for anyone if they reach out. I have a sense of adventure as well with it being one of my biggest dreams to travel across the world, experiencing new and exciting things. Overall, a cat is the perfect animal to represent me and my personality.
Page 11
Season of Giving
What did you choose for your final and why?
For my final I decided to participate in the Giving Tree, run by Interfaith Ministries and FFA, where I picked a child to buy a gift for. I chose this act of service for my final because I did something similar for Girls Scouts many years ago. I don’t remember much of the actual experience, only that it was run through the mall in Modesto, but I do remember how it made me feel. This season, along with giving back, is a time for children to just be completely happy. So if I could contribute to that by spending some extra money for a kid’s present, I will gladly do so.
Describe the process you went about to get your final completed.
It honestly took me a while to find a tag needed to participate in the Giving Tree. Eventually, I got to pick from three and chose to buy a gift for an 18 month old boy who wanted a Paw Patrol toy. I spent some time deciding what to get for him and even asked my mom for help, as she knows more about kids being a teacher. I didn’t want to pick the first thing I saw, as I wanted to get something I thought he genuinely would like. I ended up buying a Paw Patrol drum set and dropped it off the next day in the donation box at the front office of school.
What was the emotional impact on you in getting your final completed?
Compared to volunteering, this way of giving back doesn’t result in as big or immediate of an emotional impact since I don’t see first hand the response. Therefore I can only compare it to when I was little and received a gift. Thinking that that will be their reaction warms my heart.
Was this assignment valuable? Why or why not?
This assignment was valuable, at least to me personally. Not only was I able to give back this holiday season, but it provoked me to reflect on myself and my childhood. It made me realize once again how extremely privileged I am. Growing up, I never spent a Christmas without exchange presents or worrying about the money being spent on said presents. I am incredibly grateful I was able to have childhood like I did. Now that I am older and more aware of the world around me and the struggles people face, I want to give back in any way that is helpful.
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The Best Things About Me
My family and I have always been really close and supportive of each other. My parents have been extremely caring and loving and my sister is the most loyal person I know. As a family we always take time to spend with each other, most of which being small trips, the most common one being spending a day in San Francisco. Together we’ve been to countless restaurants, seen quite a few musicals, and had Ghirardelli probably too many times. San Francisco is a place we all enjoy together, where we created many memories.
During my junior year I visited Loyola Marymount University for an open house and immediately realized this was the school I had to go to. I attended their summer program for screenwriting, where I learned so much. Then this past November, I was accepted into their film program, majoring in Screenwriting. I am so honored to have the opportunity to attend the school. Writing has always been a passion of mine and in high school film began to integrate into it. Now to think of the possibility of making it into a career is thrilling.
The majority of my relationships are strong and long lasting. My closest friends I have are ones I’ve known since at least first grade. I’ve known Kate Villegas and her family for all my life. We have so many memories together and I can’t imagine them out of my life. Being extremely shy, I’ve always had a hard time making deep friendships, but the ones I have I cherish and closely.
One of my greatest joys in life is traveling and experiencing different cultures. I make it a goal of mine to have the ability to travel around the world in the future. This photo was taken the summer after sophomore year on a trip to Europe with my friends. It was the most fun I’ve ever had and I wish every day to go back to that trip. We went to various cities in Spain, France, and Italy. We had a very long flight together, spent a couple nights in a hotel, and went on a cruise. I’ve never been on a trip like this with friends, so this was an incredible once in a lifetime vacation.
Page 13
What I Like Best About Being in Leadership
To me the best thing about leadership is all the relationships I have strengthened and gained. I got to know so much more people than I would have if I never joined leadership. Having a couple of friends in leadership in past years, I saw how close everyone was and how much fun they all seemed to have together. I remember being a bit envious and wanted to be a part of that. So to be in the program for my final year of high school, is wonderful. I’m so glad to have met everyone in the program and enjoy getting to know them any chance I have. I also love just working and being a part of something. I have gained so much knowledge just from the short while I’ve been in the program. I hope to learn more in the few remaining months we have together. I also hope I too have made a positive impact and that my being in the program was a benefit.
Page 14
Homecoming
Page 15
What I Love To Do
Just about all of my hobbies tap into my creative side. My favorite thing to do is write, though I’m not sure that counts now, since I’m making a career out of it. Either way it’s something I love and can’t live without. I’m not very good at finding the right words and expressing how I feel when speaking, but when I write it makes sense. I love to put myself in other worlds or situations and create fully developed characters and watch the choices they make.
In the morning my dad always plays Call of Duty on the PS4. It's his chill time, where he can relax. I go to video games to when I want to relax, but for me I love Minecraft. I've spent hours on this one world, building and expanding upon my house and farm and also exploring. I really love when I have time to escape for a bit with the game.
I also love to do anything crafty, like paint, draw, or make something. I’m not at all the best at it, and my perfectionist tendencies definitely make getting any projecting done a lot harder, but I still enjoy just about the entire process. It’s stress relieving, helps me relax, and cures my boredom. Though, this hobby does make me less productive with actual work I need to get done or distracts me in math class.
Travelling is also a big part of my life. It’s significance was definitely taught to me by my parents, especially my mom. I love to see and explore new places, learn about the history, try the food, experience the art of the place. It’s something I absolutely love to do.
In the morning my dad always plays Call of Duty on the PS4. It's his chill time, where he can relax. I go to video games to when I want to relax, but for me I love Minecraft. I've spent hours on this one world, building and expanding upon my house and farm and also exploring. I really love when I have time to escape for a bit with the game.
I also love to do anything crafty, like paint, draw, or make something. I’m not at all the best at it, and my perfectionist tendencies definitely make getting any projecting done a lot harder, but I still enjoy just about the entire process. It’s stress relieving, helps me relax, and cures my boredom. Though, this hobby does make me less productive with actual work I need to get done or distracts me in math class.
Travelling is also a big part of my life. It’s significance was definitely taught to me by my parents, especially my mom. I love to see and explore new places, learn about the history, try the food, experience the art of the place. It’s something I absolutely love to do.
Page 16
Letter to Parents
Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you for everything you have done for me. I know I haven’t shown my appreciation in the past and have a difficult time really stating how I feel. I procrastinate, am lazy, and terrible at communicating. But I am grateful for you. I’ve never been one to pick the easy or simplest path in life, but despite this you stick by my decision and help me with it. It means a lot helping me get through college, especially with a non-traditional major. I want to make you proud and I won’t disappoint you. Thank you for everything! I love you both so much!
Your Daughter,
Isabella
Isabella
Page 17
The Letter
Dear Future Technology Commissioner,
Hopefully next year will go smoothly for you as we return to normal. *knock on wood* That being said, I can’t let you know what a typical year is like, as I didn’t get one, but I can give you some advice from what I’ve learned this past year with covid.
1. Start gathering videos and photos for the end of the year video asap. It’ll make your life easier later on.
2. Communicate with your partner in tech. This is key to successfully making videos and running tech for events.
3. Get creative! This is, in my opinion, the best part of the job. Think outside and all around the box and have fun!
I hope you enjoy your position as technology commissioner and your time in leadership in general. You will be a lot busier than I was, but don’t think of that as a bad thing. With that comes a lot of bonding, laughter, and overall fun.
Hopefully next year will go smoothly for you as we return to normal. *knock on wood* That being said, I can’t let you know what a typical year is like, as I didn’t get one, but I can give you some advice from what I’ve learned this past year with covid.
1. Start gathering videos and photos for the end of the year video asap. It’ll make your life easier later on.
2. Communicate with your partner in tech. This is key to successfully making videos and running tech for events.
3. Get creative! This is, in my opinion, the best part of the job. Think outside and all around the box and have fun!
I hope you enjoy your position as technology commissioner and your time in leadership in general. You will be a lot busier than I was, but don’t think of that as a bad thing. With that comes a lot of bonding, laughter, and overall fun.
Sincerely,
Isabella DiGiulio
(2020 - 2021 Technology Commissioner)
Isabella DiGiulio
(2020 - 2021 Technology Commissioner)
Page 18
Do's and Don'ts of Leadership
Do: speak up! Ask questions, get to know other people, and state your opinion.
Do: turn in assignments on time. This is a must and a very simple thing to do. Nothing more than just getting stuff done in time.
Do: have a great year! I know this is not completely in your control, but no matter what try and make the most of everything.
Don't: assume anything. Always confirm with someone on what you need to do, when you need to do it, and where you need to be.
Don't: wait till the last minute. You will regret this! Get everything done a soon as possible.
Don't: stress! Whenever it feels like a lot, take a deep breath and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Do: turn in assignments on time. This is a must and a very simple thing to do. Nothing more than just getting stuff done in time.
Do: have a great year! I know this is not completely in your control, but no matter what try and make the most of everything.
Don't: assume anything. Always confirm with someone on what you need to do, when you need to do it, and where you need to be.
Don't: wait till the last minute. You will regret this! Get everything done a soon as possible.
Don't: stress! Whenever it feels like a lot, take a deep breath and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Page 19
The Professional
One aspect of professionalism that we worked on this year was zoom etiquette. With the impact of the pandemic and a majority of people having to stay home, classes and meetings had to occur through zoom, something many of us didn’t know how to go about properly and this year taught me how. The biggest help was learning what background was appropriate, as I don’t have an office at home and am in my room anytime I’d be on zoom.
A second aspect of professionalism we worked on this year was, and this is a bit broad, appearing professional when finding a job. This was through mock interviews and what I learned the most through. I learned how to write a resume I was proud of and can use in the future, I understand cover letters more than I used to, and talking to a professional in the career I wanted to get into meant and helped so much.
A second aspect of professionalism we worked on this year was, and this is a bit broad, appearing professional when finding a job. This was through mock interviews and what I learned the most through. I learned how to write a resume I was proud of and can use in the future, I understand cover letters more than I used to, and talking to a professional in the career I wanted to get into meant and helped so much.
Page 20
Change
The biggest challenge to me this year was communication, which I know a large part falls on me as an individual. Covid and distance learning also had a large impact on communication as well, causing everything to be based online rather than in person, which, unfortunately, is something I greatly struggle with in general. For the most part assignments and their due dates were clear, despite only a couple of times. I’d like to emphasize the importance of google classroom as a base for any assignments due and how it should be the go to when it comes to where any information on homework would be posted. Personally, communication was more of an issue during the first semester. I had trouble during Fall Fest knowing when or where to be, specifically for the lives. I had to drive separately from anyone else and wasn’t ever consistently told where to meet up. I’d be told to meet at the high school and when I arrived everyone else was at a different location. In the future, being clear and consistent when communicating events should be heavily stressed. Hopefully, as things return to normal communication will be easier as everyone will be in person.
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The Ideal Leader
In my opinion, a leader has everything to do with character, notably how one behaves when “the cameras aren’t on.” I see a lot of people being praised for the facade they put on, when I’ve seen how they truly treat others and how exclusive they can be. It follows the idea, which social media exaggerates, that your outward appearance is what matters. It teaches people that whoever's the loudest at their words wins and that your actions will be ignored, good or bad. It’s really disappointing to see this happen too often, and when someone who really deserves praise gets it, it is extremely exciting. A leader should be someone who leads by example not by directive. Someone inclusive, open minded, and tolerant.
Page 22
You
Imaginative