Mr. John Rinks--Current Lutheran High School Director of Donor Advising Beauty of a Diamond Key Points
The facets of a diamond give it its worth
Diamonds have flaws and take time to become beautiful
The flaws in a diamond give it a distinctive beauty, and produce a uniqueness
We are like diamonds in the rough
A diamond that’s dirty doesn’t sparkle
Christians need to be cleaned just like diamonds do
Mr. John Rinks started off this presentation talking about diamond cutting. We learned that no diamond starts out shining, and that through a rough, pressurized process; a d diamond becomes beautiful. Christians are like diamonds. We all have one of a kind facets that God has blessed us with to stand out. The main “facets” in our lives are home/family, school, hobbies, and our religion. God works through these our whole life, but it is our job to keep improving and focusing on these things. We learned the importance of being cleaned as Christians because if we are dirty we cannot sparkle. God cleanses us. We must constantly draw near to God to be renewed and refreshed. This presentation will push me to embrace my flaws more and rejoice in the fact that God renewed me. It reminded me how I am perfectly imperfect because the Creator made me.
Mrs. Schneider- Business Owner Reaching Your Potential
Key Points
Figured out what she wanted, and took the steps to do that
The plan is not in anybody else’s hands except for His
What can you do to control what happens?
Talk to your parents
Use a planner
Don't procrastinate
Avoid distractions
Keep learning things (if you’re learning things, you are teachable)
Be faithful and praise
Be grateful
Use your talents
Work hard
Ask questions and ask for help when needed
I will not be able to reach my full potential without dedication and guidance from God. There are so many steps you could take to be a successful person. What really affects you is taking action on this as early as possible. Do not procrastinate, and stay consistent with the plan at hand. I learned that organization is key to succeeding. I should use a planner, be diligent, and set myself in a setting where I can focus. On top of this, I should also be grateful for what I am given and rejoice through that. As I go throughout the adventure of my life, I can always be learning and growing from that. Overall, what truly matters is that I remember who is in charge. I should always be pointing to God and have Him as my foundation in everything because He controls it all.
Mr. Robinson-Wealth Management Advisor// Morgan Stanley Investment 101
Key Points
Dealing with people and their money is a great platform to introduce others to the Gospel
Semiconductor-brains behind the operation
Bring your investments to the Lord
Inflation-too much money in our economy chasing too small goods and service
Have to be good with people and have a high level of attention to detail
What should I do with my money?
Buy things
Save it
Earn it
Invest it
Deposit it
Risk and time horizon are things to determine, start putting money into stocks but do it through buying an index fund. For investing, think about why you’re doing it and how much time you have to do it. Money is a valuable thing in our world today, so it is important that we all carefully consider and be wise with our investments and money. Our world is going through inflation which means there is too much money in our economy chasing too small goods and services. I learned that I must be smart with my money! Investments and goals in most peoples’ lives are: retirement, college, buying a home, and starting a family; so I should also try to save my money to work towards that. I can invest my money in: cash, fixed income investments, equities, and other things besides those options. There is a relationship in investing referred to as the risk and reward relationship. From this, I will take away to always look at the long run when I am deciding where my money should go.
Mrs. Shepard--Business Owner//Attorney//Committee Chair for Arapahoe County Bar Association Attorney More Than Just a Lawyer Key Points
She represents people in the worst times in their lives
Empathy is important.
Being a lawyer requires good public speaking, negotiation, debate, writing, research, and people skills
Her clients are evidence that light shines through darkness.
She guides people through difficult times when they need someone most.
Through Mrs. Shepard I learned that I can glorify God no matter what my occupation will be in the future. She uses her God-given talents to help others, and support them. In her line of work, she chooses not to encourage divorce, and makes the children a priority-both of which are inspired by what God says. Even though you might be put in a situation where your occupation requires you to step outside of your Christian zone, God uses that to work through you. We are all sinners, so we don't get to judge others for their sins even if our job may seem like it. I will be using this to look for every opportunity I can to be a disciple in my everyday life!
Mr. Peterson- Top 10 Tips for Being a Confident Graduating Student
Be Confident in your IDENTITY as a child of Christ, even though your future PLANS are unclear/unknown
Live in the image of God- create opportunity, and use the power of prayer
Enjoy each day with the anticipation of creating/being creative
The BIG Questions should be focused on…WHO YOU ARE? Not so much how much you have
Let your parents help plan your wedding
Ask the, “May I Marry Your Daughter” question
Rejoice with those who rejoice, and mourn with those that mourn
Plan you college experience, and find out what your American Dream is
Instead of asking "Where are you going to college?" ask "What are your plans after high school?"
Pray to be a person of character
Stand tall for your values
Build your family legacy
Mr. Peterson educated me on how to prepare for the future, but I can even use most of his advice now. The most important thing that stood out to me throughout his whole presentation was his incorporation of faith. Mr. Peterson had one or more bible voices with each point he made. This reminded me of how important it is to have God in your life, and grow with His influence in everything we do. I learned about the priorities I should have, as well as thinking past college; what will set you up for a better future? Moving on from this, I will be looking for more ways to share His Gospel, and step out in faith to see the plans God has designed us.
Mr. Wong--Born and raised in Denver, Colorado // Over 25 years of experience Slowing Down
A journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step- Lao Tzu
We should all challenge ourselves and be challenged throughout our life
We should all have a mission statement
What is your why?
Everything that you’re doing right now is building up to be apart of your journey, so be mindful of this and take in every moment
It is vital to slow down an really process what is going on in your life around you, don’t just go through the motions
It is okay to change as long as you know who you are and stay true to that
From Mr. Wong, I learned the importance of every little thing in my life. He reminded me that God has a purpose for the events that I have gone through, and those things are apart of who I am and apart of my journey, I tend to rush through the business of everyday life, and find time slipping through my fingers, but if I slowed down, and looked around the wonderful blessings God has placed in my life, then I would learn to appreciate it more, and take advantage of those opportunities. I need to challenge myself to jump outside of the normal, and trust God every step of the way!
Ms. Hedberg -- Entrepreneur // Business Owner from age 23 // Regional Vice President of a financial services company // Investment Advisor Representative (LARI - Fiduciary // Securities licenses - Series 6, 63, 65, 26 // Insurance licenses - Life, Health, Property & Casualty, Long Term Care Firsts in Financing
Money is not good or bad, it can be used for you or against you, it depends on the user
76% of wealthy people are entrepreneurs
Most of us are taught to be employees, not to lead
Your goal should be your money working for you rather than you working for your money
There's a difference between wealthy vs rich; wealthy people provide jobs and service, rich people don’t have time
You want to have time and money, if you want both, you have to create both
Taxes will be your greatest expense in life
Where to Put Your Money Earned 1. Give 10%~ it’s spiritually ethical 2. Financial freedom account 10%~investing 3. Long term savings for spending account 10% 4. Play 10% 5. Education 5% 6. Necessities 55% Ms. Hedberg taught me many fascinating things about my financial life! She showed me the toll that money has always had and will have in this world, and just how idolized it is. From this I will definitely be focusing more on saving my money for future expenses, and preparing myself for the harsh adulting of taxes. I also learned that the Bible actually says a lot about money. It states that it is okay to have money, as long as it is used in the proper way. So, if one is financially secure, then they can begin to spend time focusing on other things rather than on the money. Along with this, our future lies in our own hands. So sooner we start saving for things later in life, the easier we will have it then. Ms. Hedberg also should me how to be responsible with my money starting now, and I will absolutely be applying those techniques and tips into my everyday life!
Danny Oertli -- Weekend Experience Executive Pastor The Story of Music
In Nashville he learned that it’s all about the song
What makes a great great song?? •melodie’s •vowels •the chorus is the hook that sticks in your head, don’t bore us get to the chorus
The neural activity in our brain increases 5 folds when we hear stories so we remember the info more when we hear a story
Raised in Church
Performed at Compass Crusades for Christ
Oxytocin - the binding hormone released when we hear a story so we feel closer to the character
You can either bring the angels or devils cocktail
If you’re in a creative setting, value people
Sharing stories of failure connects you more to the audience
Music is all about emotion, great music makes you feel
Your speeches have to be real not perfect because people don’t remember perfect
How do we reach people’s souls?
Mr Oertli’s presentation gave me more of a window into the mechanics of music. It was fascinating to see his perspective, and how he uses music to connect to others. I learned more about how to draw people in and get them to listen to you! I also loved when he said, “People don’t remember perfect,” because often times I push myself to be perfect, but that isn’t at all necessary! I enjoyed hearing the different layers behind music and how it has influenced and molded his life! I will use this in my life by trying to find the purpose behind everything i do, that way I can go through it with more passion and connect to with others along the way!
Mr. Klehr--Delta pilot and captain // degree in aviation management // CFI Certified Future in Flight
Dad in air force inspired him to be in AF
Wanted to be in the air force but knee injury in high school took his career out
Once you find your passion go for it
Being in the aviation world is seniority based, when you start in a major airline, you don’t want to switch
9/11 caused 30% of the airline industry to be laid off, he was one of those people
Took him 18 years to be a captain
So much of his job is leadership
How you dress greatly affects how people perceive you
Use every resource around you
Crew resource management - CRM
He prays every morning, giving thanks to God
From Mr. Klehr I realized the importance of having patience and persistence. When starting off in a job the way you grow in the business is by staying committed. The way I can apply this to my life is by going into things with more devotion and determination. Doing this will help me grow and be more succesful in what I do. I hope to be more driven in the future especially going into my senior year.
Stephanie Black -- Currently teaching English in Slovakia Just Do It
Has traveled to 26 countries + US
Interest in travel stemmed from family trips as a kid
Tourism Is one of the best ways to travel
If you have the opportunity to study abroad, it’s one of the best opportunities to immerse yourself in another culture and be independent without having to worry about cost or responsibilities
Living abroad is the most valuable experience to have
It is a privilege to travel
Don't be afraid NOT to do what you had planned for your future
Don’t be your own obstacle
If you want it, go do it
Benefits of Travel
History comes to life
Expanded worldview
Enhanced problem solving skills
Transportation
Good practice in adaptability and flexibility
Both exercises in dependence and independence
Caution for Travel
Be aware of who you are, where you are, your impact, and your intent
Stephanie Black taught me the true importance and value of travel. Travel is more than just vacation, it is an opportunity to try new things, expand your interests, challenge yourself, and appreciate the world around you. I appreciated the new perspective Stephanie provided about the light she sees travel in. Her incite towards traveling was fascinating to hear because of the wide experience she has in this field. I, myself have thought about traveling, studying abroad, or doing an immersion year, and this just encouraged me to embrace that even more! I hope that because of this speech, I will go into travel with a different perspective and intention. I hope to inspire others as well as show people what it looks like to treat the world right.
Amazon's Culture of Innovation Jeremiah Jenson//Global Leader// AWS Distribution
Mission is to be earth's most customer centric company
Everything they do starts with the costumer and works backwards from there
How do we organize for Innovation?
culture, mechanisms, architecture, and organization
1 way vs 2 way door
Irreversible/doesn’t lead to anywhere vs reversible/ many different opportunities there and back
Mr. Jenson operates business on 6 continents, 100 countries
Amazon is very liberal but none of their principles go against biblical beliefs
Amazon’s goal is to be fully sustainable by 2025
Questions:
Why does amazon refer to the world as “Earth”? I feel like it’s a bit impersonal
What does a day in your life look like at this job? Do you work from home? In an office?
From Mr. Jenson’s presentation I learned more about the ins and outs of the Amazon company! It was fascinating to hear about all the details that I would have never known of. I buy from Amazon all the time, but I didn’t realize how complex it really was. It was cool to learn about the foundations of that company, and how they build all their workers up to be good leaders. I was very surprised with how organized this company really was, and I guess I never really thought about all the roots of Amazon! From learning this information I will be better informed on the details behind the company, and will remember this every time I buy from them, (which is a lot!)
Mr. Nagel// Chaplain for the US Army Provide for the Common Defense
Chaplain means Cappa: someone who provides comfort to those in need
They are supporting and defending the constitution
Don’t forsake friendships in your life because God will use them somewhere else
Army is 249 years old
They look for if chaplains have a shepherd heart
Don’t waste this one precious life
People want pleasure, prestige, popularity, power, position, or pride
No matter where you go God goes with you
It’s a beautiful calling but it’s gut wrenching
“Natures the living, cares for the wounded, honors the fallen”
Perform or provide
Mr. Nagel’s presentation taught me so much more about the army that I was never aware of! From this, I learned the experience that Mr. Nagel has had and how that has impacted his life. I loved a lot of the points that Mr. Nagel brought up, specifically, “Don’t forsake friendships in your life because God will use them somewhere else.” It was fascinating how God used his friendships in the army to further impact his life, and inspires me to hold onto each relationship tightly. I will apply his presentation to my life by not taking for granted the things I am blessed with. Mr. Nagel’s life put a perspective into mine that my life right now is only a snippet of what it will be. The trials I am currently facing will disappear, and God has so many more great things planned for my life ahead!
Mr Gehrke // Director of Lutheran High School The Depths of Directing
Lutheran is a highly relational environment rooted in God’s word with excellent people
What is my job?
Job is to raise the vision
Raise the funds
Raise the people
Leading a team
Know yourself
Know your teammates
Know your team dynamics
Hire really well
Thoughts on hiring/performance
They insist on the best because that makes the best community
What would be the circumstances in which you fired someone?
he’s a process guy
laying groundwork and not seeing improvement leads to firing
hire slowly and fire quickly
This was such a fascinating presentation! I really enjoyed getting to know the depths of Mr. Gehrke’s role here at Lutheran. I had no clue that he was not the boss of all the different directors! I learned more about what it takes to fulfill the different responsibilities of the directors, and also learned more about why they all work so well together! This also taught me more about the different skills and qualities I could strengthen before entering the college level. He emphasized how important it is to be understanding, patient, and open to different opinions especially when working with other people. I will apply this to my life by working on these skills not just in groups here in high school, but also jobs that I may have in the future!
Kara Vandas//Education consultant and author Learning in a New Style
Adult Learning Cycle
Gather evidence & determine needs
Learn
Practice
Perform
Share
Reflect
Favorite part about teaching was the students!
What’s a good student?
Does things expected for good behavior
What’s a good learner?
Applies the learning to life
It’s better to be a fool for a second than a fool for a lifetime
Efficacy
Fundamental belief you can make a difference and fed with evidence you are
Agency
Power to act
Choice, voice, ownership
I really enjoyed hearing Mrs. Vandas speak! It was very interesting to hear her perspective of education, especially being so informed about that topic. I was actually already familiar with the style of teaching she discussed, and I know a school here in Colorado that has a similar curriculum, so it was cool to learn more in depth about it. I enjoyed the octagon learning activity, and thought that the hands-on learning was quite effective. The way I will apply this to my life is to have the mindset of being a good leader not just a good student. I have always really focused on turning my homework in on time, acing tests, and having good grades, but I never really focused on how what I learn can be used in my life. I will definitely start trying to apply my learning to my life, and use my power to act!
Mr. Garcia//Promise Keepers, Denver Rescue Mission His Life Story
5 B’s of public speaking
Be Brief Baby Be Brief
Assistant branch manager at finance corporation
Do what you can with what you have where you’re at-Theo Roosevelt
Your education is a treasure that will follow you wherever you go
I came to serve not to be served-Jesus
Denver rescue mission for 5 years
On staff at Church in the City for 5 years
Sagacity-precocious-having wisdom and knowledge beyond their years
How do you determine when to leave one calling?
When he opens a door that no man can shut or shuts a door that no man can open…. it is time, he might even force you out
Take in the word of God, be about the word of God
Proverbs 2:6-8
Be faithful to follow the prompting of the Lord
Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth
Effective ways to show Christs love
Speak into their lives
Show concern in a loving, godly way
Build relationship
People don’t really care how much you know until they know how much you care
If your faithful and obedient to do what God commands you, He will refine you, and set your path straight
Proverbs 21:21
It was really amazing getting to hear my dad speak about his life! The speech offered valuable insights applicable to life, emphasizing importance in communication, making the most of current situations, and the enduring value of education. Serving others and nurturing relationships were highlighted, and also the importance of discernment in career transitions and following guidance. Demonstrating love through genuine concern and meaningful connections with a godly perspective was a big point he touched on, emphasizing integrity and compassion in fulfilling what God has planned for you. My dad’s speech emphasized the role of faith in guiding one's actions and decisions, reminding me of the importance of trusting in God's plan and being faithful to follow His prompting.