Unwrapping the Gifts of Student Leadership
One of my favorite movies of all time is A Christmas Story, written by Jean Shepherd. If you are not familiar with the movie, it tells the story of a young boy named Ralphie who, in 1939, lives in Indiana with his parents and his brother Randy. Ralphie is obsessed with the coming of Christmas and the presents he will get. He is consumed by his desire to get a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle (a BB gun). All the adults tell him he will “shoot his eye out” if he gets one.
The story is told in vignettes revolving around activities typically held this time of year. Narrated by author, playwright, and broadcaster Shepherd, Ralphie is loosely based on recollections from his life.
As I get ready to watch this holiday classic for the 400th time, I began thinking about my time as a student. What would it be like to look back and see the gifts I would receive as a student leader? Hopefully no socks, underwear, or lumps of coal in those packages!
Here is what I envision unwrapping from my time as a student leader:
The first present is brightly wrapped with a big bow, what could it be? I tear away the paper and open the box and I find confidence and self-esteem! So, cool! One of the best gifts I ever received. Before I got involved in student leadership, I was quiet, introverted, and never saw myself as a leader. This gift raised me up and built my very low self-esteem into a healthy sense of self-worth and my confidence soared. I believe I can accomplish anything I want to, but when I fail, I have the confidence to pick myself up and give it another shot.
A silver, shimmery package greets me next. I shake it. Hmm, it feels like a book inside. I unwrap it to see time management and planning! This is amazing – just what I needed! This gift has helped me to stay on track, put together plans for my days, weeks, months, years, and career. I still use it every day.
“Well, what could this be?” I thought as I grabbed the next present. Ahhh, communication with civil discourse. This has been something I have found has taken longer to enjoy and appreciate, but wonderful, nonetheless. I learned how to meet people where they are and communicate with them as they needed me to enhance understanding. And civil discourse is the gift that keeps on giving. I don’t have to always be right and, in fact, I am not always right – that is where the accessory pack of listening comes in. I listen, I learn, and then engage in – wait, what is this at the bottom of the box? Critical thinking. Just what I always wanted, fits right in with listening and civil discourse and something I definitely needed!
Of course, there comes a point where someone does not feel they are getting what they want and that brings all kinds of drama. So, I said, “Here, I’ve got some conflict resolution in my stocking. There is plenty to go around and I could never ever use it all up. I am happy to share.”
Just a few presents left, but these seem to be the biggest boxes. “Who is this from? OK, all the wonderful mentors I have known. They gave me the knowledge of how to create a vision and set goals to achieve it. This is a gift that renews itself over and over again, never gathering dust or being hidden away in a drawer or closet.
I almost feel guilty getting all these gifts. How can I share them with others who maybe didn’t get as much. And then I unwrap servant leadership and empathy. “I know how I will use this,” I thought. “I will lift others up, show dignity to them, and help them to achieve their dreams.”
I finally reach the final gift. I have a huge smile as I open this one. Inside is work ethic with loving what I do. There is really nothing better than this. Working hard at something you love is almost like not working at all!
Wow, this is a pretty good haul! But wait; what’s that in the corner, behind the table? A long, narrow package that appears to be in the brightest wrapping paper of all the gifts. I peel the paper away and I find that the gift is my version of the Red Ryder BB Gun, a lifetime commitment to service, leadership, and achievement. The greatest of all the student leadership gifts that I ever received and one that will last forever.
As the snow gently falls outside and the tree lights flicker, Randy is asleep on the floor with his toy blimp. The gifts of student leadership are amazing. I will cherish them always and I hope you enjoy yours, too!
As 2025 is upon us, I would love to share these gifts with your students. Please go to my Contact page, email me at DaveKelly@GonzoSpeaks.com, or call/text (404) 403-1481 to set a date for your campus. Booking me will not break the bank – check out my Affordable Pricing Model for a quote!
I look forward to serving your students!
If you do not celebrate Christmas or have a different tradition, apply this to your best gift-giving and receiving event.