ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

INTERACT DISTRICT 5170

District Council Co-Publications Application 2013-2014
96 North Third Street | San Jose, California 95112

Please email & attach your application and media portfolio of at least three sample pieces to: Jamie Lam, Governor governor@interact5170.org David Kang, Lieutenant Governor ltgovernor@interact5170.org Margarethe Pfeffer, Rotary District Chair rotary@interact5170.org
I, Renee Chan, have read through the position descriptions and responsibilities for both my desired position(s) as well as District Council, and hereby state that I will be running for the position of Co-Publications Coordinator. School: Renee Chan Cell Phone #: 408-674-9312 Email Address: reneechan11@gmail.com Home Address: 1111 Weyburn Lane Apt # 48 Grade in Fall 2013: 12th Home Phone #: 408-300-5357 Parental Permission: Yes San Jose (95129)

Applications must be received by Saturday, August 17th, 11:59 pm. You may be invited for an in-person interview, which may occur anytime the week afterwards at Mission Coffee, 151 Washington Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539. If you will be unavailable during that time, please indicate so on the application. District Council selection notification will be no later than September 1st.

01. What is your current involvement in Interact? I am involved in both Lynbrook Interact Club and Area 12. This year I was part of the International Project Committee (IPC) that our school/area created to focus on the annual district project by raising money from our largest charity fundraiser: International Night. Under this committee, we all worked towards making International Night as successful as it can possibly be which brought in a good sum of the total money raised for Life, Love, Literacy. As a committee we also did other fundraisers like The Walk and the Interkey Dance: Captured in a Dream. Through this event, I was able to communicate with the other schools in my area (Homestead, Monta Vista, Cupertino, and Fremont). Apart from this committee, I also volunteered frequently. This year I volunteered a total of 42 hours and a total of 93 hours from freshman year to junior year. I went to events such as Fall Leadership Conference, Interkey Dance, Color Me Rad, De Anza Crab Feed, International Night, etc. I also went to a few charity dinners and charity events for other areas as well. I hope to further my relationship with Interact as Secretary and Public Relations for the 2013-2014 school term.

02. What previous experience do you have regarding leadership positions, both in and out of Interact? Within Interact, I was previously the Webmaster (1 Year), Public Relations (2 Year), and International Project Committee officer (1 Year). For the next school year, I am the Secretary and Public Relations officer for Interact. In National Honor Society, I am the Secretary for the next school year. In terms of Valhalla Yearbook, I am the Writer (2 Years) and Design Editor (1 Year). Outside of school, I am a Shift Leader (2 Years) for my group of volunteers at Kaiser Permanente Hospital. I delegate tasks to volunteers and communicate with the Volunteer Directors on a regular basis. In Medical Explorers, I work both Secretary (2 Years) and Webmaster (1 Year). Additionally, I was previously a tutor at Kwan Academy (1 Year) and a member on Nordstrom Fashion Board. Currently, I work as a work leader for my shift a new and upcoming bakery.

03. Do you have any special skills that could benefit District Council? (Such as public speaking, technology, PowerPoint, photography, videography, icebreakers, etc.) I have a number of skills that could benefit District Council. In terms of personality and character: I am an extremely hard worker with the experience to get things done efficiently. I can contribute my organizational skills and my ability to work with others. Majority of my jobs (both in and out of Interact) rely on close interaction between my supervisors or peers or general members. I always have willingness to cooperate with others and work comprehensibly. When presented a new task, I feel that am responsible for the project from beginning to end from small projects to grand-scale inventions. Although I am a team player, I am also able to work independently and efficiently. I take initiative when there is no one present. Along with these attributes, I am also an interpersonal speaker. I am able to deal with a variety of people in a variety of situations. As a writer for yearbook, I am able to approach strangers (students, teachers, coaches, admins, and directors) whom I have never had a conversation with. I am able to speak confidently and deliver my ideas and/or questions in a respectful and interactive manner. As both a shift leader and volunteer at Kaiser Permanente Hospital, I converse with a wide variety of people while providing friendly quality service. Another skill that I have developed is flexibility and patience. I adapt easily to new situations, dilemmas, and/or environments. Growing up, I moved from nine different schools (sometimes two different schools within one school year) which prompted me to make new friends and adjust to new surroundings. Nevertheless, I am always willing to challenge myself to do something new and make the best of it. In terms of physical skills and capabilities: If you glance at the About Me section of the website, you can truly tell how organized I am. Rather than explaining it, my work should deliver the promise of quality as exemplified in the pictures of my homework and notes. I strongly feel that being organized is a perquisite for any job that involves planning and working within time frames. I am fully capable of delivering projects and information on schedule. In yearbook, writers work based mini-deadlines before the final product is submitted I am able to work within time limitations and produce excellent work without being late. My other skills include graphic design (as well as traditional poster making) and photography. I am fluent with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Lightroom. I am passionate about design by addressing both the purpose and functionality. Design is more than

choosing colors, typefaces, shapes and images good design works to present information in such a way as to support the information it presents, which is what I hope to do for District Council. To get a general idea of my work, browse through my portfolio. I am generally able to work with any type of media (both digital and non-digital). Feel free to ask if you have any question about what I can do! As a design editor and writer for Valhalla Yearbook, I have become assimilated with the concepts of magazine and yearbook layouts. For a sample of my writing style, check my portfolio under the Yearbook tab. With skills in editorial design and writing, I am also an ori ginal website designer. I have a general knowledge of HTML and CSS codes. Although I have only coded simple websites, I hope to be able to build a professional one in the near future. Rather than read about my qualifications, I hope to prove it to you possibly one day as the Co-Publications Coordinator. Thank you.

04. What are some skills you would like to learn or improve upon? I want to develop more of my skills as a designer/public relations officer for my Interact Club as well as for District Council. Design and communication have always been my passions and I would like to continue to pursue them. For the last several years, I have researched and experimented with a broad range of art media but I want to start perfecting and finding my style. Moreover, rather than discovering more about my own character, I want to gain insight by meeting new, influential, and inspiring individuals via Interact and District Council. By having an opportunity to work in District Council, I can stay connected with the other twelve areas (not including my own) will allow me to learn more about their area and their events. I can learn about their advertising/publicity techniques such as: benefit shows, charity dinners, etc. and apply it to my area and District Council. My main goal would be to develop network skills before I go to college. I believe that networking is not entirely used for personal benefits. In an environment dominated by ideas and innovation, networking creates a channel through which ideas can flow and new ideas can be created. Essentially, it is an exchange of intellect and concepts, which I am more than willing to participate in. A network as large as District Council offers a body of relationships and possible friendships something that I hope to gain. Most of all, I want a position where I can be challenged. I want to learn a lot of new things and I want to grow more as an individual. Learning any skill will be vital to my character, so I want to keep an open mind to any and all options.

05. What is your schedule like? How would District Council fit into your commitments and priorities? Please tell us your ideal 2013-2014 year. (Include types of classes, extracurricular activities, clubs, responsibilities, etc.) In terms of priorities, school and college applications are the most important. (I hope you understand.) Nevertheless, I will allocate time for everything to fit into my schedule including District Council. My senior year schedule will consist of five official classes and one unofficial class. My official classes are: AP Statistics, European Literature, AP Government/Economics, Physics Honors, and Studio Art, and my unofficial class is Yearbook. I will end school at lunch every day unless if it is a special school schedule/holiday. I will stay at school for one hour for yearbook work. In terms of school clubs, I participate in Interact, National Honor Society, and Red Cross Club. Apart from school, my extracurricular activities include volunteering (Kaiser Permanente) and tutoring (Kwan Academy) on a week-to-week basis. I also have biweekly/monthly meetings for Medical Explorers and Nordstrom Fashion Board. I also spend my weekends at the art studio finishing my portfolio. With my short school schedule and flexibility, District Council will integrate smoothly in my commitments. Majority of my outside-activities can be shifted around and worked to my schedule accordingly. I will also be coming home at around lunch everyday which gives me extra time to plan out my weekly schedule, finish homework, and go to my job(s). I am definitely willing to give up certain extracurricular activities/work in order to make time for District Council. If chosen for District Council, it will rank in my top priorities along with school and college applications because I have aspired to be a Publications Coordinator. 06. To you, is there a difference between individual success and group success? How so? There is a difference between individual success and group success because individual success is typically a form of success that is made for personal advancements. It is made for the benefit of one individual, rather than a group. Group success is the pursuit of success with the benefit for a whole community. Group success is led by one leader who is followed by individuals who support the same cause. Together, everyone works coherently to reach the same goal for what they believe in. The difference between these two types of successes is the intentions that lie behind it. Nevertheless, success is not measured by the position or rank person holds; success can be measured in the experience(s) people go through to obtain their goals.

07. How do you inspire and motivate others? I hope to inspire and motivate others through my passion and perspective. I hope to influence others by giving them plenty of reasons to join our cause. Rather than lead by empty promises, I am willing to sacrifice and put my ideas into action to show my dedication. I want to give people the reasons to join. If people see and feel the passion others put into the effort, they are more likely to be inspired and motivated to join. I hope to inspire people by taking charge and speaking out for what I believe in. I want to show them conceptually and physically through personal encounters. I want to show them that there is a way to make a difference to change things for the better. I want to call the cause, our cause, because it is a collective, group effort. It takes one person to inspire another individual, but it takes one audience to make a big difference. I hope to Inspire the Uninspired. 08. Why do you want to be Co-Publications Coordinator? I want to be Co-Publications Coordinator on District Council because it resembles everything that I am passionate for. I applied for District Council because I aspire to become a better person and to create a better community both locally and globally. I pursue knowledge and perspective from any opportunity given. I seek to inspire and motivate more members to join Interact. Having worked on numerous assignments dealing with design, this position piques my interest. This is not only a fine opportunity, but this is a chance where my qualifications can make a difference. I believe that I have the potential to help District Council in its efforts to fund for the annual project through various means (as demonstrated through my portfolio). As a budding designer, I see this position tailored to fit my competencies: design and visual perspective. Along with these assets, I am fit for the public speaking, advertising, and/or interviewing role if necessary. This position allows me to use both my creative/design skills and public speaking skills, both of which I would like to keep developing and perfecting along the way while inspiring potential Interactors and future leaders on District Council. This position is the perfect combination of social interaction and visual balance all while serving for a great purpose. I want to put my skills to a good cause while building lasting relationships with the District Council team and members from other areas. Along with those following reasons, I believe that District Council would also be a promising opportunity for more self-reflection and maturation. It will be eye-opening experience if I get the chance to work with very intelligent and unique individuals on the District Council team and get closer to the Rotary faculty.

I have dreamed and worked towards being part of District Councils Publication Team for two years and I hope that you are willing to give me a chance to make a difference. I believe that if you find something that you are truly passionate about: do not let it go it is only the beginning. Interact has rewarded me with so many lasting friendships, hearty memories, and most of all: inspiration, I can only aspire to do the same for the future generation of Interactors by serving my role as Co-Publications Coordinator. My application can only take me a certain distance in the decision making process, I hope that my character will finish the rest of the way.

09. What district events have you attended (event and year)? I have attended: Fall Leadership Conference (FLC) o o o 2012 (Junior), 2011 (Sophomore), 2010 (Freshman) 2013 (Junior) 2013 (Junior) Incentive Cruise (IC) Summer Send Off (SSO)

Although not a district event, I attended Camp RYLA the summer before my junior year. I also attend a few of the area dances, benefit shows, crab feeds, and charity dinners every year.

10. Do you have the permission and ability to attend District Council meetings and Interact events, including overnight stayovers? Will your family understand and support your commitment? Yes, I have full consent from my parents to attend District Council meetings and stayovers. My family fully supports my commitment towards Interact.

11. Please list a couple references (name, title, phone number, email) who have had experience working with you, whether it be in Interact or outside sources. References cannot be club presidents or previous DC members. Akamichi, Lee Studio Art Teacher lee_akamichi@fuhsd.org

Baek, Monica Bakery Owner lapetitebakery@gmail.com o I have not had the full experience with working with her yet. If none of the other contacts reply, feel free to email her. Belmont, Nancy Yearbook Advisor nancy_belmont@fuhsd.org

Ellington, Patrick Algebra 2 Trigonometry Teacher | Swim Coach patrick_ellington@fuhsd.org

Thompson, Dawn Kaiser Volunteer Manager (Previous) dawn.l.thompson@kp.org (408) 851-1716

Wei, Allen Math Tutor allen_j_wei@hotmail.com

Teacher Yang Visual Art Studio Teacher (408) 806-2658 o He does not speak English. You can talk to him in Chinese though.