I remember having a lecturer who I could read each day off purely because of what music he played. Now this lecturer can really only be defined as a ‘hippie’, always with his long hair, witty shirts and daggy pants and sandals. I would always come in early to class, and he’d usually just be sitting down near the podium listening to usually some Acoustic/Light Alt. Rock sort of stuff. But it was lyrics or the slight tempo change or slight genre change that would give it away to me. On an average morning he would usually chuck on some City and Colour, as it relaxed him and he would be in a pretty good mood to do his lectures. On a really good day, he ended up putting on some Dashboard Confessional. On those days, it wouldn’t matter what you did in class so long as it wasn’t anything extreme. Hell, I even went on a slurpee run during one of them! On a terrible day, he’d end up usually putting on some Cary Brothers. Namely the song “Ride”. Now when I heard this for the first time, I thought it would be a really good day. One of my favourite tracks is Ride. Oh, how was I wrong. I left something outside of the room, so I decided to go and grab it. He let me go. However, when I got back he asked me a whole bunch of questions about something he purposely chose to bring up in the space between when I was gone and when I came back. Needless to say.. I learned my lesson. Now, he usually contained those bad days to himself, as that’s just him, but the music he listened to, those subtle changes; It hold me a lot about him and how he was feeling.

That was an easy example obviously. But it’s what got me interested in trying just pick someone by music. I’m not compulsive about it, but its a bit of fun for me. I always wondered how I would go about picking myself if I had no clue about who I was, but I could see what I was listening to. Currently I am listening to the aforementioned track “Ride”. Now, knowing myself, this means I’m in a thinking mood, except closer to my own inner monologue like JD in Scrubs. But what if I didn’t know me? The track tells of freedom, just putting everything aside, and ‘riding’ life. At the same time it has this euphoric and misty sense to it. It just feels smooth, and sad, but happy and free.. All at the same time. What if I were to listen to some of my heavier stuff like Parkway Drive or Behind Crimson Eyes, or listening to something more electronic like Pendulum, B-Complex or Enter Shikari? What about everything else like Anberlin, City and Colour, Emarosa or Thrice? I think I’d be a lot harder to pick. Could it be because I have a lot on my mind and each of these artists and their associated tracks have different effects on me? Could it be because I’m trying to be opaque? Could it simply be, I just love listening to them all? There are millions of different possibilities.

I hope I’ve shared a little insight or created some intrigue tonight. This sort of stuff really plays on my mind all the time and I really love exploring it. Music can definitely tell you a lot about someone else, you just have to look for it. Before I wrap this up and since we’re on the topic of music, I thought I’d share a few tracks that have just been really with me over the past few weeks.

Cary Brothers – Ride – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3kALKf9oUY

Brand New – You Won’t Know – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5mm8ex8Vd4

Sleeping With Sirens – Do It Now, Remember It Later – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0307a7K2uY8

Chevelle – Letter From A Thief – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNuWhahOlHw

Katie Gray – Set Free – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvDugNh-6U0

Per Aspera Ad Astra,

Brock.

What do I hold dear about this saying though? What does it mean to me? I believe Live Together refers to sacrifice in a relational sense. An existential statement that means we need to be with others for our life to fulfill one of our base desires in life. Companionship/Friendship/Relationship; A necessity in anyone’s life, regardless of how stubborn one may be. Now I’ve established this is a statement about a base desire, but where does sacrifice come in? Unless by some miracle, two people will never see eye to eye on absolutely everything. And that’s one of the things that makes us so unique and so special to other people. I’d never want to meet/be with someone exactly like me. If they’re similar that’s fine, but if I hung out with myself all the time, it would lead to boredom and disinterest very quickly. Live Together is making sacrifices so that we may live and be with other people so we can satisfy a desire in our life, so we can enjoy our time here.

Now the statement wouldn’t be complete without the Die Alone factor would it? Jeez, that sounds quite bleak doesn’t it. Now, Die Alone cannot be criticised without properly taking in the former content of Live Together with my interpretation, yet this part is quite simple. Ultimately we all Die Alone. It’s important to do all we can now because of that fact. We don’t get to be together in the end, so why not do it now? Why not do everything we can for those around us? You will find a lot of people are worth sacrificing something for.. You just have to look for it.

How does it resonate through you now? For me, its an inspiration and I believe it carries a small life lesson for me. I don’t know, this article was very much a spur of the moment thing brought out from my thinking yet still normally creative side. I’d be very curious to hear any thoughts or comments on it.

Live Together, Die Alone.

Brock.

James, now as you can guess, hates pop music. But like almost every indie guy, isn’t that a given? For him, simply no. During our conversation he heavily criticised many popular artists abilities and lyrics. He tore apart most artists quite logically purely by referencing lyrical content. No surprise that they’re all containing sexually suggestive language, addictive topics, and repeated lines over and over. Yeah, anyone with half a brain already knew that too.. But it just saddens me to think where our generation is going musically. Now, I’m quite accepting to many styles and genres when it comes to music as I listen for sound and also raw skill from the artist. Now anyone who knows me knows I love some heavier stuff as well as some more roots/alternative stuff. Give me some Parkway Drive or I Killed the Prom Queen and it will fire me up. Give me some Young Heretics, City and Colour or some The Naked and Famous and it will bring out my feelings and passion. Give me some Oasis, Goo Goo Dolls, Pendulum or some 30 Seconds To Mars and I’ll sing along to every line so insistently. Now if people who are reading this don’t know any of the last four artists I mentioned I’ll be quite surprised, but those artists range from Acoustic to Alternative to Hardcore to Electronica to Pop to Rock. Some of them I listen to purely because it sounds good to my ears.

What I’m trying to say is that listening to Pop music with all its ‘terrible’ (ha) lyrics and lack of musical talent (Yes I said it) isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but we should all start questioning what we’re listening to, what we suggest to others and try to expand on our current tastes. There are so many good tracks by artists that have barely been heard of, or that don’t really make radio anyway that many people just don’t know about. Years before The Getaway Plan made it to radio, I always said they should make it there for some of their tracks, and they eventually did. I said the same for Paramore when I first heard them, and the same for a few other artists. Diversity is the key to getting some really good music known whether it be pop music or not.

Before I head off and since we’re on the topic on music, I thought I’d share a list of artists that I believe are some of the best around for varying genres. Check them out. (:

Artists -

Anberlin (Alt/Rock) – Actually my favorite band. Been listening to them since before I can remember. They seem to able encapsulate any mood while still delivering a very solid and consistent feel. Tracks to listen to – (*Fin) – Paperthin Hymn

Cartel (Alt Rock) – Can’t remember how I found these guys, but I’ve always had people ask who they are. A very good singer, followed by a very solid and full sound in general. Tracks to listen to – 27 Steps – The Minstrel’s Prayer

Emarosa (Post Hardcore) – Possibly the best singer I’ve ever heard of resides in this band. If I had his voice, I wouldn’t have to try in this life. Too bad the real singers a bit of a downy. Tracks to listen to – The Past Should Stay Dead – Even Bad Men Love Their Mothers – Broken vs the Way we were Born

Evans Blue (Rock) – These guys have gone unknown for years yet they keep on publishing tracks. Not just ‘tracks’ either, most are small anthems or really just hit you in one way or another. Tracks to listen to – Kiss The Flag – Quote

A Fine Frenzy (Acoustic/Alt) – Heard this band while watching How I Met Your Mother. Not anything too over the top, but very easy on the ears, and the singer.. Well, she sings with passion. Tracks to listen to – Lifesize – Almost Lover

In Fiction (Alt Rock) - Having worked with the singer of this band, I can say quite plainly that he’s one of the best singers in Australia. For that alone, it’s worth listening to.

Ivoryline (Rock) - Was shown these guys by my best mate, and I’ve never looked back. Some fast rock with a solid performance from everyone in the band ensures that this is a band in almost every one of my playlists. Tracks to listen to – Instincts – Hearts and Minds

Kill Hannah (Progressive/Electronica/Rock) – These guys aren’t for everyone. In fact, most of you will be turned off by the vocals alone. But there’s something quite amazing about them musically; You just have to listen for it. Tracks to listen to – Mouth to Mouth – Lips Like Morphine

Mae (Alt/Rock) - A very special act indeed. Their artist name means Multi-Sensory Aesthetic Experience. All their tracks use metaphors which are used to convey emotion very beautifully. Tracks to listen to – I Just Needed You to Know – We’re So Far Away

mewithoutYou (Alt/Rock) – Another artist in which the vocalist could make you cringe, but what he sings about.. Wow.. Mindblowing. If you’re interested in theology or deeper contexts, this would be the band for you. Tracks to listen to – The Soviet – January 1979

Pendulum (Drum and Bass) – Simply amazing. If you haven’t heard of them, listen IMMEDIATELY. Tracks to listen to – Hold Your Colour – Propane Nightmares – Witchcraft

Circa Survive (Alt/Indie Rock) – There are some tracks where you’ll be saying to yourself, is that a guy or girl singing? But very solid musically and in terms of lyrical content. Tracks to listen to – The Great Golden Baby – I Felt Free – In the Morning and Amazing

Saosin (Alt Rock) – I remember being punched in the face while seeing these guys live. Some guy thought I was after his girlfriend. She asked me to protect her since we were in front row, so I stood behind her, knocking back anyone who shoved us. Oh, a bit of a hit and miss band, but have some AMAZING tracks. Tracks to listen to – You’re Not Alone – 3rd Measurement in C (Piano Version)

In Fear and Faith (Post Hardcore) – Relatively new kids on the block, these guys have come a long way in such a short time. If you’re after something heavy, while also still having melodic chorus’, this is for you. Tracks to listen to – Bones – Your World On Fire

I Killed The Prom Queen (Hardcore) – Aussie Hardcore at its best. Heavy, loud. This stuff gets you pumping. Tracks to listen to – Sharks In Your Mouth – Sleepless Nights and City Lights – My Best Wishes

Sigur Rós (European Alt) – Only recently got into these guys. Now I can’t really understand Finnish too well, but the way the music is orchestrated is beautiful. Tracks to listen to – Sæglópur

BT (Soundtrack) – This guy has made various tracks for different movies, and the tracks are often reminiscent of trance and electronica. Definitely something you have to listen to to know whether you like or dislike.  Tracks to listen to – Dreaming – Suddenly

Thrice (Rock) – These guys are amazing. Such amazing talent musically, and lyrically, its quite mind blowing. He speaks in metaphors as if it were the only way he knew how to communicate.  Tracks to listen to – Lost Continent – Of Dust and Nations – Atlantic – The Whaler

Copeland (Alt) – This band is very pleasing to the ears. Very soft, very melodic, almost jazz/funk sort of beats at times. Definitely recommended.  Tracks to listen to – Careful Now – Chin Up – Pin Your Wings

As Tall As Lions (Indie Rock) – Again, an artist I’ve only recently started listening to, but quite simply, they’re good. I don’t really have any complaints.  Tracks to listen to – Maybe I’m Just Tired

City and Colour (Acoustic) – Singer from Alexisonfire, this artist is often overlooked due to that fact. He has an amazing voice, and its one of those artists I always like to put on in the car if I don’t know the tastes of people around Tracks to listen to – Coming Home – Like Knives – Day Old Hate

Dead Poetic (Rock/Screamo) – This band died a couple of years ago now, but they’ll be one of the ones I always listen to. It’s hard to really explain them as they alternate a lot in terms of what they play, but they’re definitely good. Tracks to listen to – The Dream Club Murders – Vices – Copy of a Copy – Paralytic

Enter Shikari (Post Hardcore/Electronica) – I heard these guys a few years back on Triple J when they were only being heard overseas for the first time (Us being overseas, they’re from the UK). Since then they’ve gone to headlining various festivals and doing multiple international tours. They’re not amazingly perfect musically or anything, but at the same time, thats what makes them so good.  Tracks to listen to – Sorry You’re Not A Winner – Labyrinth – Solidarity – Havoc A – Wall

Miike Snow (Dance/Electronica) - Last on my list tonight. He’s really impressed me with how easy this is to listen to even though I’m not into anything close to dance.  Tracks to listen to – Silvia

Per Aspera Ad Astra,

Brock.

But Valentines Day isn’t just a time where we can shower the person we love. Valentines Day can be applied to even just doing stuff with your friends or just a chance to take some time for you while everyone else is off with someone. Something I’ve done once that I should really do tomorrow, but I just haven’t arranged it, is to find one of your best friends, and simply head out to a dinner with them. It’s fun, it takes your mind off, and if your friend agrees, you’re probably in the same boat. Have to admit, doing that with one of my friends was the best Valentines Day I’ve ever spent.

If I get asked out tomorrow by some random act, I’ll probably be very flattered and I’ll say yes, but if I don’t, I’m not just going to sit around and mope. My 2c.

Off the topic of work (It’s driving me crazy),  things have been bland, but okay. I miss Coola, a lot, and it still pains me whenever I watch our farewell video. Back here in Melbourne still doesn’t feel like home, and I’m not adjusting well to living at home. At first it was an annoyance being home, but I’m not liking being constantly pushed around. The question still bids, “Where is home for me?”. And I’m not sure what to say. Part of me wishes I was somewhere else this year, and maybe its part of the reason I’m desperate for the UK. Just to be somewhere else.. Anywhere else.. A new environment, away from the familiar, somewhere where I’m free to live inside my own head and where someone gets all of that. Utopian yes, but not free of responsibility. I want to work and earn my own way and experience all these sorts of things for myself. Is it time for all of this, or am I once again too far ahead of myself as per usual?

I guess I should stop using this as a venting tool hey, I guess I must seem.. Hmm, not even sure of the word. Weird? No, but I am most definitely weird. Anyway.. I’ve lost my chain of thought.. Until next time.. Whenever that is.

Per Aspera Ad Astra,

Brock.

At the same time, I can’t help but feel disheartened by everything. I’m incredibly grateful for everything I’ve got here, and it seems like every year for us in our consumer driven society, that there’s always more food, the gifts are always bigger, and we seem to forget about everyone else’s well being. I guess it shouldn’t surprise us seeing as its drilled into us almost every moment of every day in one way or another. Oh, it seems like gatherings are just that more socially awkward too. I remember watching several conversations today of people just talking for the sake of conversation and just pretending like they were actually interested. I mean, its obviously polite to talk to everyone about whats going on, but what happened to a proper family gathering where we really cared about everyone else there and had genuine interest in pursuing some of those things?

Speaking along the lines of conversation, there was one that really annoyed the crap out of me that was repeated by just about every relative, at both sides of my families festivities. “So Brock, when are you thinking about getting a wife and settling down?” Excuse me, what? Usually the topic of relationships and settling down and all that, its usually the cornerstone of my mind and until recently, I did want to be there in a ‘short-ish’ amount of time. But now, it just seems to have slipped my mind. I’m only 20 after all. In both sides of my family, everyone gets married just before 20 or not long after, so I understand their questioning, but ultimately, it feels like unnecessary pressure at the moment. I figure if I get a girlfriend or something soon, all good, but if I don’t, it’s not a big issue for me right now. All I know at the moment is that I’ve got to save around $15,000 for the UK in 2012. Probably another reason to not bother looking, distance is a real killer in my books these days. /End rant

Despite all that though, it’s been a pretty amazing day, and all I wrote above probably seems a lot worse than I make it out to be. I guess I’m just a little tired and everything else. I hope your Christmas has been as merry, if not more so merry than mine!

Oh, if you guys haven’t heard it already, the ‘Happy Christmas Vol. 5′ from Tooth and Nail is out and well, its pretty amazing, especially tracks seen by Ivoryline and Copeland.

Per Aspera Ad Astra, Merry Christmas and have a safe and happy New Years. See you all in 2011!

Brock

Alright, being back in Melbourne.. Currently, I’m sitting in ‘my room’ here full of boxes, clothes and whatever else I brought back today and I’m looking around even now just going, “Why the hell am I back?” As far as I can remember, I never liked it at home, and being away for a year only heightened all of that within me. I’m so used to doing everything independently and a different way to most people I know now, and I’m already finding hard to come back to this. It’s just the small things. Like washing, dishes, routines of doing everything, being around different sort of people. If this is a sign of things to come over the next year, I don’t want it.

I just miss everyone already so much.. In the space of a day from living with 6 other people and doing absolutely everything together to completely nothing with them. It just shouldn’t be allowed to happen. Fuck.. This hurts.. You know, while I was there, I often missed all my creature comforts that I have here (Personal shower, good internet connection, TV), but look at that in retrospect to 6 people you truly love.. It doesn’t compare.

I guess the next major thing is that this doesn’t feel like home. There’s a big difference between familiarity and home in this sense. This is all familiar, and I’ve gotta say, it is good, but its not home. I don’t have a place to call home at the moment.. I feel I’d be better off in a new setting altogether with no one I know just so I could start afresh with new people and stuff. Yes, I’m aware it doesn’t solve my problem of me missing everyone, but it sure beats the hell out of right here where things are done in ways I can’t stand. I’m just not coping here..

/end rant.

I just needed to vent. I know looking back on this soon, I’m probably just going to shake my head at myself and laugh, but at least it brought a tiny sense of relief typing it.

I miss you guys.. Will love you lot forever…

Per Aspera Ad Astra,

Brock.

Per Aspera Ad Astra,

Brock.

The Year Past

This was the year I moved out for a very prolonged period of time and learned many life skills about living independently (See.. Housewife). This year, I’ve picked up interests and I’ve lost interest in some things. The same goes for some habits both good and bad. For all that stock standard stuff, I think there have been two really big things I’ve picked up on this year. Firstly, living out of home and in a community setting has really etched out my weaknesses and strengths as a whole. I now know that I can handle intense workloads of 60+ hours a week of physically and emotionally enduring work. That feels pretty awesome I’ve gotta say. I now know that when I choose to pursue a proper career, I’m going to be people based. I have to help people in one way or another for the better; I’ve discovered that my heart resonates so strongly with that. I’ve also learned that my natural artistic flair and creative way of thinking is a much more valuable gift than I could have ever imagined. As for my weaknesses that have been ‘etched out’, I’ve learned how much of an introvert I am. After work, I literally cannot face people about 3-4 nights of the week. I just come back to my room, and write, work out, drum, do photo editing, watch movies, etc during that time. I need the downtime from everyone to simply recharge my batteries; Unless people want to see spontaneous combustion. I’ve also realised how much I kind of suck with just day to day conversation. Get me onto something deep and meaningful and I’m fine, but I just find it so hard to talk to people in general. For the last one.. I discovered I’m more of a procrastinator than I thought I already was. I guess I just have too many delusions of grandeur of sitting lazily on a deck at night looking at the stars. Or of a beach sunset… OR, of sleeping in absurdly everyday. Ha, well.. Those are a few things to work on I guess.. Somehow..

The second really big thing has been the reconstruction of my character in many aspects. The first is physically. I’m in amazing shape at the moment, and I intend to keep this up. Secondly is emotionally. I recently went through all my old entries, bios, and old social networking pages (Shudders at my Myspace), and I’ve just gone whoa. I really didn’t like myself back then, and I was always so so depressed. Now, I have my bad days still, and I often feel quite down, but nowhere near the same level or regarding the same aspects as I did back then. I think romanticism of the darker side of life is just me, and keeps me down for an extended period sometimes, but part of that is also my creative side. I do the same thing with the brighter side of life, just not quite as openly. As for the last part of my character, its in terms of spirituality. I’ve grown so much with God this year through everything, and it’s actually become completely real to me now. I can’t even think of life without him. Earlier during the year, I even renounced all of it for about a month, and for me to come back like how I have is just incredible.

Despite this spiel of this year only consisting of more than a fair few words, I feel like thats only the briefest of summaries. I could say so much more, but since I want to discuss next year too, I won’t right now.

Back to Suburbia and the Future

When I move back home, I have to address a few issues straight away, and many more issues in the long run. When I get back home, getting a job sorted for next year is going to have to be my number one priority if I ever want to see my plans through for 2012. Alright, for those who don’t know, in 2012 I am doing a course called YWAM and I will be moving to Nunaeton in the UK (It’s about one and a half out of Birmingham apparently) to do the course. The course focuses on youth work like stuff, and since that’s where my heart lies, I’m more than excited. After I complete that course, I plan on spending a few years or more if I like it, in the United Kingdom that is. I may even move there permanently. But back to where we were. I need to save $12,000+ in order to pay course fees/flights as well as having some money for unforeseeable expenditures. And more money will be required if I want spending money. I’m looking for a job in any area where I’ve done work/training before or where I can just work straight out. Ultimately, I do have a lot of collateral/posessions that I will no longer need after next year that I will be selling, but I intend to cover as much of the costs as possible through working next year as I want to start saving seriously for a house with those aforementioned assets.

All those money issues are just square one however. I have a lot of work to do in my life in general. I want to minimise my weaknesses that I mentioned earlier so that I can become a lot more rounded in who I am. At this stage, I’m not even sure how I’d work on those weaknesses as it’s going to require more than just will. Well maybe, I have one idea about the whole talking to people thing. Next year, I’m going to meet new people either way through gatherings/new work/new church/etc, but I think its time I started looking at all the current relationships in my life and really focusing on those who are going to build me, and vice versa, and who I can see a future friendship with. On the flip-side, getting rid of some of the negative relationships/friendships in my life is also going to have to happen. Now, I’m the first to say I hate conflict, but it’s just going to have to be done, simple as that really.

Adapting, or fitting in back in suburbia back with the parents will be a big challenge. Every weekend I choose to head back, I can feel the tension. Jut between my ego, my new found skills and the way my parents view me now, it could feel like a noose around my neck very quickly. I love my parents to death, I really do, but I don’t want to be told to do every little thing anymore. I’m so used to just doing it here, no questions asked. Admittedly, I even got a little annoyed the other weekend when someone did all my usual ‘housework’ and I didn’t do it. I’m just so set in terms of living independently here, and it’s going to be hard to adjust again. I sometimes wonder if it’s even going to be worth unpacking everything back home. I mean, I’ve already chosen the smallest room in the house now as to not inconvenience and I’ve already begun on some home improvements as I feel I’m almost imposing by moving back with them. If I’m only there for a year, I should just keep out the essentials and keep the rest packed in the storage space I feel.

Since next year is also possibly going to be my last year in Australia, I’ve decided I need to do something incredibly random, something incredibly ‘out there’. I’d possibly love to do something with my music and go on a road trip, playing random shows here and there or following a band, or recording something again, but I don’t know. Just because we’re growing up and we have to think about all these things regarding self improvement, money issues, finding a spouse and all that, it doesn’t mean we should stop doing crazy things. Hell, if all I did was do this kind of stuff all day, I’d be a very boring person who looks like they haven’t lived a day in their life. Any suggestions about that kind of stuff would be greatly appreciated, as at the moment, my heads just swirling about everything else.

Wrapping Up

I realise the above is such a brief summary of everything, but I’d rather not discuss everything in too much detail, but I still needed to say at least something. I was just compelled to anyway. My sign off phrase for my blog here is now truer than ever, as metaphorically speaking, it speaks of change.

So.. Per Aspera Ad Astra,

Brock.

Doing Promotions Management for years really engraves ways of thinking into you. In the end, when it comes to any advertisements in any form of media these days or whenever I have to ‘sell’ something, I immediately follow an automated process within. Firstly, what is the product/idea? Second, what groups/demographics do you wish to hit with this? Third, What in the past 6-12 months (Perhaps thats even being too lenient) has shaped this demographic? Fourth, how can we can relate our idea to that demographic with what they are already familiar with and like? Lastly, sell your idea through various mediums that your demographic has access to the most (TV, radio, Universities, Street Teams, you name it). Now that idea could be just one small thing, and in the end you can just blow it up, and juice it up with videos, posters, phrases, etc. Now, I could go into a whole lot of detail about the superficial side to all of it, and exploits of people psychologically (Believe me, we DO, do that), but I won’t for now. I wanted to emphasise the point that management is very concise. It’s very blunt, its to the point. While there are some aspects you can draw from that and put it into a leadership role; Nothing prepares you for leadership, especially a leadership role around kids.

Now I tackle leadership. What have I learned? What initiatives have I ‘spearheaded’ as such? The first one that really stands out to me is how dynamic, and how, well, it’s NOT blunt at all. There’s always something different going on. I mean, you obviously have your processes that you follow like management, but they are broadened..a LOT. You have to adapt with styles, whether you be the firm and tough leader to get kids to do anything (I really don’t like that one), or the relaxed one who almost leaves them to their own devices, but gives them a ‘gentle push’ every now and then to get them on the right path. Most times, I’m somewhere in between, and I find that works the best. Now a lot of teachers say that too. They say, “You are their best friend. BUT, you are their nemesis too.” Now, teaching isn’t being a leader in many respects I’ve got to say. Teachers are authoritarians and educators. They are there to ‘Guide’. A leader isn’t an authoritarian unless its detrimental to one or more of their groups immediate well being. A leader with kids is someone who confidently demonstrates, and who follows their group, and helps build the group up. You push them in the right direction and you help coordinate people. Now, feel free to disagree with any of what I’ve written above, this is what I’ve observed, and dare I say learned as my own style throughout the year.

Now, following along that range of middle range leadership I believe I demonstrate, here is a scenario I often see day in, day out with your stock-standard Year 6′s.. Me – “Alright, make sure you have all you need! That means repellent, a hat, drink bottle. If you don’t have it, you have 2 minutes!” Once we start walking out to our activity, Kid – “I forgot my drink bottle!” Here, I have three options that pop into mind straight away. A. I can either tell them to go grab it quickly with another student. B. I can tell them, “Too bad.” C. Tell them to ask their teacher. Now this is a pretty easy choice to make. My job is not to make those decisions, so I handball off to the teacher, who then either chooses option A or B. It establishes to the kids that I am not there to be bossy, and in turn, makes their disposition towards me as someone who is a part of their community. Alright, next, we keep walking to our activity, lets say.. Climbing, since its out in the bushes and stuff. I always have kids who choose to run ahead. Here, I find a passive aggressive stance towards them works. They run a little bit of the way, sometimes even through the bushes. I still keep a keen eye out though, and not once have I had a kid go missing. Instead, they end up turning around eventually going, “Brock! Which way do we go?” I stay silent, and give a cheeky smile, and continue walking. They eventually give up and return to standing right near me, realising that they’re just going to have to wait and see. Now in general once we’re at the activities, my aim to give a briefing, and thats perhaps the only point where I really act as a teacher because otherwise, there’s a lot that could go wrong with the groups health and safety. I use common techniques like looking at them and just standing there, maybe pretending to daydream until they eventually quieten up because they realise they’re missing out on doing something fun. If they refuse, I eventually give a quick yell of, “Alright, listen up!” and then raise my hands and wait. For anything more severe, I always just handball off to the teacher who is required to be with us for the session. For the rest of the session, I’m there as a ‘professional instructor’ or just there to socialise and help out, only when necessary. I push them in the right direction, I hint at possibilities. I push them just enough so they can think of solutions by themselves.

And thats leadership. It’s a fine juggling act of gently pushing, of being someone with authority, of being their friend. Its about earning rapport and really being able to talk with them and being their friends while showing them something fun, and letting them see things they usually wouldn’t, or think in ways they usually wouldn’t. Coming straight from telling people what to do, and how to do it environment to a ‘Maybe this could work, why don’t you try this? environment’ is certainly daunting. And while I don’t think I’m the best leader out there and while I’d rather do my whole management thing, the kids love you for showing them something new, for being someone who’s not their teacher, but who still helps them. Hell, the teachers love what we do too. Obviously I’m doing something right.

Per Aspera Ad Astra,

Brock.