This is a reflection created by Clement Coulston, who organized themes from Year 2013. He also encourages the reader to consider prompts as we embark upon 2014!

1. Clement Coulston, Year 2013
Reflection is not only a practice, but it is a set of values, beliefs and commitments between oneself and the world.
Too often one can be apt to wait until a certain event or holiday, to reflect about life. This year, I committed to daily
individual reflection and inspire peers to engage in this personal professional development practice, too!
When I considered writing an end-of-year reflection, I pondered on the following prompts:
How has my understanding and
perspective of the world evolved to the
present day?
Which of my personal values have been
challenged and how did I grow from those
encounters?
Why do I empower, and support my friends
and colleagues?
What surprises perpetuated into learning
insights that guided my leadership?
When does social change manifest and
sustain on the local, national and global
scale?
Social Media venues strive to create ‘year-in-review’ graphics for one to visualize his or her highlights from that year.
Most of those developments are derived from numerical ratings of comments or ‘likes,’ which suggest that ones’
highlight consists of perceived popularity, rather than meaningful impact. I believe that each day is a possibility for
personal growth and enrichment.
Through reflection, I have identified the three following themes in Year 2013:
Opportunity
Growth
Connection
The Power of
Reflection

2. Opportunity
Opportunity can be thought of as an experience or situation that is provided by one person, to aide or support
another individual. While this notion can describe some of the current-day thinking of opportunity, I challenge us to
consider a deeper meaning of opportunity.
Opportunity, in my perspective, is the
physical and social readiness for one to
encourage and support oneself and others
in exploring an idea, insight or situation. The
A given situation or
experience
Deepen ones' thinking
beyond receiving...
Readiness to
explore an
idea, insight
or situation
unique differences between the two are
the idea of readiness. Opportunity is not
dependent solely
Inclusive Youth
Leadership Guidebook
on others, but on
oneself.
Provided
transformed
to...
Created
Through being one of the five young people who took an idea and made reality
happen, with the creation of the Special Olympics Project UNIFY Inclusive Youth
Leadership Guidebook (http://bit.ly/IYLGuide), is one of those opportunities I will
never forget. This opportunity was not focused on another person providing the
space to explore this idea, but instead the opportunity in undertaking the unexplored
idea. We were co-authors of this Guidebook, which provides young people of all
Version 1 - July 2013
abilities to engage in interactive activities and reflection opportunities to strengthen
his or her leadership journey as inclusive youth leaders.
Growth
Reflection is way of life that cannot be a prescribed process, yet guiding principles can help one develop a unique
meaning of reflection. Reflection is the personal practice in finding oneself and epitomizing on that exploration.
During the course of this year, I posted reflection posts on Facebook and Twitter as a means to celebrate my
successes, recognize the challenges and enrich my future learning opportunities from past challenges.
Celebrate
Successes
Recognize
Challenges
Enrichments
for Future

3. Many equate growth in numbers, but I saw growth in my:
! Exploration of inclusive youth leadership and self-determination;
! Belief in the value of social inclusion;
! Advocacy for co-creating either social or resource supports that are authentic and helpful;
! Passion for engendering student engagement as a must, rather than an option.
Through being the Inclusive Youth Leadership Development Intern with Special Olympics Project UNIFY, I work on a
team who also value reflection. Furthermore, I would take walks with my colleague and friend to the Lincoln
Memorial -- a role model for social justice -- to reflect and connect on life, love, and the world.
Connection
365 days in a year – this seemingly big, yet actually finite number
provides an individual with endless possibilities to explore and
experience the world. One can be quick to immerse in the busyness of
life, which can impact our connections with one another. Sure, we can
be connected via text, status updates and tweets, but do we feel
socially and emotionally connected with our family and friends?
Connection cannot be contemplated as an ‘all-or-none’ phenomenon,
but rather a continuum of strength and breadth. This year I was able to connect with many passionate, inspirational
and engaged leaders who have shared learning, proposed challenge and ignited curiosity within me.
2013 was a year of excitement, learning and
connecting with many people from throughout
the world. It was a time I was able to augment
my
skills
as
a
leader
and
deepen
my
understanding of social change. I am humbled
for the experiences and people I have met, and
look forward to 2014 as a committed lifelong
learner and sharer!
Your 2013
I shared my reflections, so I encourage you to review the following reflection prompts and consider your
experiences on the three themes of Opportunity, Growth and Connection and prepare for 2014!
Opportunity
Growth
Connection
How did I create opportunity and empower myself to act upon it?
How will I generate opportunity and encourage others to view opportunity as a catalyst for exploration?
How have I grown? What skills, insights, and ideas have I developed?
What skills will I enhance this year? How will I do so?
Who have I initiated or enhanced social connections with? Why is that person special to me?
How will I enhance my ability to support and empower peers this year?