Troy Brogan, Renaissance & Link Crew Coordinator 2019-2020
The Initial Letter
My initial thoughts going into this year are very excited for this leadership class. I am kind of upset I missed the Core Camp experience, but I know that it will be easy to get back on track. I can already tell this class is very spirited and ready to work. All around everybody is super enthusiastic and ready to go. I honestly have super high expectations for this year. The freshmen representatives are a great group of students andI just want them to speak up more. She is ready to have a great year. I am really excited to work aside Lydia and see what we can do together. Being her leader and partner, I can’t wait to teach her some tricks that I have learned since this is my 3rd year at the job. I love leadership, not only does it help me become a better leader at Ripon High School, but it prepares me for the professional life as well. I can’t wait until the job interviews because it gives me so much information on whatever job field I choose. This year, we are going to have our ups and downs. We have already had some of those “downs” because it is impossible to go through a year and have no flaws. That is why we learn from our mistakes and move on. My senior really sets the tone for the whole group and we are doing a great job so far. I know my class would do anything for this school. Leadership is a big part of Ripon High. We put on activities and events at the school. Everything falls on us and that is why communication and planning ahead are so important. We are already ahead of the game and we plan to stay that way. It is very important in leadership to stay committed to the program. It something bad happens, you can’t just bail because you’re hurting RHS. We have to stay together. WE IS ONE! (even though it’s not a core principle anymore sorry Morty love you)
Part I: Favorite Quotes
The first quote that impacted me and relates to my life is by Tommy Lasorda. He said, “The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination.” I really like this quote because it is saying that you are the only one who can control what you do. How much effort you put into something will be how much you get out of it. Your ability to go after what you want will be the difference like Larosa said. I feel like this quote relates to me because I have always been a hard working, determined kid. Two years ago when I started playing varsity basketball as a sophomore, it was a big struggle at first. It was a brutal first month, but I stayed with it, I was determined. The next quote is short and simple by the basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. He once said, “Excellence is not a singular act but a habit. You are what you do repeatedly.” The one thing that I really get out of this quote is consistency. In leadership, we can’t do really good on an activity and then go on to the next and not work as hard. You have to stay consistent to stay successful. That is why sports legends like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan were good their whole careers. Excellence became a habit for them because they worked so hard and continued to work even when they were great. This quote inspires me to use my strong work ethic and achieve success like it’s a habit. The last quote is by a former MLB pitcher Jim Abbott. “It's not the disability that defines you; it's how you deal with the challenges the disability presents you with. We have an obligation to the abilities we DO have, not the disability.” This is a very inspiring quote and it really defines me and leadership. Abbott is saying how you face challenges is what defines you. I hurt my back last summer and I faced a lot of challenges. It was a real struggle to sit out all summer and go to physical therapy every other day. I faced those challenges for my love of sports.
Part II: Quote
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” -John C. Maxwell
To me, this quote represents the path of becoming a leader. Now in my fourth and last year of leadership, I have made my way down this path and learned what it takes to leave a legacy. Beginning leaders “go the way”, and to go the way, you have to look up to experienced leaders like Natalie/Kassidy and see what he has done to become such a good leader. After a leader “goes the way”, they start to “know the way” and understand what it means to be a leader. When a leader knows the way, they understand how to handle situations and can take charge while being collaborative at the same time. I had more on my plate and had to step up and take on different roles. In my senior year of leadership, I want to “show the way” to the younger leaders like Lydia and other students. I want to use my knowledge to help other leaders and I want them to look up to me like I did to people like Ty, Kayla, and Mia. The quote is important to me because it is a path to follow. First, you’re learning how to be a leader and then you can help others because you not only know the way, but you can show them the way. It is important to reflect in order to have a plan. I want to follow what this quote says because in my opinion, living a fulfilled life involves helping others along the way. This statement is very impactful to me because it shows what a true leader is. A true leader isn’t one who is all alone on a pedestal. I want to be the type of leader that can raise everybody up and push them to their full potential.
Part I: Goals
It is so hard to narrow down your goals and only pick a few. Some people have thousands of goals throughout their life, and I think I’m one of those people. My first goal connected to leadership would have to be public speaking. I have definitely gotten way better throughout my four years in the class, but I am still uncomfortable going in front of a bigger audience and speaking. I know that Morty helped me a lot with this because last year I spoke in front of the school for Every 15 Minutes and I did pretty well. My second leadership goal is to really get out of my comfort zone. Especially since my position works a lot with younger kids. Like the last goal, I have improved since freshman year. For some reason, I feel like I will be judged but I am trying to change that. I have simple short term life goals. I want to maintain my great grades while being a very busy person. My other goal is to get into a four-year college. My grades are what will control my second goal, but I believe in myself because I have a great support system around me. My mom, being a college counselor, is always informing me about schools, grades, etcetera. My 2 long term goals for the future are probably more difficult. My two goals are connected to each other and will have a huge impact on my future. My first long term goal is to get a data analytics job with a professional sports or college team. I love math and sports, so this is the perfect occupation for me. Data analytics has become really important in sports now because everybody likes to crunch down the numbers. As they say, numbers don’t lie. My second goal is to live in Phoenix, Arizona. I want to work for the Phoenix Suns. Something about the state of Arizona has always interested me. It seems like a great future to me, living in Arizona and having my dream job. I would get to watch the basketball games and break down the stats every single day. I have set my goals high and hope to achieve them with my great work ethic.
Part II: Goals
My first goal was to become a better public speaker. I have for sure made big strides towards this since my freshman year. During freshman year I would freak out in front of people and I couldn’t look them in the eyes. I feel way more comfortable in front of a crowd and I don’t get as nervous. The speech we have during the year always helps me and I am just not as nervous overall. My second goal was to get out of my comfort zone. I think I did a great job of setting an example by dressing up for almost all of the spirit days. The class of 2020’s spirit was so good, we were going to take the Jamba before COVID-19 ruined things. I chatted with more people this year, especially ones I did not know very well. High school is more exciting if there is a large amount of school spirit and pride. It’s important to me to make it more spirited so the students can enjoy it more. My third and fourth “short term” goals were tied together. To maintain good grades while being a very busy person. I did a great job this year and I am trying to finish strong . Football and basketball were a blast this year, we won TVL for both sports. Might I add that we won a state championship in football if you haven’t heard. I got to experience playing in the playoffs in both sports. I was also offered a prefered walk-on spot to play football at my number one school, Arizona State. I felt overwhelmed at times, but I pushed through it and worked hard this whole school year. I set the bar very high for my two “long term” goals. The first was to major in Data Analytics at Arizona State University. This is what I have wanted to do since freshman year trying to get into the Barrett Honors College. Well, I succeeded in that! I have the opportunity to go to the school I love and play football! It seems like a dream come true. The second long term goal is to eventually work for the Phoenix Suns as a data analyst. It helps that I will already be in Arizona for school.
Part 1: People Magazine Cover
Part II: People Magazine Article
Troy Brogan is just a kid with a ton of goals and dreams. He has grown up with two loving parents and one younger sister. He has a very strong super system around him. When we were talking to his mother, Jennifer, she said, “Paul and I are very proud of Troy’s work ethic and attitude when it comes to everything in life. He does a great job of balancing everything in his life from school to leadership to sports.” Brogan has always worked hard for his grades and has maintained a 4.43 GPA throughout high school. Troy is also an athlete outside of school. During the fall season, he is playing football. In the cold winter days he is playing basketball. When spring comes around he is not playing a sport and goes to lift weights after school with his dad. Sports have always been a huge part of his life and he hopes to continue them in the future. All around Troy is a kind, warm-hearted guy. He is considered very goofy by his friends and is often told to speak before he talks. Sometimes intelligent people don’t have the best common sense. Troy is one of those kids who has always fantasized about playing in the NBA ever since he was little. Dreams like those is what drives him to be the best. He has other plans if he can’t make it to that top level of basketball. Even though it is not playing basketball, Troy’s dream job is to be a data analytics person for a NBA team. This is because it is a very stable job, and he will get to watch basketball while crunching the numbers for his team. He is a very good math student, and in this job he will get to break down the statistics for each player and see their effectiveness on the court. Brogan’s prefered college is Arizona State University. When asked why, he responded, “I just loved the atmosphere there. Last spring, when I visited I fell in love. Something about Arizona just attracts me to it. Plus, Tempe is right by Phoenix and Scottsdale where I could get an internship with the Phoenix Suns’ organization.” Growing up with his dad as a head coach of a college basketball team, Troy refers to himself as a gym rat. “I went to my first basketball game when I was just 2 weeks old,” he says. He says his favorite part of his dad being a coach was being around the game of basketball. “The players on his team were always so nice to me, some of my favorite memories are bus rides to and from games,” Brogan added. When he is older, Troy wants to mentor other kids on basketball statistics. He says that data is becoming a big part in sports. We can now tell who is the most efficient player on the basketball court. Well as they say, “numbers don’t lie.” He also wants to give back to his community and his high school with donations and community service. He wants to help the people who would eventually help him become successful. He understands that he would not have gotten anywhere without all the support from friends, teachers, and coaches. Troy Brogan has a ton of potential. With determination, along with his great attitude and work ethic, this kid is poised to go very far in life.
Part I: Homecoming Activities
Part II: Homecoming Activities
Role Model
My role model is my mother Jennifer Brogan. She is one of the sweetest ladies you will ever meet. She is the type of person to help someone out that she doesn’t know very well. She loves seeing me succeed, and will always be there at my side. She goes to every one of my sporting events and is tied for my number one supporter (my grandma is a die-hard fan). As a college counselor, she is always helping students at her school and pushing them to success. I know she would do whatever it took to help those students find a college that’s right for them. My mom has taught me almost everything there is about being a kind person. Whenever I am down, my mom is right there to talk to me and find the problem. She has pretty much taught me how life works and she pushes me to be the best person I can be. One day, when I am doing something I love and being successful, I know I owe it to that lady. I love you Mom to the moon and back <3.
Inner Animal...
Out of all the animals in the world, I am undoubtedly a Chimpanzee. If you ask anybody, including my parents, they will say that I am the dorkiest goofball they have ever met. It’s funny because I am actually a really smart guy. I just like to have fun. Chimps are also one of the smartest animals in the world. My favorite thing to do is to make people laugh. I don’t even want to be the center of attention, I just like to entertain people by being a dork! Chimps are crazy just like me. I am straight up just an awkward looking dude. They make weird sounds and do strange things. On a side note, chimps are crazy athletic with how they can swing in trees. I am definitely not that limber so maybe we are a little different. I still know when it’s time to shut up and get work done, but if I have a chance, I will always crack a joke or two.
Part I: The Best Things About Me
Part II: The Best Things About Me
Put a billboard in my city- Yea I do it for the stunt- Riding Bentley's in your city- Yea I do it for the stunt- I might fly your girl out with me- Yea I do it for the stunt I might go and blow like fifty- Yea I do it for the stunt- Yea I do it for the stunt- Yea I do it for the stunt- Yea I do it for the stunt- I just do it for the stunt- Yea I do it for the stunt- Yea I do it for the stunt- I just do it for the stunt- I was broke a year ago I worked for this- Dropped 11 albums they all flopped but I learned from it I don't go to church- But still I hope I reach the masses- Even though what took you years to make I pay in monthly taxes- They use to say I brag too much- They use to say I sing too much- They use to say I rap too much
This song represents me because the central idea is that hard work will lead to success. Of course, I didn’t grow up in poverty like the singer did, but I still want to one day be successful. It talks about the grind and how he still goes back to his roots and what made him successful. That’s what I want to do. I want to thank everyone who helped me get where I’ll be one day. He always says that you won’t be successful overnight. He dropped 11 albums that all flopped before he became successful. You have to learn from your mistakes in order to find success.
Part I: What I Love To Do...
Maybe growing up around this beautiful sport made me fall in love. There is something about basketball that I enjoy more than anything else. I have always wanted to be like my dad, who was a really good basketball player. I have always dreamed about being a professional basketball player ever since I was a kid. I have had my ups and downs while playing basketball. Sometimes it could be incredibly frustrating. I know that there is no way I could have kept going without the great support system I have holding me up. My dad, who has a high basketball I.Q., knows exactly how to help me a lot of the times. He went through some of the same things when he was a player. The game is extremely mental, confidence is something that a basketball player needs to be successful. It has taught me so much and I don’t know where I’d be without it.
Part II: Letter to Parents
Dear Mom and Dad, A simple thank you can’t fulfill what you guys have done for me. You guys are my everything, you’re the main reason why I’m such a hard worker. You guys are always there to support me, on and off the court (and field). You’re always there when I need a confidence boost and you always tell me to keep going. You have made so many sacrifices for me and one day I am going to give back. You take me to all my friends houses, my practices, my games. Dad, because of you I have found my passion in life. Mom, because of you I know how important school is and how important it is to think about your future. Those are only are few tools you have given me in life. I wouldn’t be able to function without you guys. Words can’t describe how much I appreciate what you do for me and have done for me. Life is a crazy ride, and I am so blessed that you guys will get to experience it with me every step of the way. One day, when I’m successful and doing what I love, I am going to get you whatever you want. That’s a promise.
Love, Troy
Your True Legacy: General Advice
To the Renaissance Assistant that is reading this, I am going to let you know now that if you put time and effort into this class, you are going to really enjoy it. You are going to make tons of memories and make tight bonds with your classmates while improving the school . During the year, you’re going to have success but there are also going to be failures. It’s how you react and learn from those failures that make you a better leader. One thing I wished we would have done at the beginning of the year was to describe what the point of Renaissance and Block R was to people, especially the incoming freshmen. I think we would have even more sign-ups if people were better educated on what they were. Another thing I wish I would have known was how to fill out papers needed for events. I am so lucky that Lydia was my partner and I could ask her to help me. That’s another thing, ask questions whenever you can. Since I will be the returning Renaissance/Link Crew Leader, I will gladly answer any questions you have! I learned a lot this year, but I still need to continue to grow as a person and as a leader. If I had to say one thing to be aware of, it would have to be people, especially your friends, coming up to you and asking if they can get a Renaissance Card. It might be difficult to say no because you want to be nice, but if you start handing out cards like it’s nothing, you’re bound to run into some trouble. It is up to you to stay positive and keep encouraging your fellow classmates to keep their grades up. Trust me, high school is more enjoyable when you can worry less about assignments and more about going to school events High school and especially leadership are going to be great experiences if you come in with the right attitude. You’ll create a close friendship with your other Link Crew/Renaissance partner and learn how to work together.
Your True Legacy: So's and Don'ts List
-DO: Ask the Link Crew/Renaissance Leader if they need help whenever you can -DO: Post school events on social media -DO: Talk to your partners over text a lot -DO: Help out whenever possible; you’re not always going to be planning an event and there is going to be free time -DO: Push students to get good grades for their Renaissance Cards -DO: Pass out Renaissance Cards right away -DO: Talk to that person that is sitting alone at lunch -DO: Participate in school events -DO: Get solid grades in classes outside leadership -DON’T: Post anything inappropriate on social media, respect the leadership family -DON’T: Get behind on Block R handouts -DON’T: Go on your phone in free time, look for something to do -DON’T: Turn in things late, leadership is all about time management -DON’T: Make excuses -DON’T: Be afraid to ask the Link Crew/ Renaissance Leader questions, they know their stuff -DON’T: Do things on your own, include others
The Contact List
Grand Events- (209) 569-0399 Address: 4623 McHenry Ave., Modesto, CA 95356
One aspect of a professional leader is one of the main ones, time management. This class has taught me time management is key. Most people in leadership are very involved with school, clubs, and sports. The most successful people that can juggle all three are great at time management. The best way to manage time is to plan a schedule. If you have practice at a certain time then go home and finish your homework right after. Time management is also key when planning school events. Take the “Challenge” for example. If we do not do a good job of keeping Morty up to date with our groups, and it causes some unnecessary stress because of it. Communication is a big part of time management. Let others know if you are going to show up for something or not. Another aspect of the professional leader is grit and work ethic. This could be anything from doing your homework to playing sports. Later on in your life, you’re most likely going to get a job. What separates you from the other people applying for the job? You have to develop this work ethic skill when you are young so you can carry it into your future. With leadership, Morty is always pushing me to keep grinding and to never stop. These are just two aspects of the professional leader that I have learned in leadership. I have learned . These tools are what help one build a “legacy” and become an elder in the Ripon High Leadership Program.
Part I: What I Like About Being a Member of Leadership
This year in leadership, my favorite memory has definitely been having the Kyoto students stay in Ripon for the third year now. I bonded with them so well over the week, even if they didn’t speak the same language as me. It was so cool to show them around Ripon and show the California culture. They are ordinary high school just like us. Because of leadership, I met very interesting people and I hope to one day visit them in Japan. Another memory that I will never forget is the Black Light Rally this year. It was so cool to see the whole senior class run out together and get crazy and hyped in the middle of the court. Natalie did a great job of putting the whole thing together. Our senior class is doing a fantastic of setting the right example for the other classes. Our spirit has gotten so much better in these last few years and it makes school more enjoyable. The third best memory I have from leadership this year was the Homecoming Night Rally. It was really special this year because I was on court with all of my best friends. I just love seeing overall school spirit and all the dancing, singing, and games. Senior year has been so fun this year and leadership makes it way more interesting.
Part II: A Reflection of a Peer in Leadership
My best friend of the entire 18 years I’ve been on planet Earth is Nico Ilardi. My quarterback, the guy who threw me the last touchdown in our State Championship game. I wouldn't have wanted to go through high school without him. There isn’t a specific time that I can think of where he put others in front of himself because he did that every day on the football field. Nico is the best leader that Ripon High School has ever had. He is the reason why we were so successful, he was the glue of our team. He is the type of player that all the younger kids watching the games want to one day be like. I love the guy with all my whole heart. A lot of people think that we are really similar, but usually I am the one trying to model my life after his. Ripon High School is going to miss Nicolas Rome Ilardi.
Part I: RHS Pride
Part II: RHS Pride
The Professional
One aspect of a professional leader is one of the main ones, time management. This class has taught me time management is key. Most people in leadership are very involved with school, clubs, and sports. The most successful people that can juggle all three are great at time management. The best way to manage time is to plan a schedule. If you have practice at a certain time then go home and finish your homework right after. Time management is also key when planning school events. Take the “Challenge” for example. If we do not do a good job of keeping Morty up to date with our groups, and it causes some unnecessary stress because of it. Communication is a big part of time management. Let others know if you are going to show up for something or not. Another aspect of the professional leader is grit and work ethic. This could be anything from doing your homework to playing sports. Later on in your life, you’re most likely going to get a job. What separates you from the other people applying for the job? You have to develop this work ethic skill when you are young so you can carry it into your future. With leadership, Morty is always pushing me to keep grinding and to never stop. These are just two aspects of the professional leader that I have learned in leadership and being an elder. These tools are what help one build a “legacy” and become an elder in the Ripon High Leadership Program.
Change
A time of frustration I had this year was the effort some people put into the class. It is really frustrating when you and other people have a lot on your plate and some people are chilling on your phone the whole period. I obviously understand that some positions have more to do than others, but they could at least see if anybody needs extra help. Don’t settle just because you have no jobs to do at the time. A leader helps out with anything they can. A leader doesn’t watch all their other peers work. A boss is someone who does that. A leader is supposed to get involved and not watch from the sideline. A change I would like to see happen in the class is more leadership students going to school events. I’m not saying go to every single game, but try to go when you can and show school spirit. It is sad to have put on these events and not have a very big attendance. I am not just going to blame my other classmates, because I have been guilty of this too. I would like to see future classes show up to help out for any event we are doing at the school. If we want better school spirit, we have to be leaders and set the tone for others at the school. We should be the ones pushing others to go to football and basketball games. We set the examples for the rest of the school. When we have everyone doing their part, it adds up.
The Ideal Leader
An ideal leader starts with respect. Do they respect our leadership program and set a good example for all the other students at Ripon High? An ideal leader comes into the classroom everyday ready to work hard and listen. They should mark up their journals for every class activity and event to make sure they make deadlines. Deadlines are a very important part of being a good leader. There’s a reason why Morty emphasizes it all the time. If you don’t make deadlines, you disappoint the student body which leaves a bad look on the program. An ideal leader starts planning for an event early so they are on top of everything. They communicate with their groups to know that everyone is up to date on doing their job. No one likes to be stressed out at the last minute because they procrastinate. An ideal leader also completes their homework and has it ready to turn in to Morty when it’s due (there are some exceptions where you can use a Late Turn In Pass- haha). We as a leadership class are a family, so of course we are going to have the moments when we’re having fun. The ideal leader knows when it’s time to have fun in class and when it’s time to work. The ideal leader isn’t on their phone when a classmate is presenting or Morty is talking. An ideal leader should most importantly be someone that others can look up to. People should go to that leader if they need help because they know the “ideal” leader is always on task.