In 5th Grade...all over again.

Dear Chris,

I have just finished the 2+2=5 program. I just got my certificate indicating that I successfully comleted all of the requirements of the program, and now I am ready to show the world that I know the difference between a group and the team. While you are now already in college, surely you know how to work within a team, how to properly listen, and important still, how to assume a leadership role. I would like to elaborate on my experiences as a student of this program and what the students from Bentley have helped me to develop within myself over the last 10 weeks.

In regards to leadership, I learned that their is a distict difference in meaning between a leader and boss; a difference in attitude, tone of voice, body lanugage, and abilities to rally a group and get people excited about whatever it is that they may be doing. A leader does not talk down to his members, but instead speaks to them in such a way that shows them that their opinion matters and that demonstrates a mutual respect. On the contrary, a boss is often harsh in tone, quick to assess and judge, and ready to dish out complaints. The kids from Bentley who came to work with us for 2+2=5 truly understood the importance of respect, and how nessesary it is to talk on the same level. I am big for my age, and tall too, but I don't even come close to those bigger college kids, so as a fifth grader, I often feel quite intimidated by a six-foot person standing in front of me, talking at me, giving me directions. It reminds me too much of being in a classroom and having a teacher stand there and lecture on a subject. A better approach, and one implemented by one of our Bentley leaders, was when they got down on one knee and addressed the group on a eye-to-eye basis. By doing this, it seemed less like a power struggle, as it did an environment where ideas and feeling could be expresses to everyone. When I have to look up at a speaker for a long period of time, my neck begins to bother me, and then in my mind, I start to associate discomfort with your instruction, and thus become turned off to whatever it is you're talking about.

The 2+2=5 program has left me with a greater appreciation for work that can be done within a team. I used to never feel comfortable with putting my grades or my possible successes in another persons hands, fearing that they could mess it up. However, through this program, I have learned that by working as a team (and not in a group) I can more quickly accomplish tasks, and sometimes even with better quality.

One of the most memorable moments for me within the program is when one of our Bentley leaders asked us what 2+2=5 actually meant. It seemed confusing and quuite contradictory to what we have always been taught about basic math. The other students responded, "That's silly, 2+2=4. HAHAHAHA." I piped up and said,

"Don't you see guys, it isn't about math. One person can build a house by themselves, but it would go better with two people. However, if all four people got together and built a house, then the final product would be better than anything one or two people could ever accomplish."

It all came out in a jumble, but i felt quite proud for developing some form of response other than the obvious one everyone else came up with. I really think that these excercises are something that will stay with me for the rest of my life, and perhaps it is something that I will one day teach others.

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One person can build a house by themselves, but it would go better with two people. However, if all four people got together and built a house, then the final product would be better than anything one or two people could ever accomplish."

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It was an amazing article! A writer like you should be given credit for your dedication to work as your provide good quality articles with the good purpose. I like to read such articles for they tackle different issues in our society as well as different practicalities and knowledge that a certain person should or must know. I will keep reading your next post that will be an interesting article again as usual.

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I am happy for you because you finally finished the program. I am sure you learned a lot.