Create Your Own Adventure: Kayla Beebout

Prompt 1:  In the TV show Doctor Who, the Doctor’s companions will sometimes travel to the time and place of a major event in history—and want to change it.  Many times, these events are what the Doctor calls “fixed points.”  They cannot be changed, or else the consequences would be catastrophic; the world might end, aliens might take over, whatever.  Think about a moment in history that you would love to change, and then consider the possible consequences.

Prompt 2:  Every teenager looks forward to this day.  We all dream about the freedom it will give us.  Getting your permit.  While playing Mario Kart, driving seems so simple.  However, real driving isn’t like Mario Kart.  Write about your first driving experience.  Was it like you thought it would be?  If you haven’t driven yet, write about what you imagine it will feel like.

Prompt 3:  Some personalities tend to clash.  Sometimes it is two opposite personalities, but sometimes it is two people with the same personality.  Think about people who have a personality clash (they don’t have to be real people, and if they are, don’t name names) and then imagine a situation in which they have to work together.

Response to Prompt 3:  When you put two natural leaders together, the results tend to be interesting.  Two people who are headstrong, who know where they want to be and how to get there, who are used to having the ideas and plans; two people like these have a hard time working together.  They don’t like submitting to the other person.  They don’t always understand the meaning of the word compromise.  I don’t even have to imagine this situation; all I have to do is look at politics.  A group of leaders, all put together and expected to come up with a compromise that will benefit everyone.  Conflicts of interest suddenly become personal attacks.  Left and right cannot mix.  No one admits that he or she isn’t always the one with the best ideas.  Most of the time, all you get is gridlock.

But when people like this do come together, it is a beautiful thing.  When leaders can become cooperators, then things can be done.  When attacks and gridlock can be set aside and people can simply talk and make things better, then we see what leadership is supposed to look like.