“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” This quote, by John Quincy Adams, was not only printed on the back of the free long sleeve t-shirts given to students who completed every session of the Friday the 6th evening’s 23rd Annual Spring Leadership Experience but it is an uplifting quote that describes the annual event perfectly.
To compliment the theme “Leaders of Today, Builders of Tomorrow” keynote speaker Andres Lara, also known as the Cuban Guy, grabbed the audience’s attention by introducing his GOYA, an acronym for “get off your anatomy and act,” approach to the world, earning one clever and eager leader, senior Kelly Hruz, 20 dollars.
The Cuban Guy told the story of his escape from Cuba, being homeless at 16, and now a millionaire at the 26 years old. He taught the audience what it takes to be successful and how to follow your dreams through interactive games, songs, neck messages and more.
A Leadership Experience sub-committee member, third year student Anna Moronski, said, “This year’s Leadership Experience went beyond my expectations when it came to the keynote speaker, because he was definitely the most enthusiastic and energetic speaker that I’ve seen in my three years here.”
The evening continued on with three time blocks, providing the 263 eager students thirty incredible programs to choose from. Presenters ranged from WCU students, alumni, faculty, and staff to State Farm employees. There were programs for every student leaders to attend.
In the hopes that each leader will bring the information learned back to their groups in the “pay it forward” action. Topics ranged from recruitment and retention, marketing, motivation and maintaining momentum, ethical decision-making, networking, volunteerism and service learning, being marketable for an internship or job, MySpace and Facebook, program planning, to university administration, knitting to relax, managing your career, money management and more.
According to another Leadership Experience sub-committee member, fourth year student Alyssa Polakowski said, “This year, a great variety of programs were offered to participants, and there was something for everyone to attend whether you were a new leader or an experienced leader.”
This year’s Leadership Experience was truly a success. With the overwhelming amount of student interest and all of the presenters that donated their time to enrich the lives of West Chester University students, this program is definitely an event to look forward to for next spring.
The 2009 Leadership Experience was made possible by State Farm, Student Government Association, WCU Alumni Association, and The Division of Student Affairs. Without the dedication of the Leadership Experience sub-committee, the student and professional staff of the Division of Student Affairs, the people of Sykes, and the Leadership Consultants this program would not have been possible.
Jackie Aliotta is a fourth-year student majoring in communications with minors in business, technical writing, and Spanish. She can be reached at JA609350@wcupa.edu.