My Experience In The Eagle Scholar Leadership Experience

“Life truly is what you make it,” said the elderly lady I had the privilege of conversing with during the Runk and Pratt Christmas Celebration, repeating it for the fourth time. As I heard her say this phrase throughout the event, I reflected on the semester and how I had successful or unsuccessfully made the most of my first semester in the Eagle Scholar Leadership Program. Each different requirement and event had something to offer, a lesson to teach, a truth to discover. These truths learned throughout the semester will be the building blocks to future growth as a leader, the foundation in the art of leadership. So the question is, what did each leadership experience teach me? Coming into the program as a freshman new to campus and

field trip. The trip being relatively long and strenuous, there were many potential obstacles or challenges accompanying the joys and sights of the city. While connecting with others was the focus of the trip, I found that the leadership principle of composure and optimism was most impactful throughout the day. While touring some of the museums, I was witness to a slight aura of dissent, complaint, and pessimism, either towards the walk, the trip or even an object of artwork. These instances would sometimes make it difficult for me to stay composed, to lead others in such a way as to encourage them to see the good instead of admonishing them for seeing the bad. By recognizing this and being able to implement composure and optimism as a leader, I was able to see the effect it had on others first hand. By pointing out the positives of a situation instead of dwelling on the negatives, those around me began to comment positively on the events they hadn’t before. I truly experienced how vital it is to not only be a lightning rod by channeling criticism and dissention but also to be a hot air balloon by encouraging and being positive with

Discussions of the habitudes and soundbite speeches led to fuller comprehension, however the most important understanding of the semester came from Dr. Mackey’s lecture on the four W’s. The first and most pivotal dictated the importance of being willing to obey, change, and grow. Obedience was not a stereotypical leadership principle in my mind, yet I found its newfound importance staggering. The ability to not only hear God’s will but to obey it, denying self and practicing the truth we already know is vital in being a Godly leader. This principle bleeds into all aspects of Christian life and leadership and will be a continued point of growth my future