“How can you lead a group without truly knowing yourself first?” asked Jessica Potter, who attended the Emerging Leaders Series (ELS) last year and is volunteering now. “It’s not always about being loud either—it’s about confidence.”
The program, offered every fall/winter semester, is aimed at those who want to enhance their speaking skills and identify the strengths and weaknesses they already encompass. Later on, the awareness of values aids in deciding which kind of leader they want to become.
But first, they must get through eight weeks of self-exploration and interactive presentations. At each of the group’s weekly meetings, open discussions about current events are conveyed and everyone presents a relevant quote, article or video clip. According to the Program Coordinator for Orientation Ayanna McConnell, this array of news has been successful in sparking conversations on diversity and community.
“It gets them talking about stuff they really care about,” she said. “And when they’re more loosened up, they’re less likely to hold back in discussions.”
By creating a confidential atmosphere, ELS has attracted all sorts of majors and continues to grow in attendees. The current session has 21 attending—several more than the last session. However, McConnell explained that expanding is not her goal. She would rather lead a tight nitch group because she believes it would be less intimidating for her students.
The current series is halfway finished but there’s already a noticeable difference in participants. For McConnell, who has been involved in ELS for three years, this isn’t a big surprise.
“You start to notice their growing confidence after a while. They go from being shy, to testing the water and speaking up, to feeling like they matter,” said McConnell. “Knowing that I’ve had a hand in that is so rewarding.”
And that’s why, she argued, ELS is different than a speech class. The program is like a toolbox, preparing students with the tools, like confidence and self-value, they need to efficiently guide others.
Everyone who participates also receives Learning Beyond the Classroom credit. Sign-up is accessible through the Campus Life website. The program is free and held on the third floor of the Student Center every Wednesday 4:30-6:30 p.m.
As the second half of the program approaches, McConnell will continue to introduce her followers to a wide range of secrets in becoming a successful leader. Last week, she taught them how to facilitate discussions and this week, they were expected to practice that lesson. When it all adds up, she hopes that strong leaders will have been molded out of the once timid students who needed help finding their voices.
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