LEADERSHAPE INSTITUTE: JANUARY 2015

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Since my first visit to the University Honors Program at UC, I remember the student ambassadors mentioning their opportunity to participate in LeaderShape with honors.  Countless times I heard the phrases "LeaderShape is amazing! It changed my life! It is unlike any other leadership program."  However, no one ever released any other information regarding their experience, so I was very doubtful that it would live up to their glowing remarks.  The first week of January in 2015, I, along with 59 other students, traveled to a campsite in Indiana to participate in this oh-so-life-changing camp.  Apprehensively, I entered; Gratified, satisfied, and beyond thankful, I was forced to leave. 

Although LeaderShape did reinforce skills like controlling a group, becoming a better public speaker and other outside qualities, the main focus of the institute was the inside qualities. During these six days, I was made vulnerable. I was forced to make connections with people I did not know, and I trusted them in a safe environment.  I learned that trusting others with details of my life will greatly heighten the chances of others trusting me, and therefore, help me become a better leader.

 

The artifact representing my experience is my vision poster shown below. After exploring my passions, I discovered what I would do in the world if I had no limitations, or in other words, my vision.  My vision poster explains how the world would be different for the better if I were able to implement my vision.  I found the intersection between my two passions: fashion and
working with special needs children.  My ultimate vision is to someday create a line of trendy yet efficient clothing for people with special physical and emotional limitations.  There is often a large gap between the fashion designer and the everyday person who would be wearing the clothes designed.  I focused my vision on closing that gap and creating a world where the general population feels more connected with the fashion industry.