Leadership Safari Love

When I was a freshman attending the Leadership Safari Conference at Central Michigan University, I was so in awe of all of the staff members in uniform. Not only were they the CMU “experts” in my opinion, but they also had already established themselves on campus, making it their home away from home. I specifically remember gearing so much of my focus observing the ways the staff interacted with one another and witnessing their true passion for the program shine through in everything they did. Above all, I remember looking at the few individuals wearing the maroon polos and thinking to myself: “I want to be one of those people someday. I want to impact this campus the way that they do.”

Over the years of being on staff, I have witnessed the individuals wearing the maroon polos (also known as Staff Assistants) work incredibly hard and pour out their passion to make each conference better than the last. Since my freshmen year, I had made it my goal to be in that position someday, working towards the betterment of the legacy that Safari has established. To reach my goal, I spent two years as a Leadership Safari Guide, one year on staff as a Core Guide, and as my final year of Safari eligibility approached, I knew that I only had one shot left to achieve my long-awaited goal…. and I DID IT!

Working on office staff is very much different than working as a Safari Guide. I absolutely loved my experience as a Guide for three years, but working as an office assistant has allowed me the opportunity to fall in love with a whole different side of Safari. Seeing the program grow into fruition from start to finish is something that I could have never imagined. Never before did I know just how much time, energy, and effort is put forth to make this incredible five-day experience possible, but it is such a beautiful sight to see!

Being a Safari Staff Assistant has challenged me both intellectually and socially in the best ways possible. I have only held this position for about six months and I
have grown in far more ways than I thought I would. Specifically, I have gained confidence in my abilities as a leader, I have learned how to communicate on a professional level, and I have also developed ways to challenge my mind for the betterment of others.

My very favorite part about being a Staff Assistant is getting to work alongside some of the most passionate, dedicated, and creative individuals I have ever met. Just like any other job, not every day is easy in the Safari Office, but having the amazing co-workers that I have truly inspires me to keep pushing forward. This role is a small way that I can give back to the University that has given me so much and it is a true honor to put on that maroon polo.

Thank you, Leadership Safari for making Central Michigan University a true home away from home.

LAS in the D: take two

During my freshmen year at Central Michigan University, I traveled with my Leadership Advancement Scholar Cohort (LAS) on a service trip to Detroit, MI. (Read my blog post about my experience here.) During my junior year, I was selected to serve on the LAS in Detroit LEAD team. My responsibilities as a member of the LAS in Detroit LEAD team included co-leading a group of freshmen Leadership Advancement Scholars throughout the service trip. My co-leader and I not only helped the freshmen facilitate leadership development activities at Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, but also spent the evening discussing and debriefing with our groups about their experience.

Having the opportunity to participate on both sides of the service trip was more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. This year, we got the chance to help out at Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, volunteer at Cass Community Social Services, and visit the Detroit Institute of Arts. These three destinations were incredibly impactful. Watching the LAS freshmen interact with the community of Detroit and submerse themselves in the diversity of the city was exhilarating. Even though I had already participated in this trip just two years prior, I grew so much from this new experience. Specifically, pushing the individuals in my group to open their eyes to new perspectives and challenging them to step out of their comfort zone to leave their mark were two of my favorite things.

Having the opportunity to be in a leadership role on this trip also allowed me to reflect back on the growth that I have endured over the past couple of years. I vividly remember the mindset I was in as a freshman in college: the world seemed too big to conquer, college still frightened me, and traveling to Detroit was incredibly overwhelming. Having that sentimental memory stored within my heart allowed me to truly connect with a lot of the freshmen that I interacted with throughout this trip. I could relate to what they were feeling and really encourage them that learning to tackle life comes with time. Pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone and doing things like traveling to Detroit for a service trip was the first courageous step that will surely invite the next.

LAS Freshmen pictured with LAS LEAD Team 

This trip re-inspired me to set aside the time to serve others, to educate myself on the happenings of the world around me, and to submerse myself in diversity because it’s an important thing for individuals of our generation to do.

 

What can YOU do today that will force you beyond your comfort zone for the good of your community?

LEAD Team: Relay For Life

Every academic year, Leadership Advancement Scholars are placed in different groups called LEAD Teams and each LEAD Team has a different task at hand. This year, I was placed on the Relay For Life LEAD Team and our goal is to raise money for the April 9^th Relay for Life that is taking place on CMU’s campus. For this event, our team is representing the Leadership Institute and our focus is to raise money for the Relay For Life Charity. Since November, my LEAD Team has been meeting a couple of times a month to plan things for the big event date. These things include fundraising ideas and dispersing responsibilities among individuals in the group to ensure that tasks are effectively completed.

Although our LEAD event hasn’t taken place yet, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with inspiring leaders, brainstorming up ideas on how we can make a difference. It has been very impactful to research facts about the Relay For Life charity with my teammates and figure out ways that we can help. Recently, we held a fundraiser at our local Buffalo Wild Wings and also held a “Pie the LI” event in hopes of collecting money for this wonderful cause.

 

I’m greatly looking forward for the date to arrive where we can put all of this planning and fundraising to good use. It’s been an awesome experience to work towards something with such great meaning alongside powerful student leaders.

My Mentees, My Friends, My Family.

As a Leader Advancement Scholar (LAS), part of our protocol starting sophomore year is to be paired with an incoming freshman as their LAS mentor. In this situation, a mentor is meant to help guide and assist their mentee throughout their college experience, specifically their freshmen year, in hopes of producing academic and extra-curricular success among all scholars during their time at CMU.

Heading into the current school year, I wasn’t quite sure what my role/duties as a mentor looked like. I wasn’t quite sure how I was suppose to interact with my mentee, how often I was suppose to reach out to her, what exactly I was suppose to assist with, or even how to act in the case that she didn’t like me. In my head I had played up multiple scenarios where I had failed at my mentor role and ended up ruining her mentor/mentee experience. Needless to say, I had put a lot of pressure on myself to be the perfect mentor.

On August 24, 2015 all of those preconceived worries and failures flew out the window as I stood in the common room of Barnes 213 and hugged my two remarkable mentees for the very first time. Yes, you heard that right. Not only was I blessed with the humbling opportunity to be a mentor to one beautiful soul, but I received TWO instead.

From the day I met Rachel Kremm and Hayley Dymond, my life changed. All along, I thought that I had to be the one with all the answers. The one to motivate, inspire, and encourage them to be the best that they can be. The one to impact their lives and teach them how to survive in college. However, I was completely wrong.

Not only are Rachel and Hayley best friends from grade school, they’re also roommates here at CMU. Not only do they constantly speak life to one another, they uplift every individual they come into contact with. Not only do they push themselves to be their best everyday, they persistently motivate others to do the same. Not only are they incredibly beautiful in their own way, they give others the courage to embrace uniqueness. Not only do they radiate joyfulness, they pass it along to those who need it the most. Not only do they have the biggest hearts for all those they are close with, they genuinely care for anyone whom they meet. Not only are they my mentees, they largely serve as my mentors as well.

My experience as a mentor is unlike anything that I expected it to be. Never would I have guessed that I would be blessed with two passionate, warmhearted, selfless individuals to call much more than just my mentees, but rather a pair of my very best friends.

Thank you, Rachel and Hayley, for impacting my life greatly and always, always, always loving me just the way I am.

 

The Vest Of Confidence

Experiencing Leadership Safari as a participant at the beginning of my freshmen year, I looked up to the guides and core Safari staff greatly. I didn’t just see them as leaders of the conference, but rather role models on campus. Without knowing their personality, involvements, major, or even their name, I had a deep desire to mirror their actions. Those individuals were my safe-zone. Their friendly smiles, warm personalities, listening ears, comforting advice, and confident attitudes was the exact hope that my petrified freshman-self needed during that time of newness. I had absolutely no idea what was ahead of me, I had absolutely no idea who was around me, but I absolutely knew what kind of person I wanted to be: a girl with a vest of confidence.

In the fall of 2015, I had the opportunity to serve as a Safari Guide for Central Michigan University’s annual Leadership Safari Conference offered to incoming freshmen and transfer students. Leadership Safari is a five-day leadership experience designed to acclimate new students to campus, equip them for their time at CMU, and to strengthen their confidence as an individual, student, and leader. As a Safari Guide, I was given my own team of ten freshmen to lead through the five-day experience. My job consisted of directing them to and from each speaker, facilitating activities, and being a mentor for them during their season of transition into CMU life.

Coming into my second Safari season, I mainly looked forward to making friendships with other staff members, adding to my hypothetical Safari book of memories, and experiencing the weeklong event on the “other side.” As I endured hours of trainings alongside my fellow “Tuxedo Black” core guides throughout the 2015 spring semester in preparation for the upcoming fall conference, I began to realize what a role I had voluntarily taken on. My purpose on the Safari staff was not to benefit myself. My purpose was to single-handedly be a role model to the incoming students on what it’s like to chase your dreams, to be yourself, to wear a vest of confidence. Daily.

Those five days were unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Never before have I cheered for 45 minutes straight to make sure brand new Chippewa’s know that they’re loved. Never before have I functioned on 3 hours of sleep each night for 5 consecutive days. Never before have I sat in 40 degree, rainy weather facilitating leadership activities, been my complete self in front of thousands of individuals I’ve just met, or pushed myself out of my comfort zone that far.

My experience as a Safari guide taught me that putting others before yourself far exceeds anything that you can ever do. Sacrificing your own insecurities to comfort those that need it the most can be just the thing that inspires them to be their best self; it’s a ripples effect.

So… wake up, get up, and dress up in your vest of confidence. There’s hundreds of individuals waiting for you to be the example they need to live a better life. A life worth living.

 

Thank you, 2015

December  31st: 

A day of anticipation. Many are relieved to leave behind mistakes, regret, failures, and sadness and are excited to welcome fresh starts, different goals, second chances, and new memories. It’s a day of forward thinking. We focus so much of our thoughts on what we want to accomplish in this brand new year that we often forget to reflect on the past 364 days we have successfully survived.

Just the other day I caught myself feeling anxious for all the newness that 2016 will bring. Almost as though 2015 wasn’t good enough for me… but then I began to think.  

In 2015 I…

Saved up enough money to purchase my second vehicle, 

Completed my first ever 5 mile run,

And then my first ever 11 mile run.

Became an official CMU Leadership Advancement Scholar,

Went on a service trip to Detroit with my Leadership Cohort,

Became an LAS mentor,

Ran a Color Run with 3 of my very favorite people,

and then ran my first ever half marathon (Bucket List item #4… CHECK).

Completed my freshman year of college,

Moved out of my first ever dorm room,

Donated 12 inches of my hair to Wigs for Kids (Bucket List item #8… CHECK),

Went on my first field trip as a chaperone with my cousin Jack,

Watched my two childhood bestfriends graduate high school,

Lived out my childhood dream of being a nanny for part of the summer,

And became a little league softball coach with my best bud, Riley.

Went on my very first airplane ride,

Was selected as a member of the Branch County Queen’s Court,

Showed at the Branch County Fair for the very last time,

Qualified for Showmanship Sweepstakes,

And achieved a 12 year dream when I won Showmanship Sweepstakes.

Became a Safari Guide for CMU’s Leadership Safari,

Got my very first real job,

Celebrated by 20th birthday, conquered a major fear, and crossed off item #2 on my bucket list by going skydiving,

Met my life long best friends and future bridesmaids,

Found the courage to pierce my nose,

Signed a lease on my very first house with some of my very best friends,

And went to my first ever college bowl game. Fire Up, Chips!

My December 31st: 

A day of reflection. A day to think back to all that you started, all that you’re still working on, and especially all that you’ve conquered. A day to take time to recognize the person that 2015 sculpted. Most importantly, a day to be thankful for the previous 364 days. 

What has 2015 done for you?

#LeadChat

During my Leadership 200L class a couple of weeks ago, we participated in one of the CMU Leadership Institute’s #LeadChat on Twitter. Nearly every Thursday night at 7:00pm, the LI hosts a #LeadChat for anyone to participate in. There are typically about 5-8 questions having to do with different leadership topics, news, and ideas. I love participating in #LeadChats because they are a great way to expand your knowledge about leadership and hear what other leaders have to say!

As part of our Leader Advancement Scholar protocol, we each select an incoming freshman LAS-er to mentor throughout their college career. We participated in this #LeadChat to mentally prepare us for this major responsibility ahead.

Below are my responses to the Twitter #LeadChat that I participated in during LDR 200L:

Q1: What qualities do you look for in a mentor?

My answer- Someone who respects my thoughts, cares about my goals, and pushed me to escape my comfort zone #LeadChat

Q2: What are your expectations of your mentee?

My answer- Everyone makes mistakes! Depend on your mentor by going to them for words of wisdom, advice in difficult times, or just a hug #LeadChat

Q3: What is the difference between a mentee and a role model?

My answer- Role models display what success looks like. Mentors help you reach success #LeadChat

Q4: What communication tools work best with a mentor/mentee relationship?

My answer- All types of communication is good communication. Making time to meet face to face is the best though #LeadChat

Q5: Who do you look to as a mentor? How have they had an impact on you?

My answer- Definitely @cfeneley. She’s my inspiration, motivator, and always a listening ear. I wouldn’t be me without her mentorship #LeadChat (Check out my blog post about my mentor here)

Whether it’s an official title or just by chance, being a mentor is an extremely important duty and honor. You must lead your mentee by words and example and build a relationship with them that benefits the both of you. Communication is very important— neither of you will be helpful to each other without it. Trust each other, respect each other, and depend on each other. Hold each other accountable for individual goals, push one another to be their best, and simply always take time to give compliments.

I have the absolute honor of being Rachel’s mentor for the next 4 years and I cannot wait until she joins us here at CMU next Fall!

                        

Alpha Leadership Experience

Near the middle of last semester, I took advantage of a great leadership development opportunity through Central Michigan University’s Leadership Institute called Alpha Leadership Experience. During this five week experience, we would meet from 5-7pm on Thursdays to learn and explore different leadership styles. We were broken up into groups of around 12 people with two lead facilitators guiding us through the process.

When I signed up, I truly had no idea what I was getting myself into. I’m always looking for ways to improve and develop myself as a leader so scooping up this opportunity was very exciting to me. During the first night, my group and I really bonded. Even though we didn’t know each other previously, approximately 90% of us were freshmen so having that in common really broke the ice.

Each night of the entire five weeks was spent pushing and challenging us to really think deep and reflect on who we were as an individual and a leader. I remember going into this experience feeling like I really knew who I was all about, but found myself learning SO much about my leadership style.

I enjoyed Alpha so much, that I’m making it a goal next semester to apply for a facilitator position. I’m really looking forward to potentially having the opportunity to help others learn about their leadership style and others as well.

                    

TED Talk: Simon Sinek

For my Leadership 200L class, we were instructed to watch a very motivational TED Talk video created by Simon Sinek called “How Great Leaders Inspire Action.” In this video, Sinek talked about something he refers to as the “golden circle.” It’s a circle with three rings: the outer ring is the what, the middle ring is the how, and the inner ring is the why. Over time, we’ve discovered that people are more apt and willing to do something or respect someone for why that person does what they do. An example he gave was that Apple is so incredibly successful with their technology sales for one main reason. The reason is because when they advertise their products, they explain to the consuming population why they made that product the way that they made it.

                                           

You can apply this theory in all parts of your life. As leaders it is important to make our followers comfortable and gain their trust in us. We want them to follow us because we want to help lead them to bettering themselves. If we inform them what we are doing, show them how we are doing it, and then explain why, they are going to respect us on a whole other level than if we just stick with the what and how.

One particular thing that Sinek said that really caught my attention was, “Why you do something simply serves as the proof of what you believe.” I am going to start challenging myself to figuring out my whys with everything I do. I want to make sure, for myself and my followers, that what I’m doing and how I’m doing it is for the right reasons. I want to be sure that it is going to positively benefit the world around me.

Challenge yourself to do the same.

Post-Service Trip

A couple of weeks ago, I attended a service trip with Central Michigan University’s Leadership Institute. We loaded a charter bus bright and early Friday morning and were off to Detroit for a two-day, life changing experience.

           

The first destination on our excursion was Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. At this 9-12 grade charter school, we (the students from CMU’s LI) broke up into groups of 6 and were each assigned a 9th or 10th grade classroom. In this class, we facilitated workshops and activities that strengthen leadership and build community. Next, we traveled to the Lowe Campbell Ewald company located in Ford Field and toured not only their building, but Ford Field as well. We had the amazing opportunity of getting a first hand look at what leadership looks like in the business world. When the tour was over, we had dinner at Pizza Papalis and then visited the Detroit Institute of Arts. Saturday morning, we work up bright and early and headed over to Motor City Blight Busters where we helped spread mulch on land that will soon be turned into farmland. It was one of the most busy, inspiring, motivating, and life-changing 24 hours that I have ever experienced. Every single minute was well worth my time and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

For me, there wasn’t just one part of the trip that stood out to me as the most eye-opening. The entire experience was one unlike anything I’ve done or seen before and it has definitely changed the way I appreciate my everyday life. One particular moment that seemed to stop my heart was when we were at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Some friends and I had wandered into a room filled with current pictures of actual Detroit citizens. In the center of the picture and story filled room was a table that held a special book. It was a photo album filled with note cards that local visitors had filled out and placed within the clear, plastic pages. Each note card had just two questions at the top for people to answer any which way they wanted to. The questions were, “What do you see happening in Detroit? What does it mean for the city?” While flipping through the pages, one particular answer stood out to me and still gives me chills even two weeks later. Written on the notecard was,” Shootings. Don’t shoot.” Because of the premature handwriting, it was obvious to me that it was written by a young child. I was so incredibly shocked by the fact that young children are so aware by the danger that they’re living in. I’ve never before had to worry about walking down the street of my hometown because shootings don’t often happen where I’m from. I simply can’t imagine growing up in a place where, at a young age, children are aware of the negative environment, but are smart enough to know that it needs to stop.

                               

At Motor City Blight Busters, we met the founder, John George. When I think of a leader, John comes to mind. Twenty seven years ago, John and his family moved to Detroit in hopes of raising their family. He quickly realized that the environment that they had moved to was not the right place for his young son to grow up in, so he took charge. Starting by cleaning up just one crack house has lead John to 25 years of service. According to their website, “Motor City Blight Busters in conjunction with its coalition of community partners can proudly claim 120,000 volunteers, who have contributed more than 658,000 volunteer hours to paint 684 homes, board up and secure 379 abandoned buildings, renovate 176 houses and build 114 new ones to make suitable housing for 1,160 people.” In my opinion, leaders with the most positive impact are servant leaders. John George is definitely a servant leader and in his lifetime, has made a tremendous impact on the city of Detroit. Just by listening to him tell his story, I could tell that John selflessly puts others first and wants nothing but the best for everyone his comes into contact with. I strive to be a servant leader and to improve the lives of others in a similar way that John has.

                         

                         

After visiting Detroit, my opinion of the city has definitely changed. Before, I had only heard about all of the negative things that happen there. I was quickly made aware that Detroit is filled opportunity. Citizens of the struggling city understand what is happening and are trying to make a positive impact. It excites me to see all the potential lying ahead and all of the powerful individuals that are working towards being the next big difference that Detroit needs.

The next big question to tackle is the “Now what?”. What am I going to do with all that I have learned and experienced though this amazing trip? One specific quote that John George from Motor City Blight Busters said was, “Think globally, act locally”. I would really love to spend more time in Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. I think that if I could get members of the Leadership Institute to regularly make appearances in that school, we could begin to make an impact. Youth are our future. By inspiring, motivating, and teaching the youth of JRLA, we could be influencing them to be the positive change Detroit needs for the future.