Leadershape Experience
2009
 Sara Chandler, Class of 2011
- Vision: A world where difference is appreciated and the beauty of self-worth is understood to all.
- Experience:
“A world where difference is appreciated and the beauty of self-worth is understood to all” This was my answer when asked by The LeaderShape Institute what ideal future I would like to create. How often are we asked about the things we care about, and about the things that are important to us? Not often enough. At LeaderShape I was given the opportunity to take a close look at what kind of leader I am and more importantly the type of leader I am striving to become. The six days I spent in Champaign, Ill. were truly unique in that I was able to deeply concentrate on what makes me who I am. I was asked about my character, my values, and my passions. It was surprising to realize that the things that I would say are the most important to me are hardly ever brought up in conversation. At LeaderShape I was able to reconnect with what it is that makes me a great leader and discover more about my leadership style as I quickly bonded with those experiencing the once in a lifetime conference as well. The relationships formed at the Institute are surely just as unique as the experience, and the friendships I now have are essential to the growth and the success of the vision that I will create.
The greatest and most imperative theme that has been instilled in me from The LeaderShape Institute is the absolute understanding of what it means to lead with integrity. I can say wholeheartedly that this theme will stay with me throughout my life. The notion that “Feedback is love” is a skill that I will use to enrich the members of my friends and family. It is important to remember that for those that you truly love, feedback is essential. Why not help to make those you care about most the best that they can be? I think that others should attend LeaderShape because it was a wonderful reminder of the distinction that I have as a student and the responsibilities that this entails. As I spent the week on a constant search to identify the things that I care about most, African American youth and the self esteem of young girls stayed at the top of my list, and I am comfortable in knowing I have the support for the vision I have for the future of our youth. LeaderShape provided me with the confidence and encouragement that creating positive change is in my grasp. Through all the lessons I learned one shines through most clearly, our values are constantly tested by others, but if we continue to live with our values leading our internal compass there is no chance that the richness of our character can ever be doubted.
 Heather Buzzard, Class of 2011
- Vision: I imagine a world where people are not threatened by each other's differences, but coexist in harmony where no matter age, location, beliefs, or character everyone has the same essential human rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
- Experience:
I honestly thought I had been through all the leadership training and community-building weekend retreats that were out there - played every icebreaker, taken every personality test...but then I found myself at LeaderShape and it was completely different.
The week was transformative, unforgettable, and by far the most inside-out and emotional leadership experience I've ever had. Character strengthening as well as a heck of a good time out in the Illinois cornfields, LeaderShape does challenge you to become a person of integrity and action while truly enjoying the process.
2008
Jasmine Johnson, Class of 2011
- Vision: My ideal future is one where accepting diversity is the norm or the comfort zone instead of an exception.
- Experience:
“Welcome to the LeaderShape Institute!” These were the words that appeared on the banner hanging on the wall of the Allerton Park & Conference Center. I had no idea of the meaning and power of this statement until the end of the week. Sitting in a room of about fifty strangers, I tried to understand how they would carry out an entire conference about leadership.
My week started off with meeting my family cluster… The schedule for the week included different themes for each day… before I knew it, I was having “ah-hah” moments. The week in its entirety opened my eyes to new ideas, new perspectives, new skill sets, new people, to a new world. The conference was truly an invaluable experience.
Upon my return from the conference, I wanted to return to Champaign, Illinois to the Allerton Park and Conference Center. I wanted to return to that particular week, to that particular experience with those particular individuals. Unfortunately, I never figured out how to press rewind, so I just continue to move forward knowing that the conference has made me a better person. For this reason, I can now have a ripple effect on others, similar to that created by the pebble we received during our commencement ceremony. I will be the change that I want to see in the world. I am LeaderShape.
Chelsea Schott, Class of 2011:
- Vision: My vision is a world where there is truly equal opportunity in the job market.
- Experience:
As I rode through the landscape of cornfields in a van with eight strangers, I began to form expectations of what my experience of LeaderShape might be. I honestly thought that it would most likely be the most boring week of the summer—sitting through lectures, in the same room all day long, listening to the same person the whole time. However I knew LeaderShape would be different as soon as I discovered what the week truly entailed.
The LeaderShape curriculum is fantastic. I learned without even knew I was doing so... However the LeaderShape experience was enhanced the most by the people who were there. The forty-nine other students forced me to realize that every type of personality can function effectively as a leader as long as they have the passion to do so…
It was my family cluster that helped me learn the most about myself… the ultimate result of my LeaderShape experience is my vision. As I worked on the exercises that lead me to my vision, I was very surprised by the subject that I focused on. My vision turned into a world where everyone has equal access to pursuing the occupation of his or her choice (although I am still working on the wording that truly describes my vision). I chose to focus on this vision because I am interested in the pursuit of knowledge, the achievement of equality, and the subject of business.
|
