Reaching New Heights in Leadership

May 23, 2012

may

Next year's student leaders are going to new heights to prepare for fall.

The high ropes course is one element of a two-week program for the 24 participants, who all hold campus leadership positions for the 2012-13 academic year.

The May Leadership Internship program, facilitated by the Office of Student Leadership and Service, is designed to give students the self-knowledge, confidence and resources they need to be effective.

"They learn a lot about leadership and about themselves," says Jess Almlie, assistant director of student leadership. "They learn how to work with others effectively and how to step outside their comfort zones."

Joel Leeman '15, Apple Valley, Minn., learned about the necessity of a good team through the ropes course.

"You think a lot about how to rely on others when you need to lean on them to keep your balance on a high wire," he says.

Networking with fellow student leaders and campus administrators also proves valuable. Each day, students learn about the structure of the college through sessions with college administrators and have time to have brainstorming sessions among themselves.

"Before (my May internship) I wouldn't even know who to talk to on campus and if I did, I wouldn't be confident to talk to them," says Kate Engstrom '14, Rosemount, Minn., who is completing her second May internship.

She knows from experience that the May internship program helps her feel more prepared for the challenges that await her during the next school year.

"(The May internship) gets me a step ahead," she says. "It is too good of an opportunity to pass up."

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