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Leadership Quest!

by Dawn B. 9. June 2011 08:51

Just a little note from Dawn via England ;)

HEY SEN11ORS:

Last summer I went to this "super-orientation" program called Leadership Quest. It's a four day, three night affair during which you network with fellow incoming first-years to learn a lot about team work, your personal leadership style, presentation skills, how to get involved, and the all-important-at-Rutgers networking skills.

It was a really productive program for me, as I still keep in touch with some of the Deans and Vice Presidents I met with during that program. I won't ruin any surprises for you because that's what makes it so fun, but if you are interested in learning team-building skills, meeting other leaders, hanging out with the Rutgers administration BEFORE starting your first year, prioritizing, and HAVING FUN while managing everything you do in your life, this could be the program for you! No leadership experience is necessary, just an interest in honing skills you already have to become a better leader.

A year later, there are things from Leadership Quest that I learned that I still remember, like how to network with the administration and work with a team of leaders when each person's opinions may be so different. I learned how to compromise and brainstorm entire projects efficiently, and my LQ experience came incredibly handy when one of the events I planned for months this past year unfortunately got cancelled and I had to implement a backup plan in a few weeks. Or when I didn't know what English classes to take because there were too many open at the same time, I emailed one of the Vice Presidents I met. We had a public speaking workshop and presented an entire project in less than 24 hours and since that was my first college project experience, I felt that any project that I had this past year was no big deal. I also learned a lot about responsibility, and how if you mess something up, which we all do, take responsibility for it--like if you forget a homework assignment, or are late to a meeting. You only get what you put into a workshop like this, and it's well worth the attention and effort.

I got really close to some people, including my roommate from LQ who also went to Costa Rica with me for our Byrne Seminar! It's great to be able to go into Rutgers with a network of people you know. You will be the future of Rutgers once you enter--the presidents of organizations, committee chairs for events, leaders in student employment. A bunch of us were also Dance Marathon Captains as first-years, hearing about the opportunity from Leadership Quest! Start honing your skills this summer! That being said, the program is $325, which scared me quite a bit last summer with my might-as-well-have-been minimum wage job, BUT there are scholarships available so definitely apply for them! The fee includes transportation, accomodations, all activities, materials, and food. I'm paying my own way through Rutgers and fortunately received two scholarships and it helped A LOT. So don't skimp out on the scholarship section! :)

And don't hesitate to email me with questions about my experience or the program.
CLICK HERE to apply by JUNE 15th.
Don't miss out on this opportunity only open to incoming first-years!!!