An Adventure in Leadership
Recently, a group of newly enrolled MCC students fresh out of high school jumped both feet forward into a unique program designed to help prepare them for college, albeit by taking a slightly more adventurous route.
The program, run through MCC's Office of Leadership and Student Activities, was designed to begin identifying potential leaders at the earliest point possible, so that MCC can have more time to help them develop their skills while on our campuses. These 13 new students all committed to participate in some form of leadership development this year, including Student Government, sports, clubs, and more. Eventually, some of them may be considered as fellow for the Paul H. Sullivan Leadership Institute, which targets students further into their education and development.
The pilot allowed for a small group which included 10 men and 3 women plus 3 returning students (Orientation Leaders: Rosie Austin, Danillo Sena and Adam Nichols, all fellows from the pilot of the Paul H. Sullivan Leadership Institute) who assisted with the program. The 13 new students were: David Hem, Chas Hodgdon, Andrew Holden, Stephen Kimball, Kyla Mahoney, Alex Nichols, Kamal Patel, Jeffrey Paulino, Victor Ramos, Steven Roark, Tyler Stewart, Carolyn Toye and Jessica Twohig.
The group stayed at the Beverly Project Adventure site on Moraine Farm. With acres of gorgeous landscaping, views of Wenham Lake and handsome architecture, it would have made for a lovely vacation, but the students were put to work immediately. After a quiet bus ride together with their peers, their program began with a series of "getting to know you" icebreakers including versions of tag. Then it was off to the course in the hills and woods where the students spent 8 hours of hands on experiential education.
Barely knowing each others' names, students had to work together to reach a number of common goals. They participated in low ropes and high ropes challenges (some as high as 40 feet) and needed to trust one another while searching for individual courage. While each challenge offered a chance to be personally introspective, each required the committment of a team to be successful. The students quickly became friends. Tearful moments of transformative learning made their bonds strong. Critical and creative thinking was often required. And, without even knowing it self confidence reached new levels.
Nighttime offered time for further connecting over a dorm-style meal, board games and frisbee at dusk. Roommates, shared bathrooms, and late night pizza offered a brief look at what residential living can offer. Tired, but eager, the students woke up bright and early for 1/2 a day of workshops that invited them to share hopes and fears about starting college. Another session offered insight into their personality types and how different people learn, act and relate to one another. The program closed with information on how to take their leadership to the next level at Middlesex Community College.
The participants reported feeling a stronger sense of self confidence, a sense of community, feeling more prepared for college, greater awareness of others, stronger social network, feeling of school pride, desire to get involved at MCC, and improved communication skills.
Some overheard comments include:
"I've been in team sports all my life, but I have never seen anything like [this]. I have never seen so many hugs and high fives so quickly." - Tyler
"A lot of things started with - 'I can't do this; No way; You're crazy" - but then you learn to trust each other and push yourself." -Kyla
"There's a lot of support here. That's not something I'm used to. I'm used to tough love and this was really different. And it felt genuine." -David
"I'm going to be honest. I debated not coming. I was just going to skip it and go to my friend's house. I'm so glad I came. I'm really glad I did it and I am so proud of everyone." -Steve
Nicely done, and a tip of hat to the Student Affairs team, led by Rebecca Newell, who attended the training, but managed to avoid the 40 foot climb. Let's keep an eye on this group as they move forward at MCC!