While the majority of Boston College students were home or on vacation with their family during the last week of winter break, I chose to return to college early. Many of my peers questioned my decision, as did I the moment I reached the entrance to my dorm. What many of my friends did not know was that I decided to attend the Leadershape Institute.
When applying to attend this six-day institute in October, I believed I was going to learn how to become a leader in six days and it was just going to be another retreat that every Boston College student and their mother attended. I packed my bags and I jumped on the bus to go to Rhode Island with forty-four other students whom I barely knew or have yet to meet.
Leadershape was a week full of possibility, introspection, fun, and overall a very refreshing experience. Each day from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. we talked, played games, listened, wrote, and learned so much about each other. Each participant learned about leadership and something new about themselves. One of my favorite parts of Leadershape was identifying our “gag”. We all had a “gag” (a glorified flaw) which we strived to improve while at the institute. We all addressed our gags, and we all supported each other regardless. That week, we actively left our comfort zones. We were all vulnerable and it was great.
This week, I learned so much about myself and met forty-four amazing students and six phenomenal faculty members. I am forever grateful for being able to attend Leadershape and meeting these amazing people. The institute challenged us to “lead with integrity”, not just for the week but for the rest of our lives. For a week, we all adopted a healthy disregard for the impossible, so basically everything was possible. Once again, it was great. We learned how to work towards our goals which were a bit more challenging and most importantly, we all supported each other whether our goals were considered to be a “stretch” or “manageable” goals.
While I wanted this article to be informative, I had to leave some parts out because it is so much better finding out for yourself than someone telling you what will happen. Don’t you hate the people who spoil movies and/or television shows? I do.
Leadershape was exactly what I needed before going back to class, and it was an amazing way to begin 2016. Now that I am a Leadershape “graduate”, my Leadershape class and I have been in contact ever since. It is not the artificial conversations that others experience with members from other retreats. The relationships that I now have with my Leadershape family are so unique and no one else could ever understand. We are a network of students who support each other at Boston College. We see each other on campus, and we actively acknowledge and attack each other with hugs. Every time I mention Leadershape I project an aura of happiness.
There are certain feelings that are indescribable, and I left Leadershape with many positive, yet indescribable feelings and a new group of friends. Leadershape was so much more than a retreat and is currently the peak of my college experience. Some people think that Leadershape is not for them, just by judging the cover and hearing the name itself. Are you scared of sitting in the front row? Do you fail to speak up in class or group settings? Do you sometimes feel as if you aren’t performing your best?
Imagine what it would be like to sit in the front row of your life.
That is Leadershape.
If interested, check out more information here!
Sources:
Gustavo Burkett, OSI at Boston College
Leadershape.org