Every year, the Concordia Leadership Initiative Program (CLIP) is set in motion with many leadership opportunities. These opportunities include different leadership roles on and off campus. This year, I decided to apply as the international coordinator, resident assistant and academic mentor. I applied for these positions because I enjoy being a leader on campus where I can ultimately make a difference in another person's life. In conjunction with making a difference, I argue why being the international coordinator, an RA and an academic mentor is so rewarding and worthwhile!
I can honestly say that staying on campus all summer while working as the international coordinator was a challenge. I was uncertain about how I was gonna pull off an entire international orientation. I was expecting about 45 international students, from different countries, and different attitudes about college. How was I gonna make them feel comfortable? How was I gonna prepare for their arrival? These questions continued to hound me until today, which enabled me to write this article. I knew the answers to these questions long before I accepted this job. I worked as an international ambassador for three years, which enabled me with the skills I needed in order to pull off the entire orientation. I didn't know it at the time, but working nine to five every day was necessary in order to prepare myself and train all of the international ambassadors for the orientation. The International Orientation is underway and I am relieved to have a team that is working toward the same goals. I am really glad that I applied for this position and I can ultimately say that I am excited for the International Orientation!
In addition to being the international coordinator, I pride myself on working as an academic mentor for almost three years. Being a mentor is probably the most rewarding thing I've done on this campus. I work alongside other members of my team and we essentially provide new students with information and activities that lead to success. We host seminars and speak at countless events to freshman and upperclassmen, reminding them that they are not alone and we are always here to help them. Being an academic mentor at Concordia has given me the courage and respect that every student aims to reach. I feel that I have changed many lives and attitudes about the college. Knowing that I have made an effort in making the Concordia experience worthwhile allows me to go to bed at night proud of the person I've become!
While juggling between an academic mentor and the international coordinator, I've also managed to be a part of residence life at Concordia. My four-year goal of living in Rippe Hall has come to a halt because now I am an RA of Romoser Hall. I am a little disappointed but also kind of relieved. I realize that I am a completely different person than I was last year. I am more mature and opened minded. If I can change my attitude and behavior, I know that moving into a new residence hall is not the end of the world. I haven't really begun working as an RA, but I know that this job is more difficult than an academic mentor or an international ambassador. I have a higher expectation and am definitely held more accountable for my actions. Nonetheless, training will ultimately prepare me for the worst and I accept this challenge with open arms!
Therefore I am grateful that I applied to the Concordia Leadership Initiative Program again because, over the three years that I've been a part of CLIP, I've made a lot of new friends, learned a lot of new things and have an honest relationship with faculty and staff. We're a small campus, but we definitely made a huge impact!
