Coming to Central Michigan University, I was a scared Freshmen that didn't know anything about the campus, the program or a single thing about college. After deciding to participate in the Leadership Safari program my only thoughts were really "well at least I get to move in early." Little did I know that the week of being a participant was going to to completely change my life. I've made my best friends through this program and with this being my second year as a guide, I can honestly say I don't know what I'm going to do without this program in my life two years from now when I graduate. Finding your home at CMU isn't hard, and my home is Leadership Safari. There's no doubt that the week of Safari at CMU is the best week ever, but here are the top reasons why.

You learn to be the best version of yourself

Going to a new place is hard, going off to college is even harder. Growing up have a set routine for the past 18 years makes things simple. But coming to college it's a whole new ball game. Leadership Safari helps students develop themselves as they are able to explore what being a new person can be. It doesn't matter who you were in high school, Safari is a place where people can really find out who they are, and create a great version of themselves.

You learn how to break out of your comfort zone

Safari is a place where you are asked to challenge yourself. You're placed in a group with complete strangers and you're expected to spend the whole week together. But if you're like most groups and have a great experience, you'll realize that those strangers can become your best friends. You have the opportunity to try to experiences that you never would have thought to try before. You're challenged every single day to make your college experience the best it can be and to try new things. I can honestly say without this program, many students, myself included, would not be the person they are today.

You make your best friends

You have a family for the whole week. These strangers that you were put in a group with are your family, guidance, support system and team throughout the week. In Safari, you're able to make amazing friendships that count and can last your whole college career. After being a participant, I never imaged that I could be a guide to help freshmen and transfer students fall in love with CMU the way I did. Now, after being a guide, I can honestly say some of the best people I have ever met have been involved in this program (shout out to Hunters Orange and Super Silver). I know that whenever I need the people I have met in this organization, they'll be there for me at the drop of the hat. We've laughed together, cried together and have been sleep deprived together. The relationships that are made through out safari are ones that will last a lifetime.

The amazing staff

There are so many wonderful, amazing, beautiful people that go into making the week of safari a success. From the core guides, to CTeam, to Runners, the office staff and everyone else, this week could not happen without the staff. I have never met a more genuine and caring group of people that care about the future of CMU more than they do. I have been taught so much from people who have been on staff for 5 years to the people who are still in their first year. It's amazing how much one staff can pull together to make Leadership Safari the greatest week ever.

Yes, the week is a long one. Yes, you will be challenged everyday. But you'll make new friends, discover yourself and learn about all the amazing opportunities you have because you are attending CMU. The week flies by, don't take it for granted.