I recently had the chance to participate in one of the most beneficial experiences of my college career so far. The program was called LeaderShape ©. Myself and approximately 65 other Marquette Students from the colleges of Engineering, Business, and Communications got the chance to learn how to live and lead with integrity.

In this six day retreat, I was given the chance to learn about what it means to be a leader, but also what it means to be me. I stayed in a cabin in the woods with 65 people I had never met before and was asked to share with them everything about myself. At first, I was very apprehensive and unsure about the whole thing, but as time went on, my whole perspective would change.

Starting at 7:45am and usually continuing on well after 10pm, all of us together participated in learning activities and curriculum that laid the foundation for not only how we should lead, but also how we should be. In activities ranging from learning what our personality traits were to creating and imagining our "visions", I had the opportunity to learn how I work best as a leader and the kind of ideas that can come from my creativity. We also had the opportunity to question our values and decision making in a setting where we could receive positive and constructive feedback. These activities led to immense self-discovery and recognition of strengths and weaknesses.

The absolute best part of this experience was the community that was established and made finite in just six days. In sharing all these things about myself and learning with these people, the relationships were established without my knowledge and became so strong that I was surprised to find myself acting as if I were among family. The support, love, and acceptance was shared between all who participated and will carry through to "day seven".

Anyone who questions or wishes to refine their abilities as a leader, as a visionary, or as the type of person they want to be should without a doubt participate in this amazing program.