Caroline Long
If you ask Caroline Long what it means to be a leader, she will tell you about servant leaders, who lead by example, and the value of allowing others to contribute. She will also share stories about Collin College’s Leadership Empowerment and Development (LEAD) camp.
“We spent 15 hours together at Lake Texoma,” said Long, who enrolled at Collin in 2017. “It was so intense that it was almost like a catalyst for friendship. You can’t afford not to do this because you develop great, lasting relationships, learn about leadership, and make connections with professors and staff. It will change your perspective and your idea of how everything works at Collin.”
LEAD camp offerings range from breakout sessions on leadership characteristics to interactive games, but the camp is just one of many leadership opportunities at the college. Students can take Leadership Development Institute (LDI) classes that integrate leadership principles into standard course material. Students learn about leadership via in-class discussions, videos and presentations, and guest speakers. They also have opportunities to interview and write reports on leaders and attend Collin College board meetings.
The college also offers LEAD events throughout the year including StrengthsQuest (an online talent assessment platform), leadership workshops, a ropes course, an escape room experience, Leadership in the Movies, and Alternative Spring Break, providing volunteer opportunities. Students can even earn a Certificate of Leadership Development.
Long, who plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, said her new leadership skills have been helpful in her roles as a student ambassador and as a leader of a small group in her church.
“Now, I am ready to listen to other people and evaluate what they say in an unbiased way,” Long said. “I love the certificate because it is something you can work toward, and you are surrounding yourself with people who want to be leaders.”
Toluwani Ogunbayode
Toluwani Ogunbayode recently earned his leadership certificate and has taken LDI classes. He plans to earn an associate degree in business, a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and a master’s degree in public service and administration. Ultimately, he hopes to work on policies that improve the economy.
Ogunbayode remarked that learning about characteristics of historical figures like George Washington was interesting and beneficial.
“The LDI classes helped me understand that leadership is the power to influence,” Ogunbayode said. “Now, I lead by example. I don’t see leadership as delegating. Yes, I have my own preferences, but I want to hear what everyone has to say before I make suggestions. Companies want ready-made leaders, and this is a chance to work on your leadership skills. Even with our busy schedules, I would encourage any student to take a leadership class.”
For more information about LDI classes, visit http://www.collin.edu/academics/ldi/index.html. For more information about LEAD camp and activities, students can go to Cougar Connect and search for LEAD.