Leadership QUEST
UD freshmen complete summer leadership program
8:13 a.m., Aug. 29, 2012--Starting college is famously one of life’s most challenging transitions. For 70 members of the Class of 2016, it started with a QUEST.
QUEST, a summer leadership program offered through University Student Centers’ Blue Hen Leadership Program, helps freshmen acclimate to campus while enhancing their self-awareness, confidence and leadership skills.
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The group, selected from a pool of 150 applicants, spent last week attending workshops, taking part in activities and doing community service. Highlights included a ropes course, working in teams to build boats and a discussion where participants shared some of their lives’ most defining moments. The program’s leader, Susan Luchey, said QUEST’s activities help students set goals for their personal development.
“A lot of students come in thinking ‘I want to major in this (discipline), because I want a job in this (field),” Luchey, an associate director of the University Student Centers for leadership development, said. “But, a lot of them don’t think about ‘what kind of person do I want to become?’ That’s what QUEST really focuses on.”
Stephanie Leon, a sophomore who served as a peer mentor for the group, said the program helps build confidence in participants, a trait she’s already seen on display.
“I’ve seen a couple of them on campus today and they all seemed like they knew where they were going, were talking to people and seemed comfortable,” Leon said.
QUEST participant William Baker said the camaraderie amongst the group members is fantastic.
“The while teambuilding atmosphere was just incredible,” Baker said. “I feel like I’ve known them for a year.”
Organizers hope QUEST participants will immerse themselves in Student Life by joining student groups, teams and clubs.
“I’d like to see them involved on campus, not just with BHLP but with other programs as well, just so they can influence others and teach others about how to be a good leader,” Leon said.
Last year, 100 percent of QUEST participants became involved in Student Life. This year’s group is following suit, with many signing up for BHLP and encouraging new friends from their residence halls and elsewhere to do the same.
Article by Andrea Boyle Tippett
Photos by Ambre Alexander