Page 353 - Keys to College Success

without your academic community. It also builds leadership skills that will serve you in
the workplace and in life.
What risks can you take now to lead in ways that can bring rewards for you and
others?

Help to lead organizations that interest you. Once you have joined an organiza-
tion and learned more about how it works, consider pursuing a leadership position in
the club. Find out more about what these positions involve (duties, time commitment)
and see what might suit you best. To make the most of your experience, find a group
that holds meaning for you.

Form study groups. Take the lead on getting fellow students together in person or
online for a study group. When the group is formed, take a turn leading a meeting, or
come up with a plan for preparing for a test. Use leadership and participation strategies.

Express yourself in front of others. When an opportunity to speak in front of oth-
ers comes up, take it. Present in front of a class; post a message to your class online;
speak to members of a club at a meeting. Communicate your message while building
your confidence.

Volunteer in or outside your academic community. Making a difference for oth-
ers around you can build leadership skills. If you have a strong interest in an organiza-
tion, you may even consider pursuing a specific leadership position with the
organization, or heading up a project.

Take initiative at work. If you have a job, speak out respectfully about systems,
teams, or situations that aren’t working well and need to be adjusted. Talk to a supervi-
sor about ideas you have that you might be able to implement. Set an example for oth-
ers with whom you work.

Start a club. If your school doesn’t have a particular type of club that interests you,
communicate with others to see who else might share your interest. Have an initial
conversation or meeting and come up with some specific goals. If your group takes
root, see if the school will recognize it as an official club.

Tutor or mentor others. Helping other students with academic development, career
planning, or personal needs builds all kinds of leadership skills.

talk risk and reward . . .

Risk asking tough questions to be rewarded with new insights. Use the following ques-
tions to inspire discussion with classmates, either in person or online.
■ Has a point of difference ever kept you from connecting with someone? What makes
you hesitate? What reward might you gain from the risk of connection?
■ In which communities do you feel like you belong? What communities do you
come into contact with that make you uncomfortable? Discuss why and offer ideas
of rewards that could come from leaving your comfort zone.
CONSIDER THE CASE: Imagine you had gone through a life-or-death medical trial as
Lauren did. In the wake of that experience, how do you think you would feel? Would
you be able to see any potential for growth, or do you think you would be overwhelmed
with the struggle?

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