Written by Kristi Tamberelli, BHP Leadership Kickoff Co-Chair
I love event planning and knew I would enjoy the preparation and creativity involved in co-chairing Leadership Kickoff, the signature event for incoming BHP freshmen. Now that the planning has ended and the kickoff is over, I realize my favorite part of co-chairing this event was actually getting to watch the freshmen interact and create lasting friendships. I still remember how much fun I had at BHP Leadership Kickoff my freshman year, and I felt so honored to help make that same experience a reality for this year’s freshman.
For a BHP freshman, there’s no better way to start the next four years than to attend the BHP Leadership Kickoff. This past weekend, students gathered to get a taste of how amazing their college careers are going to be, all while learning how to work together and become leaders alongside their fellow classmates. Here are a few of my favorite reasons why BHP Leadership Retreat will end up being a highlight in your college career at UT.
BHPeople. First of all, this weekend is all about making friends. It’s the first time you’ll realize how incredible the people you are surrounded by are, and it’s only the start of meeting colleagues and building connections. Students spend a majority of the weekend with their peer mentor groups that they work with throughout their first semester of college. This year’s peer mentors are dedicated, relatable, and fully equipped to help freshmen have a smoother transition into college. I loved getting to know each of the peer mentors this weekend and watching them interact with their students.
BHPlayoffs. This year we switched things up! Instead of having each peer mentor group perform a skit in front of the rest of the groups, we created a series of challenges to be performed. Students competed in challenges ranging from coming up with the best team cheer to shaking ping pong balls out of a Kleenex box using their best dance moves. According to the students, the playoffs were a hit, and all the mentors agreed that it was an exciting switch up from the skit tradition.
BHPledge. Towards the end of the first day of the retreat, all the students get dressed up for a more serious portion of the weekend. Every BHP freshman takes a pledge to act ethically in BHP and in their future careers. The ceremony included speakers from the BHP Ethic’s Board, as well as BHP Faculty Director Robert Prentice, followed by each student signing the pledge. This part of the retreat is really special to me because I think it’s unique that we take the time to emphasize ethics and set the expectations high from day one.
There you have it. In BHP, you can have it all: friends, healthy competition, and ethical behavior—but that’s only the start. After all, what starts here changes the world. Best of luck Class of 2018!
