Event Recap: Leadership Kickoff 2019 by Madison Mohns

Summer camp dreams don’t die out when you head off to college. This past weekend, 140 CBHP freshmen headed out to Newcombe Tennis Ranch in New Braunfels, Texas for Leadership Kickoff. Freshmen were able to bond as a class all throughout the weekend; sharing meals together, laughing together, singing their lungs out to karaoke together, and even tight roping 50 feet in the air together.

Besides bonding, Leadership Kickoff is really a chance for the new class to gain some leadership skills. Freshmen engage in challenges which are intended to place them in some unexpected situations; testing their communication and getting them used to working on teams.

Henry Bradley (Class of ‘23) reflects on the weekend: “I learned that while I am a strong leader, I can also strive to be a good teammate.” Collaborative learning is a large part of the Canfield Business Honors curriculum and the class of 2023 is already getting a headstart to mastering this skill.

Students braved the high ropes course, and were cheered on by their classmates as they took big leaps into the unknown. The freshmen class took the initiative to come up with creative ways to incorporate their teammates strengths during the BHPlayoffs. Each one of them gave it their all and some hidden talents were exposed in the process. We’ve got some beatboxers, some dancers, and even some gymnasts among us… watch out corporate america.

But it isn’t just the freshmen who learned something during leadership kickoff. “My mentees honestly reinvigorated my excitement for the program” said Peer Mentor Katelyn Barclay. “Especially as I look back as a senior, it is incredible to see how much they each want to accomplish and get involved in the program over the next 4 years.”

Automatically having a welcoming and uplifting community to be a part of can make an otherwise difficult transition to college a lot easier. Coming into such a large school like UT, it can be difficult to feel truly known by your peers. By curating small peer groups of about 10 students, the CBHPhreshmen get the opportunity to start forming those vital relationships from day one.

Lauren Asay, a senior CBHP’er and peer mentor recounts what made her kickoff experience something that inspired her to pay it forward to her mentees. “Leadership Kickoff showed me that it was possible to be successful AND have fun in college. CBHP does an amazing job of fostering a sense of support and community, and I think LKO is what really sets the tone for your four years on the 40 Acres.” At the root of it all, it is the culture of CBHP that makes it so special, and a lasting legacy going forward. What started here at Leadership Kickoff 2019 really will change the world.

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