University of Massachusetts Lowell - Sojourn / Knoll Yearbook (Lowell, MA)

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T HING L Tl-lE LIMITS ,,--'f' Miniwanca in Shelby Michigan was the place where ten University of Lowell students were sent to attend the National Collegiate Leadership Conference. Each student was chosen from different parts of the university to develop a well-rounded group of student lead- ers. Everyone had different backgrounds, most had different majors, and nobody really knew each other. The only thing they had in common was the fact that they would be at- tending this conference on the shores of Lake Michigan.

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v. -N -r,. . 'XJ lfffsf 5 , 1 it . .. L -- 'N FF, -. fi-Q' 4 I , in i b ,fm .4 W Q' Ac.. Nia-Q I.. , H U EH U 5? 'IME ei IE. ' ,gg 4 'N Q if l I y 'Xi ' ' -5 x. its 1 rs 4 lx.. -Q-'-2 I5 lx 1 W? fd-l 9 L5-. The chosen group consisted of Mark Cabral, As- sistant to the Director of Residence Life, Jeff Chal- lenger, President of National Society of Black Engi- neers: Lisa Cuoco, President of the Residence Hall Association: Pattie Cullum, Editor-in-Chief of the Connector: Bob Czamiak, Activities Commision Di- rector, Don Gagnon, Vice President of the S.G.A.f Pam Jones, a Resident Advisor of Fox Hall, Peter Murphy, President of Phi Psi: Sean Noonan, Presi- dent of lFSCp Mike Pauley, President of the Class of 1987: and Dean Thomas Taylor, Assistant Dean of Students. They assembled at Concordia Hall on August 7th with sleeping bags, bug repellent, and all the provisions needed for a week of camping. August 8th at 4:50 a.m. was the time they all left in a van for their long 2 day drive to Michigan. Although they knew they were going to a camp, they never expected such rustic conditions. The cabins had canvas tarps to cover the windows and there were bunk beds with very thin mattresses. The only thing showing any ties to the outside world was the running water and electricity in the bathroom, The bathroom was found by traveling dovim a long path through the sand. But the rustic conditions and cool weather didn't dampen the students fun. The University of Low- ell's group was among ten colleges and universi- ties from all over the United States chosen to par- ticipate in this conference. The days started when the sun rose and ended far after it set, but each day was a leaming experience filled with fun and excitement. Each day consisted of core sessions that caused the students and advisors to use their bodies and mind. Classes on group dynamics, personal bal- ance and integrity, as well as the anatomy of lead- ership were taught. Throughout the conference students were taught to structure their lives to include the four phases of life - physical, mental, social, and religious. Everyone was asked to evalu- ate their omm lives to decided which phase needed to work on to balance out a healthy way of living. There were swim races and sailing, windsurfing and treasure hunts. But a lot of leaming was done when each college team was forced to stretch the limits of their physical and mental capabilities on an outward bound obstacle course. Each college worked together both individually and as a team to overcome many physical and psychological obsta- cles. They were only as strong as their weakest person and as fast as their slowest. A trust fall at the end saw each person fall backwards from a high platfoml and into their teammates arms. This pulled out each others fears and caused everyone to develop a trust in themselves as well as each other. The week was an emotional rollercoaster touch- ing on issues dealing with bumout, workaholics, trust, developing working groups, and leaming ef- fective leadership skills. These student leaders could relate to one another because most had experienced many of the same issues and prob- lems. Everyone left a better person and met many new friends along the way. The conference was sponsored by the American Youth Foundation and along with a tenific staff, everyone worked to make the conference a success. - Patricia Anne Cullum 125