University of Denver - Kynewisbok Yearbook (Denver, CO)

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T he first days of April are, for f many, the beginning of spring. ■ And for many student leaders at the University of Denver the first weekend of April was a time of new beginning as they came together creating community, strengthening self-confidence, and embracing emotion in a dynamic leadership retreat led by Matt Weinstein, nationally known leader of Playfair. The participants learned about leadership in an unique way through a series of thought-provoking introspective activities ranging from a shared whole group experience to small support-group and one-on-one partner sharing. Leadership styles and techniques were examined as well as deeper reasons for becoming leaders: wanting to pass on to others the love and service each has received from individuals who have given them a leg-up in life. Time was taken to thank such persons in the form of letters, which brought out some tearful sharing. A dynamic personal level of disclosing flowed through the experience as participants learned to really think about what they are saying to themselves and others. They found that under the stipulation of, say something nice or nothing at all, it was not that difficult to think of something caring and complimentary to say to everyone encountered. In a moving exercise, participants were introduced to their own vulnerable, six-year-old selves, who had in the past been hurt and thus kept them from taking risks as leaders. There was touching and laughing, hugging and crying as these leaders were given the chance to see the other student leaders of so many different organizations from an unique perspective as well as look more deeply into themselves than many had before. It was a truly awesome experience that left me so high on life I just wanted to share it with everyone, said Doreen Claveria. Scott Rosenberg commented, I was able to bring up emotions in myself I didn't think were possible. I learned that leading oneself is necessary before even attempting to lead others. Matt Weinstein created a feeling of energy, love and warmth that lasted among participants weeks after the retreat, said Programs Advisor Ronnie Laffitte 'Everyone in attendance came away a more effective leader and a stronger person. — Robyn L. Wolf