Leadership Safari

Moving away from home was the hardest thing I have ever had to experience. Summer was over, and it was time to start the next chapter of my life in a completely new place with completely new people. As I headed up to Central, I kept trying to convince myself that the upcoming week would be amazing.

And it was.

Leadership Safari is a 5 day program with events that help students learn about leadership skills, while creating bonds within the group. Some of the events included community service, team building and problem solving activities, a comedy show, and a slam poetry show. The schedule had things planned from early morning until late at night, which made each day fly by. Having things to do all day really helped keep me busy, and it distracted me from the homesick feelings that overwhelmed me.

Each group in Safari had a team animal name, and I was put on team Blue Jay. Right off the bat, I knew this group was perfect for me. Of course, the first hour was a little awkward- we were put in a group with 15 other strangers that we’ve never met before and were basically forced to bond with them. I had no problem with that though, as I wanted to make friends in my new “hometown” of Mount Pleasant. The Blue Jays were always cracking jokes, yelling, laughing, and taking pictures. The group really helped me adjust to Central, and I still talk to the friends in my group today, even though Safari was a month ago.

Leadership Safari was such an amazing experience, and I’m so happy that I was able to go through it. The program really helped me take a step outside of my comfort zone, and I learned so many skills and really enjoyed the entire week. I made new friends, came out of my shell, and discovered that being yourself is the best thing you can do!

Now What? I am going to reach out to people to make new friends, join in on new RSO’s, and try to make the most out of my college experience. Safari showed me all of the different opportunities and programs that CMU has to offer, and I can’t wait to start this new chapter of my life by getting involved and having the time of my life.

Check out the Leadership Safari 2016 video!