September 19th was a day for students to enjoy a free lunch and learn how to improve their life skills.  Once everyone got settled in and were able to get their lunch Cliff Scutella, Director of Student Activities began the presentation.  He introduced the staff who made the lunch possible and will be helping students along in their leadership journey: Jennifer Newell, Dean of Students, Kristen Mruk, Assistant Director of Student Activities, and Laura Keenan and Kathy Pyzik, who are both Technical Assistants of Student Activities.

He then continued on with the slide show  “Leadership identifies people who want to enhance their skills.”  Learning and leadership are indispensable.  Students who want to pursue the Leadership Certificate may want to make a difference, get involved, and put themselves ahead.  This certificate will be listed on a student’s transcript and future schools and employers can see it as well.  Earning the certificate is a personal benefit because it is on file to take with you, and shows your contributions and efforts while at GCC.

In the spring if you have earned the certificate you will be recognized at the Awards Banquet.  It is very simple to earn; you need 10 core units, 10 leadership units, for 20 units total to earn the certificate.  Let me break the units down.

The Lead 100 class is a one time, 90 minute class that is offered four times this semester about your life and leadership, which equals 3 units.  Then you have to choose a Capstone Course, which could be something you are already doing; RA, Orientation Leader, AEG, Human Services Major, Fashion Business Major, etc., if you are not part of one of the listed groups you can take the Lead 200 class which is a one-time 90 minute course, now you’re at 6 units!  Then add your experience in leadership; service, student leadership position, internship, student volunteering, or create your own; you are now at 9 units. You can then take Lead 300, the Leadership Certificate Portfolio, which is a presentation that you make to show how your experience translates into leadership; you now have 10 units.  You’re half way there!

Each workshop that you attend counts as 1 unit.  The workshops are 60-90 minutes during common hour throughout the year, they are not tedious but they will push you and help your learning process.  To sign up for them you can stop down at the Student Activities office. All of the workshops are free to attend.  You can start attending workshops whenever you are able, but in order for the workshops to count towards the certificate you must fill out an application and sign up and attend a Lead 100 course. Student Activities will track your workshops electronically after doing so.  (You can email Student Activities at sa@genesee.edu).  Cliff wrapped up the presentation with the quote; “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” by Harold R. McAlindon.

Personally, I have earned the Leadership Certificate, and it was so easy and fun to do.  All the workshops are made to be fun but also teaches you life skills, for example, how to think creatively, succeed by failing fast and often, how to manage your time, and many other great workshops with great faculty and staff members.  If nothing else, do this for yourself! It will only make you a better person and you will rise above the competition.