Wow and wow. UCLA Anderson starts their program with Leadership Foundation, a week-long course looking to get us thinking about the qualities that make an effective leader and how we, over the next two years, can embody those qualities. The week included lectures, presentations, speakers, group discussions, a ropes course, improv training, and some extremely tired members of the Class of 2010. The variety of activities was overwhelming but in retrospect was essential to getting a complete picture of what leadership entails. One thing is being lectured to about encouraging others; another is to be 30 ft in the air on a telephone pole getting encouragement from your screaming team members. It makes tangible the abstract concepts of the classroom.
Another highlight was getting to hear John Wooden, the former coach of the UCLA basketball team, speak to us about leadership. People were giddy with excitement, I, on the other hand, did not know who he was. I certainly do now. He gave us advice on how to prioritize so that leadership and achievements fall into place. His passion for everything he did in life was evident. I hope to be able to apply that same passion in my own.
The highlight of the week was getting to meet my classmates. The talent present was simultaneously exhilarating and intimidating. I am very much looking forward to spending the next two years with them. Next week: Orientation...
