Inspired by the popular books and movie, the institute weaved the Hunger Games-related themes of strength, leadership and group dynamics throughout the three-day program. Students were divided into six “districts” to build teamwork and learn how to develop leadership skills.
View more photos from the SLP Summer Institute
The Summer Institute — free to students and funded by the university’s Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs — included workshops on personality styles, setting goals, dining etiquette, career development, team-building activities and even a rafting trip on the Stanislaus River.
“The Student Leadership Program has given me the confidence to be the kind of leader that works for me, not just a type that is taught out of a book,” senior Emily Benefield said.
It was Benefield’s fifth time in the SLP Summer Institute — the first two as a participant and the last three as a leadership assistant, serving as a peer mentor and leading activities.
Benefield credits the program in part for transforming her from a precocious freshman to the chair of the University Student Union Board of Directors, president of the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority and a member of the Order of Omega honor society.
“I was expressive, super happy all the time and just crazy; I had a hard time settling down to one thing,” Benefield said. “But the Student Leadership Program and CSU Stanislaus in general have really allowed me to focus — to set a goal and direct my passion.”
Incoming freshman Jesse Martin, a participant in this year's Summer Institute, hopes he has as rewarding of an experience at the university. He wasn't sure what to expect, being the first in his family to go to college, but he now has dozens of peer mentors to guide him through his college career at CSU Stanislaus.
“I learned that to be an effective leader, you also have to be an effective follower,” Martin said. “I also learned that in teamwork, you need to have communication.”
Martin plans to get involved in Associated Students Inc. and join other campus organizations, thanks to the training and tools he acquired through the SLP Summer Institute. He also says he’ll be back next summer.
“I would recommend the Summer Institute to anyone,” Martin said. “It’s a good experience.”
For information about the Student Leadership Program, contact Nicole Turner at nturner2@csustan.edu.