Student Government Builds Leadership Skills on Retreat

Last weekend, 35 student leaders from across the university, including student government, athletic team captains, and the Chinese Youth League, took part in a weekend retreat to explore the value and challenges of leadership in today's complex and increasingly globalized society. The Office of Student Life hosted the two-day gathering, which was held in the Songjiang District of Shanghai.

Retreat participants were challenged to consider a variety of viewpoints as they navigated through a series of activities that were both challenging and eye-opening. Some required students to experience different leadership styles as they collaborated on a task. Other sessions offered a safe space to grapple with deeper issues of identity, diversity, and social justice.

The discussions covered a broad range of topics, from identity development, group management and personality dynamics, to goals, visions and team building. The highly personal aspects of these exchanges contributed to an environment that was both supportive and inspiring.

The take away was positive. Students who participated in the retreat found it to be a rewarding and fun opportunity to learn from others on a very personal level.