MLK’s legacy fuels future servant leaders
Members of LCC’s Student Leadership Academy gather in the Letts Community Center gymnasium to discuss leadership values to advance their education and careers. Jan. 21. (Photo by Nathan Wilson)
Colleges and schools were closed throughout Michigan on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but that didn’t stop LCC’s Student Leadership Academy from turning out for a day of service at Letts Community Center in Lansing Jan. 21.
Several high school students and members of the ICHANGE Youth Program joined the event to learn about cultivating their leadership skills.
Business consultant Jim Reed served as the keynote speaker during the event, discussing the legacy of MLK and how it relates to molding the future leaders of today.
The students participated in a core exercise that focused on the two most important attributes they believed would build their future leadership skills.
Dominance, influence, steadiness and conscientiousness were among the many principles the group examined.
“The intent of this event today was simply to get you to think on all the various ways that you can contribute to that better version of yourself,” Reed said.
“And it may start today, but it will never end. You want to continue to evolve emotionally, intellectually, spiritually and physically into that better version of you.”
In a surprise gesture, ICHANGE founder Denise Brown-Chiller presented Reed and the Student Leadership Academy with certificates of appreciation for their community service.
Following Reed’s presentation, the students excitedly began to create tie-dye blankets as a part of their service project. According to Meg Evert, the student coordinator of LCC’s Student Volunteer Center, the blankets will be donated to the City Rescue Mission.
Student Leadership Academy student Shamon Clement said the number one thing she took away from the day of service was self-evaluation.
“Before we came to this event, we talked about re-commitment and thinking about what you are going to school for,” Clement said.
“Jim Reed really touched bases on character and morality and being a servant leader. Being a leader isn’t just about making it for yourself … You have everyone who’s looking to you to make a difference.”
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