As a new year is here, I like to reflect on why I do what I do and how that can impact on the lives of students. One of the wisest investments a student can make in their collegiate experience is by engaging in co-curricular activities. I like the term CO-curricular because the activities, events, and programs outside the classroom can supplement what they learn inside the classroom.
The best part of my leadership development as a student was through these kinds of experiences and interactions with other people. I learned about conflict resolution, motivation techniques, team leadership development, and got to travel all over the country attending and leading educational leadership conferences. Then I would come back to campus and apply my experiences to the material being taught in the classroom.
One particular professor that I liked, Dr. Zillur Khan, taught classes on leadership, dynamics in organizations, and group behaviors. He and I would get into dialogues in class about topics that I could relate to through my many co-curricular activities. The rest of the class had a hard time keeping up!
I remember one time he said to me, “Why don’t you and I go and talk about this in the hallway while the rest of them read about it and try to catch up?” You bet I got an A in that class!
When I speak and train at college leadership retreats and conferences, present workshops, or deliver a keynote, I am aware that involvement in co-curricular activities is directly related to student retention. If students have fun, enjoy the activity, and grow as a result, then their educational experience is enhanced and they are more likely to remain in school. More importantly, they’re more likely to stay at YOUR school! Student motivation is easier when they are having fun!
Students whom I have worked with in clubs and organizations are typically more energetic, more motivated, and more goal-oriented. They are movers and shakers and they are used to getting things done. That carries over to their class work and, hopefully, to all aspects of their lives, for the rest of their lives! I am still in touch with many of my former students and they are outstanding people who are leaders in their families, workplaces, and communities.
Students who are involved in co-curricular activities, learning outside the classroom, and expanding their experiences will create their own success stories. I would love to help you do that by bringing my amazing content and fun programs to your campus. Click here to see the areas that I present on and click through for the variety different topics you can choose from to create an agenda to impact your students!
Is this the kind of content and training you would like for your students? I would love to bring it to your campus! Click on the program link here to check it out and then email me at DaveKelly@GonzoSpeaks.com or call me at 770-552-6592 to discuss a date for me to come to your school. Booking me will not break the bank – check out my Affordable Pricing Model for a quote! I look forward to serving your students!