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ISSS Sends 10 Students to the Florida International Leadership Conference

On the weekend of February 5-7, four students from the Biscayne Bay Campus and six students from the Modesto Maidique Campus attended the 4th annual Florida International Leadership Conference at a camp near Ocala, Florida. The students were accompanied by two advisors from the Office of International Student & Scholar Services, Julie Wilbers and Jessica Larsen.  This conference gave FIU international students a chance to network with student leaders at schools all over the state and to attend workshops and sessions designed to enhance leadership skills, to increase cross-cultural awareness, and to challenge students to see themselves as global leaders.  One session, entitled, “Know Thyself: Leaders Learning about Their Own Culture,” was presented by FIU student Anne Braseby, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in Comparative Sociology.  Here are some of the comments made by students when asked about their impressions of the weekend: 

“I did not have my phone and laptop for 2 good days and I can say these 2 days were the best days of my life here in the USA…” (One of the most challenging things about the weekend was that cell phone reception was very limited or non-existent for some students!) 

“The first [session] I went to was about cultural differences and I learned a lot about my fellow peers’ cultures and how certain actions which I may see as trivial can offend others…”  

“…I faced my fear of public speaking and it helped to break that barrier allowing me to be ready and willing to do it again.” 

“While I was at the conference I helped to build a better relationship with my E-board and met a lot of new friends from so many places, even Malaysia.”

“FILC gave me a more global aspect made me think about other cultures and rejuvenated me to work as a team rather than always on my own.”

“There was a special friendly atmosphere, and it was a lot of fun.  It gave me the opportunity to be a part of team building exercises.  I felt at home at FILC.”