Expensive leadership seminars??

[2012mom?]

ok everyone thanks for the feedback. since I really dont have the money im not going to struggle to put forth the cash for those expensive summer camps.

I am applying for Boys state, but sooo many kids from my school are applying and I feel like I wont even have a chance. Its not fair either cuz all of them even told me they hate politics and say Boys State sounds dumb. They just want it for their resumes for college. But theres nothing I can do about that because they all have better resumes already. So what can I do in the interview to show them I REALLY wanna do it and all those other kids are just going to lie their way through the interview?

Just focus on the reasons why YOU want to do Boys State, and don't worry about the sincerity of others. Sincerity will shine through in interviews.

I echo the posts of others who have talked about leadership opportunities that cost nothing but your time and effort. A friend of ours is a great leader. Every year she leads a team of people in fundraising for the Multiple Schlerosis society. She gets people to agree to do the walk/run, and she encourages those who can't do the walk/run itself to make donations. Over the past few years, she has influenced people to give many thousands of dollars to this worthwhile cause. You can have an impact, too. Just look for ways to help make good things happen for those around you.

 

[House06]

My daughter was selected to participate in our state's Governor Scholar program, the cost to us was $25.00 refundable room deposit. It was a great program and allowed her the opportunity to live and interact in a college setting for five weeks. It also gave her some insight in the decision regarding SA, or regular college experiences. As mentioned already, SLS summer leadership experiences are great,as are SA summer athletic camps as both give a potential candidate first impressions of the academy.

The only caution that I would throw out is to "carefully" plan your summer schedule particularly if you participate in a Fall sport or extra-curricular which requires summer participation. Some coaches and sponsors are accomodating if you miss "mandatory" practices and some are not. Know what your particular situation will be upfront so that noone will be surprised.

 

[jennyp]

This has been an interesting thread for me to read. We are in rural west Texas. My boys and daughter have all been very involved in leadership of several organizations, 4-H, American Quarter Horse Association and Texas Quarter Horse Association. I did not even know these expensive uber-leadership seminars existed.

Leadership is what you make of your experience in any organization. USNA85 wrote an excellent treatise on leadership within the last couple of weeks. I would advise everyone seeking SA appointment to read it. My kids got outstanding leadership experience, even on a national level, right from rural west Texas.

 

[singaporemom]

I think what truly matters is that a student takes advantage of the opportunities put before him or ceates his own opportunities. There needs to be a passion there. The vast majority of these applicants must look very similar on paper. What have they done that sets them apart? That shows something special. I am sure that admissions can see through the resumes that appear to just be full of activities that are there to 'check the box' on the application. Where is the drive and determination, the courage to blaze your own path, the intellectual curiosity?