So this morning I came to the realization that this program couldn't be more perfect for me. I was sitting in a leadership orientation and the director of the program (who is also my professor for my class of 7) was the one presenting. He was talking about the characteristics of leaders such as behavioral traits, process thinking, and knowledge, and how there is something that stands out about those who decide to study abroad. Many people like parents, advisors, and professors at the beginning of a students decision to study abroad will talk about what they will learn, and it usually includes cultural experience and being exposed to diversity. However, when students return from studying abroad, the same people will say that students have aquired such traits as confidence, assertiveness, openmindedness, maturity, etc. Basically, studying abroad develops positive behavioral traits that are crucial, especially if your career goals include wanting to become a leader. What this program is all about is personal INTENTIONAL change.

In order to do this, CIMBA (Consortium Institute of Management and Business Analysis) sets up a whole leadership development process that pushes you beyond your comfort level and expectations. In doing so, they have programs such as setting leadership development goals, a leadership breakthrough class (which is ridiculously intense and prestigious and usually costs $2000), finding out what your basic beliefs are, assessing those, and coming up with a personal career strategy. In addition, there is a low ropes course and different activities that create a trusting environment, as well as a program called Kepner Tregoe that is all about problem solving and decision making that is used in most major corporations.

I decided today that I was so excited and so motivated by what CIMBA has to offer, that I signed up for an additional program called LEAP. In LEAP, you basically take this concept one step further and come up with a personal development plan, and then get professional coaching on how to focus on your leadership strengths in order to make you that much better. It's also awesome because they put together a resume book that they send out to tons of companies in order to try and help you with an internship and/or job. I figured this is a pretty good back up plan in case P&G doesn't work out, so my father should be happy I'm taking the initiative . Also, you get certified in Kepner Tregoe in the end. Apparantly, this program is world renouned and more and more companies are hearing about this and developing an interest in job candidates.

I know it sounds pretty confusing, and it was all thrown in here at once, but let me see if I can sum it up for you. I'm in love. Utterly, in love. How could this place not be perfect for me? Everything that is presented in the classroom and in ANY speech here is from a business perspective..and is tailored to exactly how I think. Although I know I have a pretty hefty course load here and doing LEAP will be an extra 4 hours probably a week, my excitement and overwhelming interest for everything I'm learning kind of numbs any apprehension. Besides, God would never give you more than you can handle, right? haha.

All in all, I wish I could express how grateful I am that I was given the opportunity to come here, and how happy and reassured I am that I made this decision.