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Some say that summer vacations are supposed to be spent having
fun, relaxing, and hanging out at the beach. Well, this summer was
more than just about having fun, relaxing, and hanging out, it became
a learning quest. After being an active participant in Indiana University
South Bend’s Leadership Academy 2004, I have learned that summer
can be more than just about fun and relaxation. During this seven
week program, I found out that it can be learning as well as exciting.
My name is Dawn Powell and I was one of those beginning freshmen
selected to participate in one of the most fundamentally valuable
programs offered here on campus. I polished old skills, learned
new things, met new people, made new friends, and became more familiar
with IUSB’s campus. I am a 1999 high school graduate, so being
able to start college life through this academy bridged the gap
between the time I graduated and my new start into college.
The Leadership Academy not only offers tuition-free academic credits, but participants also learn about Civil Rights Movements, Chicano as well as African American, through the expertise of History professor, Dr. Monica Tetzlaff. Even though we only had a teaching period of forty-five minutes, Dr. Tetzlaff tried to give as much information as possible, so that we could really grasp the concepts of this movement and the importance of the people who were in the forefront of these important efforts. We were also challenged to expand our thought processes through tests, oral presentations, and working on group projects. Dr. Tetzlaff is a devoted professor who obviously teaches a subject that is personal and heartfelt.
 The
second part of the Leadership Academy is English composition. Writing
has never been one of my academic strengths or interests, but through
the great teachings of an excellent professor, my love for writing
grew. Professor Mary-Alice Hardy challenged our minds to begin to
think and write on a college level. Being that I have been out of
school for five years, the transition from street to college was
not an easy task for me. Through the aid of the teachers and guidance
from the peer leaders, my transition was beginning to become easier
and easier. Professor Hardy used methods of teaching designed to
produce success from all of her pupils. We were taught not to lose
ourselves in our essays, but were challenged to think and write
critically, and to begin the process of creating our own theories.
She also taught me how not to be offended by criticism and not to
be afraid of having to re-write an essay several times.
An essential part of the Academy also involves studying Sean Covey’s
7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Taught by Assistant Vice Chancellor
Karen White, these “habits” emphasize planning, good decision-making,
and personal responsibility. Personally, I will never forget about
our PBA’s (personal bank accounts).
Peer mentors were also an important part of the Academy. involved
with the academy. Coordinated by Amy Selner, the peer mentors made
it possible for the students of the academy to become more involved
with each other and create new friendships. They gave advice when
possible, commented upon papers, and just began to have good relationships
with all of the students.
The Leadership Academy made the transitions from high school to
college easier; it should be offered every summer to aid interested
students. It makes starting college life easier and for those in
high school, it gives a glimpse of how college is going to be. The
Civil Rights Heritage Center was our gathering place and a great
supportive location to hang out during the summer. I am now an active
member of the Center where we do a lot of service projects. I am
very grateful for the opportunity of being able to attend The Leadership
Academy. I have found out that it was essential for my success here
at IUSB’s campus, and it has strengthened my skills to succeed
in life and in anything that I put my mind to. “Thank you,”
IUSB, for the tools needed in pursuing one of my life’s goals.
Dawn Powell
IUSB Freshman (2004)
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