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Calling on First-Years – This One’s for You!

There is nothing I love more than the energy of having new students on campus. I remember when I first stepped foot on my college campus I was terrified but also excited to jump in and participate in everything on campus. But, the one thing that I did that had the greatest impact on my life that first year in college was walking into my college’s leadership center. In my case, it was the Kravis Leadership Institute at Claremont McKenna College, and part of my career aspiration has always been to create that opportunity for other college students to dive into leadership that first year in college.

So, for our incoming first-year Buffs – as you embark on your academic journey at the University of Colorado Boulder, there lies a pivotal opportunity that should not be overlooked—the chance to engage in leader development. Why now, you might ask?

There are so any opportunities related to leadership at CU that you will need all four years to take advantage of them all. The Center for Leadership offers different experiential leadership intensives, a mentoring program, a coaching program, and opportunitiesÌýto participate in the Peace Corp Prep program and more. If you are going to earn that beautiful blue leadership cord for graduation, you should lead early and often.

Building Early Foundations: Why Start Your First Year?

The formative years of college present a unique window for young adults to cultivate essential skills and confidence that will shape their future endeavors. Just as there are for things like language development (you will learn about this if you take a class in developmental biology or psychology), there are times when investing in your leadership will start you off on a positive spiral to becoming your best leader self. Johnson and Murphy (2024) suggest that leader identity formation is in full force when you are trying out new things in high school, but at age 18 leader skill development becomes increasingly important and the sooner you begin, the farther you can go.

Investing in leadership your first year establishes a solid foundation upon which you can build progressively complex leadership competencies over time. Leadership, contrary to popular belief, is not innate; it is a skill that can be honed through exposure, practice, and structured learning experiences. By immersing yourself in leadership opportunities early on, you will set yourself on a trajectory toward becoming an influential and effective leader in your field.

Moreover, beginning leader development in you first year allows you to discover and refine your unique leadership style. This self-discovery process is crucial as it helps you understand your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth. Such introspection fosters personal development and enhances your ability to collaborate, communicate, and inspire—a trifecta of qualities that define successful leaders in academia, industry, and beyond.

The Role of the Center for Leadership at CU Boulder

The Center for Leadership is a beacon of opportunity and growth for students seeking to maximize their university experience. The CFL serves as a hub of innovation and support, offering a myriad of programs, experiences, and initiatives tailored to meet the diverse needs of students at varying stages of their academic journey. For first-years, the Center introduces key concepts and frameworks, equipping students with essential tools to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

But wait, there is more! One central purpose of the CFL is helping you find other leadership opportunities on campus that fit your chosen major, extra-curricular interests, or other passions. We have created a tool to connect you with programs that fit your needs. For example, there are programs for specific majors, for those who are in the military, for student-athletes, for those interested in student government, and more. With such a huge campus it can be difficult to find the correct program for you, so we created this and we are also happy to sit with you and explore opportunities within or outside of the CFL.

Furthermore, engagement with the Center for Leadership opens doors to a vast network of professionals who are eager to share their experiences and insights as mentors through our Boulder-CU Leadership Program (BCLP). This mentorship opportunity not only enhances students' understanding of leadership in practical contexts but also cultivates valuable relationships that can influence future career prospects and academic pursuits.

Beyond the Classroom: Practical Applications and Long-Term Benefits

The benefits of early leader development extend far beyond the confines of the university campus. As first-years begin to apply newfound skills in various student organizations, clubs, and community service projects, they gain invaluable hands-on experience that reinforces classroom learning. This practical application fosters resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities—attributes that are highly prized by employers and graduate schools alike.

Involvement in leadership development from your first year positions you for continued success throughout your university tenure and beyond. As you progress through your academic career, you are more likely to assume leadership roles on campus, contributing meaningfully to campus life and leaving a lasting impact on the CU Boulder community.

In conclusion, the decision to engage in leader development as a college first-year is a strategic investment in your personal and professional growth. By leveraging the resources and support offered by the Center for Leadership at the University of Colorado Boulder, you not only enhance your leadership skills and confidence but you will also open doors to a wealth of opportunities that will shape your future endeavors. As professors and mentors, it is our collective responsibility to encourage and empower you to embark on this transformative journey early on, equipping you with the tools you need to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Feel free to reach out over email or visit us in our new space in the Center for Community (C4C) in S360.

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Johnson, S. K. & Murphy, S. E. (2024). Developmental perspectives on leadership identity across the lifespan. Oxford Handbook of Leadership, Followership, and Identity.