The GILC Conference 2009

The sums of all the experiences one can encounter at the Georgia International Leadership Conference are infinite. The Conference is held annually in the remote wonder of the Rock Eagle 4-H camp. Designed for International students the conference features cultural simulation games, principals of leadership and how to develop your leadership style. The conference is truly a worthwhile event that is beneficial to each and everyone’s college education.

After two and a half hours of driving we arrived in Milledgeville, GA. Quick lunch then it was on to the service project where we helped clear out a research facility. Our group consisted of non-other than Yasmine Kandissounon, Brook Cosby, Jodian Jenkins, Vanessa Calderon, Kim-Marie Loupas, Stewart Helton, our faculty advisor Adam Johnson and my sister Patricia Marealle.

Senior Judge for Gwinnett Superior Court Judge James W. Oxendine gave a moving speech on Friday evening. His message was that we as college students were the future leaders of the world. On the second day of this three day vacation we had a group photo and multiple sessions we could attend and participate in. That night traditional Native American song and dance was performed by Rolling Thunder. The rest of the time went by so fast cause all we did was eat and talk and play games. Everything from soccer and volleyball to mafia and taboo. The dance showcases, talent show, fashion show, freestyling, stand-up comedy, bonfires, discos and most of all were all amazing.

Giving my presentation on the Chagga People and Mt. Kilimanjaro was extremely rewarding. I personally have never had the chance to speak to such a diverse audience of people seemingly from every part of the world. Each and everybody had voice and we all had plenty of interaction with new people. Countless encounters with a variety of different cultures and groups of people were frequent during the conference, and all of us were not only able to gain something from this experience but also to contribute to it.
Academically the benefits of attending the GILC conference are great. The spirit of united goals that flares during the conference drives you to explore and retain more knowledge and develop ways to use your strengths. Also skills of critical thinking to solve problems and managing tasks are heavily emphasized in this well rounded academic program that challenges students to take learning beyond the class room.

Personally I was able to challenge myself at the conference to become a better leader. We were all able to meet an assortment of new people and network across campuses to make new friends. All in all I feel that the GILC conference is a program that should defiantly be expanded on and embraced by university students and faculty staff members.