The final day of the Leadership Collective 2024 was an emotional and reflective culmination of the students’ three-week journey. The day began with a poignant activity where students read aloud their “Letters to the Future Self,” written at the start of the program. This exercise allowed them to see how far they had come, both in personal growth and in their understanding of leadership, conservation, and cultural exchange. Sharing these letters with each other created a deep sense of connection and mutual respect among the group, setting the tone for the day.
Following this, the students participated in an Appreciation Session, a heartfelt exercise where they anonymously expressed gratitude towards each other. Through prompts like “Tap someone who made you smile during the trip,” students acknowledged the support and camaraderie they experienced throughout the program. This activity not only reinforced the bonds they had formed but also highlighted the importance of empathy and kindness in leadership. The session was followed by a Feedback Discussion, where students provided constructive insights into what could have been improved, demonstrating their growth in critical thinking and openness to feedback.
The day continued with a Poster Discussion, where students creatively shared their top moments, conservation pledges, and out-of-comfort zone experiences. This reflective exercise allowed them to consolidate their learnings and commitments, setting the stage for their future actions. As the sun set, the group gathered for a farewell dinner at Olive, where they danced, laughed, and exchanged heartfelt messages. The evening was a celebration of the friendships and memories created, as well as a bittersweet acknowledgment that their time together was drawing to a close.
The night ended with promises to stay in touch and continue supporting each other’s journeys, as they geared up to leave the next day with a heart full of memories and a mind full of aspirations.
