Florida State University’s Center for Leadership and Service recently hosted its 21st annual Service Leadership Seminar, or SLS, where students are given the tools to grow as community leaders.
The seminar allows first-year students to come to campus a week early, where peer facilitators guide participants in learning about community engagement and leadership through participation in team-building activities, service projects, workshops and connections with current campus leaders.
Before the start of each academic year, Florida State University’s Center for Leadership and Service hosts the Service Leadership Seminar for first-year students to develop skills that will help them be campus leaders. (Photo: Paige Rentz)
“As a freshman coming into college, SLS was an amazing opportunity to meet like-minded people whom I can do service and learn all about leadership with,” said participant Chloe Fisher.
This year, 30 participants kicked off their SLS experience at FSU Lakefront Park, where they completed a challenge course to start using the teamwork skills they would need for the rest of the week.
Throughout the week, students participated in workshops and presentations that provided them with the tools and resources needed to be community leaders. These included storytelling and community engagement workshops, with presentations by Sustainable Campus and FSU’s Office of National Fellowships.
Students gave back to the community by serving with local organizations, including Second Harvest of the Big Bend, the FSU Food for Thought Pantry, United Way, Goodwill, Salvation Army, Leon County Humane Society and Ghazvini Community Garden and Learning Center.
SLS provides participants with the opportunity to develop lasting friendships and receive meaningful service leader education on how to create positive, sustainable change during their time in Tallahassee and beyond.
“SLS is one of the most enriching service programs I have ever participated in,” said participant Daria Tiubin. “Both getting to know the SLS participants and also the outside community in Tallahassee were some of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and I am so grateful that I joined this program.
For more information, visit thecenter.fsu.edu.
