After the National Student Leadership Conference this summer, the countless reasons to attend a leadership conference became evident to me. Everyone who attended was glad to have gone, and I’m certain it is the case with a number of other conferences across the globe. If you’re contemplating attending one, here are a few reasons to attend a leadership conference before you graduate high school.
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1. Confidence
If you struggle with insecurity, then one of the reasons to attend a leadership conference is to boost your confidence! You’ll be forced out of your comfort zone, but in a safe, welcoming environment. Before you enter the real world, it’s important to build up a considerable amount of confidence. And there’s no better place to do just that than at a leadership conference, where you’ll be making bold moves in front of near strangers every day.
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Plunging into discussions and networking with influential figures can be a powerhouse for personal growth. In such dynamic spaces, you're likely to come across role models and mentors who can provide valuable insights and encouragement. Through various workshops and interactive sessions, you can practice public speaking and decision-making—all key components to solidifying your self-assurance. This heightened confidence will not only serve you well during the conference but will also ripple into every other area of your life, from professional endeavors to personal pursuits.
2. Relationships
I could go on for hours about the deep relationships that rise from leadership conferences. While on the first day, you may look around and see strange faces, when you look around again on the last day, you’ll see a family. You’ll build friendships built on trust, honesty, and mutual interests that will never fully die. Before my conference was over, I had already begun making plans to visit my friends across the country later in the year.
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These connections mesh professional networking with genuine camaraderie, facilitating an exchange of ideas, experiences, and aspirations. It's not just about exchanging business cards; it’s about exchanging life lessons and support. As women, finding this empowering community can be particularly influential, as you share common challenges and triumphs in both personal and professional realms. The bond formed at a leadership conference provides a unique sisterhood that extends far beyond the conference room, empowering each member to reach new heights and, in turn, inspire others.
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3. You’ll Open up
There are things we all wish we could say to someone - hopes, dreams, and secrets. But at home and school, sometimes you feel too vulnerable when revealing these sorts of things. However, at a leadership conference, everyone becomes comfortable with being vulnerable. Because of this, you’ll never be judged or mocked for your feelings, and you’ll finally get a chance to unburden yourself of what’s on your chest.
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Embracing vulnerability in such an environment fosters deep connections and mutual understanding. You'll find others who resonate with your experiences. Sharing boldly in workshops or breakout sessions, you may be surprised how liberating it is to speak your mind among peers who encourage and uplift you. This openness leads to authentic conversations and can spark lasting friendships. It's truly empowering to let your guard down and be met with empathy and support from a community of like-minded individuals seeking personal and professional growth.
4. Self-Discovery
Through the process of opening up, as well as taking time to think deeply about what matters to you, you’ll embark on a journey of self-discovery. You can’t underestimate the importance of self-discovery; there is only one you, one amazing, unique you, who you should get to know sooner rather than later. Once you discover who you are, finding your place in the world after graduation will be a much easier process than if you’re still trying to identify exactly who you are.
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Understanding yourself is akin to unlocking a map to your future endeavors. Diving into your passions, strengths, and values, you'll uncover a clearer path ahead. Leadership conferences often facilitate this exploration through workshops and networking opportunities. They encourage introspection, critical reflection, and the exchange of ideas, fostering a profound sense of self-awareness and purpose. This personal growth is not only empowering but it's also instrumental in shaping your career trajectory and personal life, guiding you to make decisions that are in sync with your innermost aspirations and potential.
5. New Skills
Leadership conferences emphasize growth in all sorts of skills. You will be encouraged to work on both intrapersonal and interpersonal skills so that someday you might be an effective leader. You’ll learn helpful public speaking tips as well as get multiple chances to practice your new skills before you return home!
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At these conferences, you're exposed to workshops that enhance crucial decision-making abilities and strengthen emotional intelligence, enabling you to navigate complex situations with grace. Engage in role-playing sessions that simulate real-life challenges, allowing you to build confidence in your own judgment and leadership style. It's not just about leading others; it's also about self-discovery and mastering the art of self-motivation through various inspiring keynotes and breakout sessions. By the end of the experience, you'll have a toolbox brimming with new approaches ready to be implemented in your personal and professional life.
6. New Ways of Thinking
Sometimes, people get stuck in a rut. You are probably no exception to this phenomenon, and may find yourself hooked on the same types of thoughts that your parents or friends have drilled into your head since birth. While there may be nothing wrong with the way you were raised to think, it’s always beneficial to listen to unique opinions and mold your way of thinking as you get older. After meeting so many new people at a leadership conference, whether they are influential speakers or simply your peers, it will be nearly impossible to remain stuck in that rut!
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Exposing yourself to different perspectives not only broadens your horizons but also fosters creativity and innovation. Leadership conferences offer a treasure trove of fresh ideas and unconventional approaches that can challenge your existing beliefs. You’ll find inspiration in the success stories of others, learn from their failures, and perhaps discover a whole new lens through which to view your career and life goals. Embracing this diversity of thought can lead to personal growth and the courage to adopt changes that could propel you forward in ways you never imagined.
7. Connections
Lastly, a key selling point for leadership conferences should be all of the connections you’ll make. These are the future leaders of the world after all, aren’t they? And you’ll have a chance to get to know them personally! That can only mean great connections down the road.
Aside from being an insane amount of fun, leadership conferences are a great experience for teenagers from all walks of life. If you have been invited to a leadership conference or have the opportunity to apply, don’t ignore it! If you have been to a leadership conference before, what did you love about it?
Comments
laurstar: What NSLC program did you attend? I studied political action and public policy at American U and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life!
Della: I attended a business leadership and was inspired by the pouring out in me in all of these areas. Indeed has enriched my life.
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