Jennifer McGee said coming to UCLA as transfer student was challenging at first, but it was joining the Bruin Leaders Project that helped her meet people and improve her speaking skills.
“It definitely offers students an experience to meet other students who are interested in similar things,” said McGee, a fifth-year anthropology and women’s studies student.
The program started about 10 years ago when Assistant Vice Chancellor Robert Naples came to UCLA and was surprised to find the university had no leadership program that was open to all students, Bruin Leaders Project Assistant Director Michael Cohn said.
Since then, the program has expanded to include hundreds of students and offers seminars, such as courses in public speaking, conflict management and self-realization throughout the year.
True to its conception, any undergraduate or graduate student can participate in the program and is eligible to receive credit for having completed the course and receiving a certificate of leadership.
To do this, students must complete a minimum of six seminars and participate in meaningful community service.
Third-year history student Yvone Siu said the hardest part of her work with the program is having to choose which of the frequent seminars to attend and which she must miss.
The six required seminars must include one about the social change model of leadership, a diversity seminar, a capstone course and three electives.
The philosophy behind the seminars ““ that leadership is a frame of mind ““ means anyone can be a leader, Cohn said.
This philosophy, which those involved in the program refer to as the social change model of leadership, emphasizes that absolutely anyone can become a leader, a tenet that the program stresses in its seminars.
The seminars are taught by faculty and other community members, which McGee said gives the faculty a new venue to interact with students.
“I think it’s interesting because it allows (the faculty) a different outlet to present to students,” said McGee.
McGee said the wide variety of seminars offered helps students focus on the skills they need to improve and the kinds of skills that come easily to them. As a result, students begin to understand the various components involved in being a strong leader.
“One of the amazing things about it is that at UCLA we know future leaders are being groomed here, right now, as we speak,” she said.
In addition to honing their leadership skills, students are required to participate in community service projects.
“The mission statement of the UC is public leadership … and this offers students an opportunity if they’ve never been involved in community service,” said McGee.
When these student leaders participate in community service such as health work or literacy projects it can teach them generosity that will carry on throughout their lives, said McGee.
“You’re more likely to continue participating in community service after college,” she said.
Drew B. Aresca, a fourth-year political science student, said he originally became involved in the program because a friend from his floor joined.
Once there, Aresca said he learned valuable lessons that will apply to his future career.
“I’ve learned a lot about being organized … as well as thinking outside the box,” he said.