Student Leadership Advocates (SLA) is a one of a kind opportunity at The Ohio State University. SLA is set up as a peer leadership cohort program that falls within the Office of Student Life. SLA serves both it’s members as well as the entire population of OSU through their facilitations and workshops. SLA presents on topics from Conflict Resolution to Networking to Ice Breakers. I first learned about SLA through a friend last year. However, the deadline to apply had passed. I waited an entire year and finally the chance to apply came fall semester 2015.
The reason, I was so persistent about trying to join SLA, is because it offers me the opportunity to grow so many soft skills. For example, through learning workshops, I am building my skill of quickly learning and reteaching information. In addition, when I deliver workshops, not only am I learning those skills, I am also learning how to be a better teacher and public speaker. I will become more cognizant of nonverbal queues as I give presentations. I believe these skills will be pivotal to my career down the road. Even while I’m growing and developing, I am also helping my fellow SLAers and my large University grow in tandem. And thats pretty neat to me.
In some stroke of luck, SLA accepted me into their 2015 class. Since being within the program, I have went on a retreat and attended countless trainings! I’m even getting pretty close to being a certified facilitator! Please check back for updates on my development within SLA!