Learning about leadership

While most students spend their weekends relaxing and catching up on sleep and homework, four students from Fatima Academy in St. Bride's spent a recent weekend setting footprints for today's youth.

Stephen Nash, Kyle Manning, Gabrielle Coffey and Mark Manning were four of many students from across the province attending the Provincial Student Leadership Conference 2009 on Oct. 15-18 at St. Kevin's, Goulds.

Acting as witnesses to many influential and inspiring seminars and presentations on the weekend had an undeniable effect on the students.

'It was about life'

"When people hear leadership conferences and their presentations, they only think about self-esteem tutorials. But it was more than that. It included everything from making the right choices, being positive in life, how to motivate, the acceptance of others and ourselves. Really, it was about life," said student Gabrielle Coffey.

"Leadership is in everyone, and true leaders show how life is only here for a short time and we should have fun and be appreciative," Kyle Manning added.

However, all four students agreed that teacher, Gale Kelly, and principal Barbara Leonard-King were responsible for their participation in the conference. When asked why did they take part in such an event like the conference, Ms. Kelly's reply was simple yet all encompassing. "Because they are our future," she said.

"As cliche as it sounds, it's today's generation that compose our tomorrow, our society, our culture, and our way of thinking. To see all of these students, come together in one place, at the same time and for the same purpose, for our tomorrow, is an incredible thing," Ms. Kelly continued.

Tomorrow is precisely what these students are aiming for. Already, the list of activities these students are involved in is vast and dynamic. They include everything from yearbook committees, student council, basketball (which includes recreational, school, national and international), journalism, students against drinking and driving campaigns, community involvement, founding school bands, and much more.

'Leaders take charge'

"If there is no leader, you cannot get anywhere or accomplish anything. Our school is like a family, and the leaders take charge and make sure everything runs smoothly," said student Kyle Manning.

Ms. Kelly's only regret is that she couldn't take all her students to the conference as there are a limited number of attendees.

Gabrielle Coffey says that she understands the importance of leadership, especially in today's world.

"After taking part in this experience, I now know that leaders aren't made. They just make the decision that they want to do something about not just their life, but other's lives. And that's something that cannot be underestimated."

Today's failing economy, overseas wars, falling school populations and increasing migration out of Newfoundland and Labrador, it seems that more leaders in the world is needed.

As Kyle Manning put it, "leadership shows how an individual can conquer all odds and be a better person."