Leaders for the 21st Century is fortunate to have a number of upper level-level college-age counselors who volunteer their time and talents and who have helped to shape and coordinate the program. Many of whom have been through the Leaders program themselves as middle schoolers and return to the program as volunteers to work with our middle school Leaders.
Counselors guide Leaders through three days of learning experiences in large group and small group settings, providing support, enthusiasm and respect to help our young Leaders step out of their comfort zone by interacting with a variety of new people and situations, including getting a taste of College life, with overnight in a college dorm on the campus of Hope College.
Leading young teams by example is what our student counselors do best. Touching the lives and tapping into their potential as young, developing pre-adults.
While our Leaders will be interacting with Rotarian business executives, trainers, rescue workers, artists, ministers, teachers, and other community leaders, it is the counselors who keep things going, who settle things down while engendering enthusiasm, laughter, and respect.
As a testament to the success of our program, many of our past students have returned to take their place as counselors. Several are currently planning to return this June to help shepherd the Leaders program again and make invaluable connections with this year’s Middle Schoolers from the Holland/Zeeland area (and beyond). These Student Counselors, backed by Rotarians from the area, connect in a way that give middle schoolers a vision and excitement for what the future may hold and what they can become as they grow into high school, vocational school or college, and beyond.
Here’s what a sampling of our counselors say about their life-changing experience with Leaders for the 21st Century…
Leaders for the 21st Century has held a special place in my heart. We learned to work together with others, lead by example, and act with integrity. We learned to go back to our schools and be a friend to everyone, whether that was in class, in the lunchroom, or riding the school bus. We all truly got to go back to our schools and make a difference.
— Kayla Backus
Being part of Leaders for the 21st Century gave me a sense of pride and honor. Leaders helped straighten my life and my perspective at a young age. Now I have returned as a counselor and can give back and help the program. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of Leaders.
— Edwin Lopez
As a middle schooler, Leaders for the 21st Century was an awesome experience for me to learn and practice what it means to be a leader. I returned as a counselor this year and I could see how much each student was interested and invested in becoming the best leader possible.
The program has been a very meaningful opportunity for me.
— Megan DeVisser
The Leaders for the 21st Century program showed me the potential that each person has in order to become a leader, regardless of background. The program helped me step out of my comfort zone and explore leadership possibilities, making me feel safe in new situations. Returning as a counselor last summer was an amazing experience.
— Ruby Van Huis
The Leaders for the 21st Century program helped me come out of my shell and gave me confidence. A large part of that came from the opportunities the program provided me to practice leadership. Coming back to the program was an eye-opening experience for me to realize how far I have come.
— Jacob Torres
