Leadership Education, the newest branch of BYUSA, gathered students to promote Christlike leadership on Tuesday, Sept. 21.
The event, held in the Garden Court of the Wilkinson Student Center, featured activities such as role-playing common conflict scenarios, a group discussion about managing commitments and a marshmallow tower-building activity to symbolize the influence of good leadership, all led by student volunteers.
Gavin Weber, a volunteer team member for Leadership Education, said volunteers all joined in different ways, but the team was united in promoting a focus on Jesus Christ.
Jackson Trotter, the team lead of the event, said it was aimed at helping students form a connection with the Spirit and themselves and to leave wanting to be better leaders.
“We believe that if you’re going to be a good leader, the first place you have to start is by loving others around you,” Trotter said. “That’s the whole theme: lead with love.”
Greg Bennion, director of BYUSA Leadership Education, said he believes that the world needs more people who can lead with compassion and connect with others.
“I’m hoping some students can just get a little better at that and bring more joy into people’s lives by leading with love,” Bennion said.
Brynnley Sincich, a student who attended the event, said she learned how to create a positive working environment.
“I learned it’s always important to have love at the forefront of your mind as you’re going about your day because other people want to feel loved,” Sincich said. “That’s something we’re all seeking.”
Savana Nielsen, another student attendee, said she was taught how to show love and diffuse conflict.
“We can choose to lead by example and make compromises and to focus on communication rather than assuming,” Nielsen said.
Leadership Education will continue to host similar events throughout the semester. Every month, the Leadership Education team will focus on a different Christlike attribute, beginning with this month’s focus on charity.
Olivia Pedersen, a volunteer team member, said the purpose of every event is to draw students closer to their Savior.
“These events are all about Jesus Christ,” Pedersen said. “It’s all about bringing students closer together, helping them create bonds with another, but also bonds with Jesus Christ.”