The Global Leadership Connection is a program that uplifts high school juniors from all over Santa Barbara County by offering them an opportunity to win life-changing scholarships and meet and learn from other local leaders. The schools involved in this program are Lompoc, Cabrillo, Dos Pueblos, Dunn, Laguna Blanca, San Marcos, Santa Barbara, Santa Ynez. The first day of the program was Tuesday, March 4th, and it was held on the UCSB campus in Isla Vista. Under the leadership of Carole Harder, participants were encouraged to step out of their shells and talk to as many people as possible. She even said that she wanted each person to have shook hands with everyone else at the conference by the end of the day. The participants listened to presentations, engaged in conversation and team-building activities, and then interviewed for the scholarships. Then, the young leaders split into teams and were tasked with coming up with a cheer that they would have to perform in front of everyone. Everyone went home feeling proud that they had stepped out of their comfort zone in one way or another.
The second and final day of the conference was held on Sunday, March 9th at Westmont College in Montecito, California. Unfortunately, Carole Harder took an unexpected fall and was unable to stay because she was rushed by ambulance to the hospital, but the program continued with her daughter leading the group. The cheers were then performed, and then there was more team-building, and self reflection. After the instruction had ended, they were given an hour to walk around the beautiful campus while the awards ceremony was prepared. Guests were invited to attend, and the large room was filled to the brim with parents and families there to support their scholars. The awards were announced by two of last year’s winners, and the sponsors were present to congratulate the scholars’ whose awards they’d won. Students from Lompoc High School and Cabrillo High School made Lompoc proud by taking home three awards. Overall, most attendees would recommend upcoming juniors to apply for this experience.
The three winners from Lompoc have been contacted and asked to comment on their respective experiences with the Global Leadership Connection, and their responses are recorded below.
“I learned that we have the power to choose, and it helps us shape our own paths, whether it’s in our education, relationships, or everyday lives. Each choice we make helps us grow and overcome the obstacles we face as long as we approach it with a positive mindset!” – Judy Ruiz of Lompoc High, winner of the $100 Ambassador Scholarship
“My time at GLC was very positive. I got to meet people from a bunch of different schools that I would never have met otherwise. It was interesting to hear about their passions and goals. Being around other leaders inspired me to work toward my dreams with confidence and determination. Winning one of the scholarships gave me reassurance that there is always someone who will hear me out and recognize my potential. Also, being a good leader can be rewarding and give you a sense of accomplishment.” – Reyna Dinio of Cabrillo, winner of the $500 Leader of Promise Scholarship
“The Global Leadership Conference was one of the most empowering leadership conferences I have attended because it brought the top students from around the state’s schools and taught them not only how to be a better leader for your school, but how to be a better person, which in turn will bleed into the important roles everyone who attended hold. GLC has taught me how to pass that skill onto others. After GLC I will be attending RYLA in hopes to build more on my leadership skills. All of this to maximize the potential in the world’s most important natural resource, the leaders of tomorrow.” – Zayd Bustamante of Cabrillo, winner of the $500 Leadership in Action Scholarship
