PBA Students and the World LEADERS Conference


Last week, students had a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet, hear or even just catch a glimpse of some of the most influential leaders around the world.  The World LEADERS Conference took place the morning and afternoon of April 18 and 19 in the DeSantis Family Chapel at Palm Beach Atlantic University.  Through PBA's event coordinator, students were invited to volunteer for the conference.

Early morning volunteer group of PBA students

 
PBA Students Volunteer and Attend

I decided to volunteer April 18 helping out in the front of the chapel by checking attendees’ name badges, as well as working with the backstage production crew.  Throughout the day, I was able to catch a glimpse of many of the speakers. While volunteering, I had a blast with the other volunteers.   Plus, it was great to see that the attendees and staff were grateful for our presence and assistance with the conference. 

 Besides students who were volunteering for the conference, there were several other students who attended the conference with seating.  Through hearing a variety of speakers, PBA students gained a deeper understanding of the meaning of a "leader."  I know that students who attended the conference will apply these skills to their lives at school, as a majority of them are already currently student leaders on campus.

Blair speaks at the World LEADERS Conference

Former Prime Minister of Britain Tony Blair

Luckily, as a student volunteer, I was selected along with one other student to work during the afternoon when Former Prime Minister of Britain Tony Blair gave his speech.  I worked with the production crew, and then attended a reception in the Rotunda of the Warren Library for a photo opportunity with Former Prime Minister Blair.  Although it was a rare experience to introduce myself to him, it was his words of advice during the conference that was a gift beyond compare.

There were three aspects of Former Prime Minister Blair's outlined seven steps for leaders that stuck out to me as goals for improving my own leadership. For example, he encouraged the audience to use problems for motivation, instead of frustration.  He also suggested using a balance of humility and self-belief in leadership. Finally, he asked us to remember to always thank God for the blessings in our life.   

These three small examples of leadership advice have deeply pierced my heart, and will help me with my leadership journey at PBA. Overall, it is encouraging to see how an experienced world leader, such as Former Prime Minister Blair, is willing and able to express leadership advice in a way that is relatable to those who have yet to gain his experience. 

'Last Blast Weekend' Starts Thursday

Thursday, April 19 will be the start of “Last Blast Weekend” at PBA.  Every student is ready to celebrate before final exams with concerts, games, food, sports and fun. 

 

Weekend relaxing at the dorms

Thursday Happenings: You can start shouting for joy at 8 p.m. at the Todd Agnew concert at First Baptist Church. Or, if superstar Christian worship singers aren’t enough, you can go to the Spring Dance Concert featuring the PBA Dance Ensemble 7:30 p.m. at the Crest Theatre in Delray Beach.  Plus, there is another event at the Norton Museum of Art from 7 to 9 p.m. featuring PBA Alum Kristen Alyce to advocate her Garbage Gone Glam cause. I will be there, along with 20 other girls modeling her dress creations.   

Friday Events: If you’re not worn out from Thursday, start your grills up for the annual Burger Cook-Off at 4 p.m. on the Rinker Green.  Of course, the event is always busy with hungry college students.  Then at 5 p.m. you can work off that food by watching the annual Strong Man Competition outside the Green Complex – with ladies competing, too!  To wrap the Friday up (yes, this is still Friday’s activities), hundreds of students will get washed up, dressed and out with their friends by 8 p.m. for the Spring Fling dance at the Box Event Hall. 

With all these amazing activities Friday, I can't make it to any because I will be spending that afternoon in the car with my family.  This is not too unfortunate though as I headed to my older brother’s Flagler College graduation ceremony early Saturday morning celebrating the weekend in St. Augustine, Fla. My older brother and I have been great friends since diapers.  We have a lot in common being only three years apart. Though, I often forget how three years makes a huge difference with wisdom and experience, especially now that he is graduating.



Weekend exploring wonders of West Palm

This will truly be a “Last Blast Weekend” for me because I will be celebrating the “Last Blast Weekend” of my brother’s undergraduate life, even though I have to miss the actual events at PBA. Moreover, this “Last Blast Weekend” talk is a constant reminder that the end of the school year is approaching here at PBA, with finals right around the corner. For me, going to my brother’s graduation is a reminder of why we celebrate these weekends at PBA.  As students here, we work hard in college each year to reach the ultimate “Last Blast Weekend” of our graduation from Palm Beach Atlantic University.

So while I’m celebrating at my brother’s graduation, what are your plans to celebrate “Last Blast Weekend” at PBA?