The LEAP Program

So what is LEAP?  Young people from all around the world are able to come to the University of California, Los Angeles for a one week leadership program.  LEAP is a non-profit education foundation that organises the program which is dedicated to helping young adults discover the 'real-life' skills needed to achieve great success.

 

This morning, Hugh, Deepti, Mark, Varsha and Alim spoke briefly of their involvement in the program this year.  Melissa (on the left of the photo) would have spoken about her experiences, but unfortunately she ended up in hospital here in Perth at the time the conference was being held.  She is hoping to really be involved in it next year when it runs again.  Melissa is keen to be involved because she can see how inspired and motivated the others were when they returned.

 

Hugh (between Melissa and Deepti) was a first time participant and is currently studying neuroscience and speaks French.  His friends had been previously and he had heard lots about it.  The best thing he found was the chance to meet new people, and develop the power of positive self-talk.  He indicated that LEAP really starts you on a journey and assists you in developing the skills you need to get you going on that journey.  He thanked the Rotary Club for their sponsorship which allowed him to participate in the program.

 

Deepti, a member of our rotary club, went this year as a coach.  She said that normally you worked with 8 - 9 people, but due to circumstances she ended up working with 4 young people.  She felt that they became a very close knit 'family' and she was really pleased to have been able to be involved.

 

Marc, who is doing his PhD on International Health is into his second year as coach.  He indicated that about 60% of the participants come on a scholarship so accessing financial assistance for them is very important.  Some people found out how privileged they have been because for others the basics of etiquette, manners had been missed at school and/or at home and this was a great opportunity for them to 'fill in the gaps'.

 

At times the people were together as a whole group listening to guest speakers.  These included people such as Dr Bill Dorfman who founded the program; Paula Abdul, past Olympians, NBA basketball players, John O'Leary (at the age of 9 years old he was burnt on 100% of his body.  He lost his fingers, as a result; recovered and is now a well known speaker).  John spoke to them about using passed experiences as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks to success in the future. 

 

Varsha also went as a coach this year and worked with 50 other coaches, including her sister Deepti.  It was great to be with people who were like minded, and open minded.  She loved being a coach and will happily do it again.

 

The message that Alim brought to us was that the people who came to the program were from diverse life backgrounds, not just because some were from other parts of the world, but even within the USA there were some incredibly diverse stories from different states and counties.  He found it was great to go back and re-affirm his approach to being efficient and effective at his job.  Young people came from the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, South Africa and Israel to attend this year's workshops.

 

What an amazing experience each person had.  Thank you for coming and sharing with us.