What inspired you to become a GLSLP coach? I wanted to give back to my community and I love working with young adults!
What learning objective or activity utilized at conferences (i.e. DAC, Values Explorer, etc.) do you think is most beneficial to the scholars? The Values Explorer because if they don’t identify their values, they will struggle with identifying their career paths and life purpose.
What is something you may have learned at conferences that has been particularly useful in your day-to-day life? How to mentor others, networking skills, and building relationships in all walk’s of life.
Where do you hope to see the scholars in your coaching group five years from now? 5 years – working in their chosen fields; 10 years – coaching with the GLSLP!
What inspired you to become a GLSLP coach? I knew several other coaches who had been part of the program for several years. They mentioned so many wonderful aspects of the program, including it being an opportunity for students in rural areas to engage in leadership development. I previously had the opportunity to serve as a mentor and supervisor to college students and found the experience to be very rewarding. I wanted to continue to be a part of helping students develop into great leaders.
What learning objective or activity utilized at conferences (i.e. DAC, Values Explorer, etc.) do you think is most beneficial to the scholars? I think the Values Explorer activity during conferences is most beneficial to the scholars because their values are their motivations that will guide them through their lives and careers. Being able to name your values is crucial in developing what you seek in a career, in the people you surround yourself with, in deciding what boards to serve, and other important moments of your lives.
What is something you may have learned at conferences that has been particularly useful in your day-to-day life? Something I have learned at the conferences that has been particularly useful in my day-to-day life is the importance of communication. When initially meeting first-year scholars at the January conference, it is important to communicate my expectations of them as scholars and their expectations of me as a coach. This is important in day-to-day life as well because I always have opportunities to meet new people who I may integrate into my work. It is important that we communicate our expectations of one another sooner rather than later.
Where do you hope to see the scholars in your coaching group five years from now? Years from now, I hope to see my scholars thriving in their chosen professions or attending their preferred graduate or professional school. I hope to see them living their dreams and all of their hard work in school, internships, and development programs paying off in the most positive returns. I hope we are still in touch with each other, providing updates on life and assisting with developing our goals into reality.
What inspired you to become a GLSLP coach? I became a coach because I did not have the support I needed when I was headed off to college. I waited until I was in my late 20’s to start college just because I was not sure what I wanted to study. Once I was around people who supported and encouraged me everything seemed to fall into place. I became a coach because I wanted to make sure that I could help others in the way that helped me most! Support and encouragement can go a long ways and I want to offer my scholars all that they deserve.
What learning objective or activity utilized at conferences (i.e. DAC, Values Explorer, etc.) do you think is most beneficial to the scholars? I think taking the personality test is most beneficial to the scholars. It can often be an eye opener to what works best for them. It is also helpful to share with others the outcome. Often talking about yourself can be hard to do but in the conference setting it makes scholars more eager to open up to discussions.
What is something you may have learned at conferences that has been particularly useful in your day-to-day life? I love learning about how to give and receive feedback. It has made me more aware in all avenues of my life how to address giving feedback. I feel more confident in giving feedback that is useful and not overbearing. It also helped me to take feedback and use it to progress rather than focusing on the negative.
Where do you hope to see the scholars in your coaching group five years from now? I hope to see all my scholars working somewhere that they are passionate about. It is easy to take a job just to get a paycheck but I feel that the leadership program is helping to avoid that. Going out into the workforce while still studying in college helps to gain access into what they really want out of their degree. I want them to be successful and prepared to tackle anything that comes their way.
What inspired you to become a GLSLP coach? I became a GLSLP coach to help college students from rural counties understand the value of their education and the opportunity to help improve rural North Carolina. I want to make sure they thrive in college and become leaders in their communities.
What learning objective or activity utilized at conferences (i.e. DAC, Values Explorer, etc.) do you think is most beneficial to the scholars? I think the Values Explorer activity is the most beneficial at conferences. It requires the scholars to think about what they value in a leader and to make sure they also exhibit those qualities as they progress.
What is something you may have learned at conferences that has been particularly useful in your day-to-day life?Conferences are beneficial to coaches because they also experience the leadership activities. We learn how to communicate effectively with our scholars and ensure they are progressing through the program.
Where do you hope to see the scholars in your coaching group five years from now? Years from now I hope to see my scholars happy. I hope to see them in the jobs they love and fostering healthy relationships in their career and personal lives.
How long have you been a GLSLP coach? This is my first year.
What inspired you to become a GLSLP coach? I wanted to give back to the community. I have heard great things about GLSLP scholars and coaches and wanted to be a part of this wonderful program. These students inspire me.
What learning objective or activity utilized at conferences (i.e. DAC, Values Explorer, etc.) do you think is most beneficial to the scholars? I actually asked my scholars what they thought about the conference and what learnings they had. All four of them said that they really benefited from the MBTI test and subsequent real-life examples of how people think and react. They said it’s been helpful in navigating their own lives as well as being able to relate to their peers.
What is something you may have learned at conferences that has been particularly useful in your day-to-day life? The MBTI results! It was so helpful to turn the different letters into real actions and behaviors. I learn best with real-life examples, and this is something that stuck with me.
Where do you hope to see the scholars in your coaching group five years from now? I hope to see my scholars happy and engaged with their communities. I hope they all achieve their current goals and continue striving for what they want out of their lives
Tracy works as the Director of Operations and Procedures at Wilson Youth United in her hometown of Wilson, NC.
How long have you been a GLSLP coach? 5 years.
What inspired you to become a GLSLP coach? What inspired me to become a GLSLP coach was to be able to make a positive impact on the young adults in the community. Becoming a GLSLP coach has created a platform to support scholars as they navigate through their academic studies and create an awesome portfolio that they will need throughout their career.
What learning objective or activity utilized at conferences (i.e. DAC, Values Explorer, etc.) do you think is most beneficial to the scholars? I think the most beneficial learning objective at the conference is the team building activities. The activities help them to identify their strengths and weaknesses so that they may work on those characteristics to become better. It also teaches them how to be team players and reminds them that sometimes it takes a team to accomplish a common goal.
What is something you may have learned at conferences that has been particularly useful in your day-to-day life? One thing that I have learned at the conference is not to take things at face value. There is a whole world out there experiencing the same issues as my community. Learning about other counties and the passion that the scholars have for their counties is heartfelt. It’s good when you can look for something positive in any situation and it gives you hope.
Where do you hope to see the scholars in your coaching group five years from now? I hope to see my scholars graduating with their Masters or Doctorate and living their best life in their career field.
A native of Raeford, NC, Jamie works as an agricultural agent at NC Cooperative Extension in Troy, NC.
How long have you been a GLSLP coach? 5 years.
What inspired you to become a GLSLP coach? I became a Golden LEAF coach because a friend of mine told me how great this program was. I could not wait to be part of a program that supported young people and urged them to work in their “home counties.”
What learning objective or activity utilized at conferences (i.e. DAC, Values Explorer, etc.) do you think is most beneficial to the scholars? I think the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) tool is probably the most beneficial to the scholars. When you learn your own personality type and learn how to interact with others, you can navigate just about any situation. Scholars continuously tell me how this helped them with their school, work, and home life.
What is something you may have learned at conferences that has been particularly useful in your day-to-day life? I learn more than the scholars do every time I come to a conference. I have really enjoyed learning about the MBTI types, the growth mindset, and more. Being a coach for the GLSLP has made me better at my job. It has made me a better speaker and a better presenter to my community.
Where do you hope to see the scholars in your coaching group five years from now? In five years, I hope that they have graduated from their university/college. I hope they start seeking a job and become employed right away. For those that want to go to grad school, I hope that they get accepted and become the leader that I always knew that they would be.
Originally from Hoke County, NC, Brittany works as an admissions counselor at Bennett College in Greensboro, NC.
How long have you been a GLSLP coach? This is my first year as a coach.
What inspired you to become a GLSLP coach? I was a Golden LEAF scholar and my coach Maril Elliott actually inspired me. She really made a difference in all of our lives.
What learning objective or activity utilized at conferences (i.e. DAC, Values Explorer, etc.) do you think is most beneficial to the scholars? Values Explorer is definitely the most meaningful. It allows them to physically see the things they hold near and dear. It allows them to make decisions about who they are and who they want to be.
What is something you may have learned at conferences that has been particularly useful in your day-to-day life? As I scholar I viewed the DAC model in terms of school only. As an adult in the workforce and dealing with everyday tasks I find that it has helped me shape what it is I want and effectively go get it.
Where do you hope to see the scholars in your coaching group five years from now? I hope to see Gabriel being the best city planner possible while maintaining a good work life balance. Thankfully, he learned at an early age there is more to life than money. I hope to see Emily and Alexia changing the face of healthcare in rural areas and following through with turning their passions into careers. I hope to see Sekret continuing her education because rural NC needs someone who is genuinely passionate about our children and understanding of their upbringing. Ten years from now hopefully they’ll be like my cohort, sharing wedding invitations, job promotions, coaching, family, etc.
Scott works as a supervisory air operations specialist at the Pope Army Airfield in Cumberland County, NC.
How long have you been a GLSLP coach? 6 years.
What inspired you to become a GLSLP coach? I have a diverse background in education, as well as 26 years active duty military and now work in aircrew operations as a civilian employee. I have always made goal setting a priority for myself and others. I enjoy working with young adults and have four grown children of my own. I believe in early leadership training and the impact it has on individuals, organizations, and community.
What learning objective or activity utilized at conferences (i.e. DAC, Values Explorer, etc.) do you think is most beneficial to the scholars? The DAC model that is presented to year one scholars gives the foundation for leadership in ways that are undeniable. Direction establishes the vision, goal-setting and mission to be accomplished. Alignment provides the clear understanding of responsibilities in an organized manner. Commitment gives the sense of mutual trust and collective work. The three elements are interdependent for effective leadership
What is something you may have learned at conferences that has been particularly useful in your day-to-day life? The Situation, Behavior, Impact (SBI) model is very useful in giving feedback in the workplace. I use it frequently.
Where do you hope to see the scholars in your coaching group five years from now? I fully expect to see them reaching their career goals and making a difference in their communities.
Gina works as a guidance counselor at Davidson County Schools.
How long have you been a GLSLP coach? 3 years.
What inspired you to become a GLSLP coach? My life’s purpose is inspiring positive change in youth. When I found out about GLSLP and their impact on youth, it was a no brainer that I wanted to be a part of this program. Being a coach gives me an opportunity to influence lives across rural North Carolina. I also get to see the results of my impact which does not happen often in my current profession.
What learning objective or activity utilized at conferences (i.e. DAC, Values Explorer, etc.) do you think is most beneficial to the scholars? I believe scholars figuring out their top five values [Values Explorer] is most beneficial. They inherently think of themselves first, so figuring out their values helps them begin a conversation of how to align everything they do based on these values.
What is something you may have learned at conferences that has been particularly useful in your day-to-day life? Working with the scholars and learning their behaviors and weaknesses has been particularly useful for me. I work with high school students on a daily basis. Understanding what some of these college students lack (which mostly pertains to social and emotional learning) helps me know what I need to focus on with my high school students to better prepare them for their post-secondary plans.
Where do you hope to see the scholars in your coaching group five years from now? I hope to see all of my scholars graduate from college and pursue the next steps they have created throughout the program. I also hope after four years of interning in their rural communities that they find a way to continue to invest in them after graduating college. I know that some scholars may want to explore areas outside of their current community, but I hope they will always view their current county as “home” and find a way to invest their time, talents, and/or money
