A student-submitted look at Chinese Students Leadership Program (CSLP) training this summer.

June 7, Visit to the City Hall, Health Department, and Fire Department

Christopher Akins from Public Information Department at City of Springfield guided us inside the city hall and introduced several departments. We got the chance to meet the Mayor and City Manager. Mayor McClure explained the city government system, Monday meetings, and council members to us. All the members are volunteers, even the mayor has only $200 for each month. The Mayor and City Manager answered so many questions from us, such as how to recycle the trash, the challenges in future city management, and how to help homeless people. We were impressed by what the city has been doing to help residence live a better life, and we were so inspired by Mayor Ken McClure;s words, “The leader is the person who serving as a servant”.

June 12, Workshop on Public Affairs Mission

Dr. Jim Baker, the Vice President of Research and Economic Development and International Programs at Missouri State spoke to us about Public Affairs Mission. We felt the topic was not far away from us because Dr. Baker used a lot of examples to explain each aspects. Getting more involved in the community and being a global citizen become more doable and approachable. As student leaders, we not only need to have qualified capabilities, but also ethical leadership. As for cultural competence, Dr. Baker said it could also be understood as cultural appreciation. It is unlikely to know everything about other cultures, but at least we need to respect and appreciate other cultures, and always be willing to learn.

July 3, Workshop on Emotional Intelligence & Culture Intelligence – Interpersonal Relationships and Mentoring

Dr. Stephen Haggard from Finance and General Business Department introduced some effective ways to be a good peer mentor. Firstly, a qualified mentor should be responsible as well as ethical, which means to do things in accordance with higher ethical standards, establish trust, responsibility and ethics expectations with mentees, and have a positive attitude to help others. Secondly, be good at communicating and speaking out clearly. Thirdly, treat others respect as if they are better than you as well as be patient. Fourthly, it is crucial to be on time and be dependable as a mentor. Lastly, being a positive person to generate positive influences in team. Dr. Haggard said we need to become a role model as our words and do what we say.

July 5, Safety Training

The Safety Training by Safety and Transportation Department provided gave us a better understanding of how to deal with security problems and protect ourselves safety in different situations. Mr. Andrew Englert and David Hall gave us instructions about campus security including Emergency Notification System, how to conduct an evacuation, and how to deal with medical emergencies. They also explained how they handle shooting incident, suspicious package, or bomb threat. CSLP members also met with local police, and learned about the division of their work tasks. We deeply realized that the importance of safety issues for students on campus and off campus, we must have a high sense of our safety awareness.

July 10, EI – Leadership and Emotional Intelligence

Dr. David Meinert, the Interim Dean of College of Business gave CSLP members a speech on how to maximize the return on academic investment. Dr. Meinert presented three main factors that increase ROI (Return on Investment) maximally, which are high GPA, communication skills, and other soft skills. He pointed that an excellent transcript is one of the most influential criteria for companies to choose employees. However, good communication skills are still important especially when all candidates have a similar level of education. Other soft skills, such as good writing skills, are the key to improve communication and business cooperation in companies. At last, Dr. Meinert encouraged us to expand our comfort zone and get more involved in the different circles of study, or life and work. “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone, it is not as scary as it looks”.