Our LeaderBear for this week is Caleb Hearon.  Caleb just returned from the LeaderShape Institute, a 6 day program that challenges participants to lead with integrity while working towards a vision grounded in their deepest values.  Participants explore not only what they want to do, but who they want to be. (To learn more about LeaderShape visit www.leadershape.org.) Here is a little bit about what he learned during his experience:

“LeaderShape was a tremendous experience! I guess one thing I really learned was to stop thinking of leadership as a lofty idea. Leadership isn’t something for CEO’s, VP’s of this, or President’s of that. Leadership is something we choose to do every single day. The way we interact with friends, the choices we make, and the attitude we choose to show up with all contribute to being a leader. The problem today is that we all look at people like MLK, Jr. and JFK and say, “Wow, those people really did something!” But we neglect to think of the thousands of regular people who marched behind them, hung flyers, and made a difference just like them.”

Over the course of this coming academic year, Caleb will put what he learned to use.  He will team up with the 4 other Missouri State students who attend the LeaderShape Insitute (Kelsea Fink, Blake Shepeard, Courtney Pfluke, and Emily Cassimatis) and plan the very first Missouri State sponsored LeaderShape. Caleb seems very excited:

“We tend to get complacent in what we’ve learned and experienced. Truth is – you’re never done growing as a leader. If you think you are, you’re wrong. There’s always more to learn, more to do, and more to give! Those are some of the things I reflected on during my week at LeaderShape. I am so beyond thankful to have had this opportunity to learn, represent MSU, and meet student leaders from across the country! This experience is just one more reason I love Missouri State and the opportunities it offers students.”

On campus Caleb is just going into his sophomore year as an Organizational Communication major. He completed the Commerce Bank Emerging Leaders and Distinction in Public Affairs programs his freshman year. Caleb also one Fraternity Freshman of the Year for FSL last year.  He is also very involved in other areas on campus serving as the philanthropy chair of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, a member of the 2014 Homecoming Committee, Social Media Manager for the Standard, a member of many other organizations, and has had awesome opportunities like interning for Claire McCaskill.

His top strengths are: Activator, Communication, Competition, Futuristic, and WOO.

When asked what about our programs impacted him the most he replied,

“Completing the Emerging Leaders and Distinction in Public Affairs programs has been a wonderful experience. I think what has had the biggest impact on me has been the connections with others. I know the friends I’ve worked with in these programs will be leaders on this campus for years to come. It inspires me to work with such great people – faculty and staff included.”

His advice to younger students:

“Everybody’s experience is unique and different. That in mind, my advice for younger students would simply be to figure out what you want out of Missouri State. Decide what you want to have accomplished in 4 years, then do it.”