By Adam Cree

Reporter

The Student Government Association held a leadership conference on campus April 19 highlighted by a motivational speech from Derrick Boles and followed by workshops.

Sonya Christian started the event with a speech emphasizing the values of overcoming fear. Then a game of bingo, with squares that held questions, was played as an “icebreaker.”
Boles, founder of Leadership 1st, took the podium.

 Speaking to a crowd of 100 about a lack of the “currency of trust,” he challenged the audience to be what is lacking and become leaders.
“Leaders,” Boles stressed, “have to be authentic. They must have vision, able to see the outcome before it happens. What is your vision?”

Boles said loyalty is invaluable, as is education, to “make your vision become reality.”
Boles also emphasized the need for accountability, discipline, empowerment, respect, service honesty, perseverance and integrity, adding that they were lacking in our society today.
Boles, as part of his “Stand up America” initiative, rode 1,892 miles from San Diego to New Orleans on an ElliptiGo.

An ElliptiGo is a combination elliptical cycle and regular bicycle. Averaging 50-80 miles a day, the trip took him a total of three months.
“You have a unique opportunity to change the reality you see happening,” said Boles about the trip.

“You are going to influence somebody. The question is how. To get where you want you have to put your head down and just go,” said Boles. “When you have to pedal over, the value of a mountain changes.”

After the speech, a break was called before the students present set off to various workshops being held around campus.
In the Executive Board Room, Tawntannisha Thompson taught “How to Train Your X-Men,” which teaches you how to tap into your “inner superhero,” and get things done.
In the Fireside Room, Danitza Romo and Erin Robinson presented a workshop on “What’s your Personality Color?”

The workshop helps students identify their personality types and enhance their ability to interact with others.
In the Collins Center, Nick Acosta gave a workshop on “the 3 Day Challenge and Better Grades in Less Time,” a discussion on ways to improve focus, learn how to improve memory, and how sleep and diet effect focus and how to be not afraid of failure.
In the Game Room, Derrick Kenner taught “Fear to Firewalker: Tools to Transform Your Life.”

The purpose of that workshop was to empower yourself through your thoughts and experiences to propel you to your goals.
The last workshop, in the Veterans’ Lounge, was “Diversity,” and was taught by Rudy Strong and Marshel Blackmon.

The purpose was to learn how to interact productively and responsibly with people who are different.