Young Leaders Conference

Today is the first day of YLC, a weekend-long conference that brings high school students to UF's campus to learn about themselves and how they can become better leaders.  The students participating in YLC will be spending time on campus, at Lake Wauburg, and in the areas immediately surrounding campus.

I will be speaking to the YLC participants as part of the opening ceremonies tonight.  Here is a transcript of some of the things I will say:

Welcome to the University of Florida.  My name is Christina Bonarrigo and I currently serve as the Student Body President here at UF.  YLC is an exciting weekend where high school students meet other leaders from across the state and hone their leadership skills.  Over the course of this weekend, you will learn a lot about yourself, working in groups, and becoming leaders of groups and organizations.  

Most, if not all, of you have figured out the importance of being involved with organizations and activities in addition to the work you do in the classroom.  I firmly believe that the social experiences you have during school are just as important to your education as the academic work that traditionally defines high school.  Your involvement in sports, clubs, student government, and music groups connect you to the surrounding community and the leadership skills you learn this weekend will enable you to have a greater impact in those organizations.

In case you haven't noticed, the theme of this weekend is "Superheroes."  My favorite superhero is Superwoman.  Although I don't have super human speed and can't fly, the idea of working with others for the greater good has driven my desire to serve in student government.  I hope that over the course of this weekend, you will discover how you can improve the community around you.  I know Melina and her team have worked very hard to give you all the best experience possible and I hope you will find this weekend to be fun and informative.  Enjoy your time in the heart of the Gator Nation and Go Gators!

High Ropes Course to Open at Lake Wauburg

UF and the Department of Recreational Sports announced in October that they plan to add a High Ropes and Elements Challenge Course to the activities that are offered at Lake Wauburg's South Shore.  

Located in Micanopy, several miles south of UF's main campus, Lake Wauburg is a retreat for students and provides facilities for outdoor recreation, team training, and personal improvement.  The North Shore features aquatic activities including sailing, swimming, canoeing, paddle boarding, water skiing, and wake boarding.  The South Shore is primarily used for team training exercises.

I have personally been to a number of team training days at Lake Wauburg and am always impressed with the offerings that are available.  The new High Ropes and Elements Challenge Course will expand the breadth of offerings at the South Shore and will benefit students and faculty, as well as groups that are not affiliated with UF.  You can find more information about RecSports's Outdoor Team Challenge Course HERE!