By Jacquelyn Clinton
Normandale Community College Student

While many college students chose to spend the long October break seeing family or hanging out with friends, twelve students from Normandale Community College, in addition to over 360 Minnesota State College Student Association (MSCSA) and Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA) students and advisors, chose to attend MSCSA’s Fall Leadership Summit held over the MEA Weekend.

This conference was many students’ first experience with MSCSA, and all of those who attended came back with a new sense of leadership. The Senators started the weekend off with the General Assembly, a meeting with representatives from all of the 47 member campuses to conduct business. After that there were two days of workshops covering such topics as textbooks, diversity, position-specific breakouts, time management, and team building. There were networking opportunities, a lunch with U.S. Senator Al Franken, and various keynote speakers to round off the weekend.

For Katie Tourand, a sophomore senator, the experience was something she’ll value forever. It gave her amazing training that she’ll continue to use, not only on campus, but throughout her life in general. “I never expected this information to be so useful, or so applicable. I had a great time representing Normandale, but I gained a lot personally as well,” said Katie of the conference.

For Senate President Lyman Hawbaker, the conference was a chance for his senate to grow closer, and a chance for him to gain some leadership skills that he’ll use in running the senate. “I’ve been to a few MSCSA conferences, but I always learn something new when I go. I enjoy getting the chance to network with Senate Presidents across the state and share best practices for running meetings and organizing a senate.”

Even for Kelly Parker, a new Senator at Normandale who was only able to stay for the General Assembly, the experience was thrilling. “I’ve never seen such a large meeting run so efficiently before. I was touched by all of the student leaders who were willing to take what would be a break from school and spend it advocating for Higher Education, even when the issues were heated and debates took forever. I’m honored to be a part of this association, and I feel blessed that so many students are working to ensure that I can continue to afford college.”