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May 04, 2009
Day 1: Setting Expectations, Confronting Perceptions
After gathering early at the Union a total of 82 students from 19 different student groups boarded charter buses set for Boyne City. Our Destination: Camp Michigania.
We arrived at Camp Michigania and short introduction to the staff, we set up our cabins. After this, our first activity was kicked off as every group described their respective society as a zoo animal. We then acted it out and the other groups would guess what we were. After figuring out the animal we then described why we chose the animal. So, fellow EGLs, what animal did we choose to represent us? Yes, that's right... the Beaver. As we acted out building dams the true thought behind the beaver was this.
Why we chose the Beaver:
*Beavers are exceptional at working in teams that work towards a common goal
*Beavers engineer structures to help benefit "beaverkind"
*They are hard workers that are relentless
*Beavers are resourceful
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY...
*Beavers connect things together - as EGL connects the curriculum of engineering, business, culture and leadership
It should be noted that we were amongst other animals (some of which are extinct) such as pterodactyls, velociraptors, flying foxes, and earthworms to name a few. We were even graced by the presence of Simba from the Lion King. This provided us a great background on each of the other groups.
The Leadership Connection staff has themed a way to log our advancement throughout the week. This is going to be represented through a "Facebook" homepage. The homepage displays the mission statement of EGL, the members that are representing EGL here at Camp Michigania, 10 random facts about EGL, and our profile picture of course. (Thanks Dan!) Throughout the week, we will be "updating our status" to signify the progress we are making and the things we are learning. Maybe tomorrow our relationship status will change as well!
After a luscious steak dinner, we regathered for another team building exercise. The activity was centered around confronting perceptions. Each member was sent into a room full of photographs and was to select the following: a photo that represented his/her perception of their student group and a photo that represented his/her perception of what others think about his/her student group. After gathering photos, every member presented his/her photos to his/her organization before breaking up into groups of five students (each from a different group). The idea behind this was to see if other student organizations agreed with our perceptions and to help them understand our point of view.
We were surprised to discover two things:
1) Many students, including other engineers, were unaware of the benefits/requirements of EGL.
2) Numerous student organizations are eager to collaborate with EGL on events in the future. Specifically we talked to groups like SGE (Society of Global Engineers) and MPowered (An entrepreneurship focused group)
Through further discussion we also came away with knowledge of basic incentives programs from societies such as SWE (Society of Women Engineers) and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers).
After a long bus ride and day full of activities we look to take on the low ropes course early in the morning. Until then, we thank you for your interest in reading this and hope you will check back tomorrow!
Pictures are soon to follow!!!!
Cheers,
Claudio, Chelsea, Ben, Nick, and Tom
Tune in tomorrow for Ben Don's ridiculous joke. Also, please leave some feedback. Any other animals in mind?!?
Posted by tgham at May 4, 2009 09:37 PM
Comments
Greetings from Indonesia, EGL LC Team!
Beaver--interesting, I like how you managed to mold it to EGL. Other animals? Eagle came to mind (EaGLe), humbly soaring above the rest with our leadership skills.
But anyways, great works guys. I look forward to hearing Ben's joke and the progress you all will make this week!
Brian
Posted by: brumao at May 5, 2009 01:50 AM
Bob Culver always referred to you guys as "Eagles". I think that originally came from the acronym EGL, but in some ways I think it is a nice fit too.
Collaboration with SGE has happened in the past too, specifically on their country-specific sessions. I think it's a good match!
Working with M-Powered would be excellent. Great connection!
-Stacie
Posted by: sjed at May 5, 2009 10:53 AM
Good work on the first day, team. I have to second Stacie on the "Eagles" - also, should EGL have our own mascot? Beyond IM sports shirts, it could be on other things, too.
Posted by: jnanry at May 7, 2009 12:05 AM
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