Exeter Students are changing the world!

[Article written by Lisa Harris]

In a packed room at the lovely setting of Reed Hall yesterday, a large group of nearly 80 final year Business students waited in line to present the outcomes of almost 20 “Leading Change in Practice” projects to their tutor and colleagues.

The module is a blend of practical workshops, critical inquiry, personal development and field work. Using participatory leadership techniques students learn from each-other how to overcome challenges. Students have the opportunity to draw upon experiential and critical reflection in exploring how to develop their leadership skills and become a successful change agent.

It was great to see so many enthusiastic and passionate people talking about the impact they had made in addressing a number of “big issues”.  And they did not even have to be there – the projects were formative in nature and there were no module marks to be gained.

Here are a few of the topics covered in the presentations:

• Health issues from puppy farming
• Importance of money management
• Dealing with harassment
• Changing perceptions of social media – either to see it as a force for good or to take a break
• Overcoming fear of public speaking
• Raising awareness of both mental health issues and suicide
• Sustainable coffee and tea consumption
• Creating a mindful university
• Humanising homeless people
• The relationship between exercise and wellbeing
• How the ripple effect can spread happiness
• Exploring the relationship between alcohol and confidence

 

The presentations were interactive and engaging. Presenters were not afraid to fire questions at the audience or otherwise make them feel uncomfortable. There were also a number of informative and humorous role plays. Each project has a Facebook page to showcase its work and develop a community of interest around the topic. The full list of resources relating to the projects can be found here: http://blogs.exeter.ac.uk/mindfulleaders/students/

Module Leader Dr Inma Inmaculada Adarves-Yorno summed up the session: “I couldn’t have imagined a better session!! I felt moved, inspired and so proud to be working with such an excellent group of change agents!” and “as the African proverb says: if you want to go fast go along, if you want to go far, go together and we have definitively gone far together!”

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