2007 College Leaders Program: Days 8 and 9

    Saturday began a bit earlier than normal.  However, we were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be with the members of the Political Leaders Program Class of 2007.  It was a delight to meet them.  They are quite the lively group.  I was amazed by the camaraderie they had after just meeting for four brief weekends.  We began the morning with an enjoyable presentation on an overview of Virginia’s demographics.  This was of particular interest to me as I am sociology major.  We then got an overview of our public education system from the Superintendent of Public Education in Virginia, Dr. Billy Cannaday.  He was a wealth of educational information for those who were interested in the topic.  He was one of my favorite speakers we have had thus far. 
    After several hours of fine guest speakers, we were in need of a break, preferably involving some eating.  We sat down to a lovely lunch with linen napkins.  The dining hall at the Darden School of Business looked nothing like any dining hall I’d ever eaten at.  It looked like a country club!  While we enjoyed the fine cuisine, we enjoyed a speech by Sorensen’s own, Mr. Coy Barefoot.  Barefoot called each and every one of us out to lead, not be led.  It is our duty to stand up to bear our full responsibilities as citizens by doing everything we can to help in our society.  He articulated his message using the words and brilliance of Thomas Jefferson. 
    One of the toughest things for any public servant to do is speak in public.  Once again, this lecture was intriguing for me because I am minoring in communications and have taking a couple of public speaking classes.  Judith Reagan, an expert in the world of public speaking, had us perform many odd, but effective, exercises to practice positive public speaking skills.  We were all ready for naps by the end of the short day because of a rigorous week, so we bolted into our beds to sleep until dinner. 
    Sunday began much better off than Saturday.  Why?  Because classes didn’t begin until 1pm!  I woke up at ten, but didn’t see the first signs of life from anyone until lunch came at noon.  We arrived in class in our favorite casual attire.  Connie Jorgensen, a former Legislative Assistant in the Virginia General Assembly, spoke on the processes involved in passing legislation.  She was one of my favorites and was quite the spiffy dresser. 
    We then watched an interesting film entitled, “The Perfect Candidate.”  I found it very relevant because it showed the inner workings of a senatorial campaign often not seen by the public.  By the end, however, people had had enough of sitting in one place.  We walked up to Arch’s Frozen Yogurt Shop for a treat.  Dessert before dinner is sometimes necessary, I think.  Dinner was one of my favorite combos, salmon with Shepard’s pie and broccoli. 
    The weekend provided us with some needed time to relax after a grueling week that was busier than I think we had anticipated.  We all enjoyed our first weekend here at UVA.  One down, three to go!

-Ben Wescott, Roanoke College