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Laughter, Learning, and Leadership

By

Elizabeth Horton

On Thursday at 4:00 pm, High school and Dorm Executive Committee’s gathered together in Sydney for the kick-off of the 2019 leadership retreat. The retreat was calculated to be a healthy mix of work and play, encouraging students to think critically and engage each other's ideas. Excitement buzzed through the air, as the student leaders formed their groups and anticipated what challenges the day would hold. Several beach activities were planned for the first day, and students came prepared to get sweaty!

At the beginning of every year, leaders of the high school, who were elected the year prior, take a day off from school to attend a retreat. There they learn what it means to be a leader. This year, the first order of business was to cultivate teamwork through a series of games.  

In total, there were four team building activities set up along the beach. One required students to work together to plug as many holes as possible in a large plastic pipe, while a single member ran back and forth from the ocean pouring water into the pipe with a pitcher! To win, the ExCom had to race against time to float a tennis ball, that was inside the pipe, to the top. Another challenge involved "jumping [into a] large filled with ice and water while searching [for a] tiny metal ring… Trust me, it was freezing cold!" remarked Esther Tse (11) on her chilly experience.

After a long afternoon in the sun, the student’s arrived at The Lost Paradise; a resort tucked away from the busyness of the island. It provided a beautiful escape and an amazing view. One which captivated many students to wake up early, sacrificing precious minutes of sleep, to watch the sunrise! After snapping a few pictures, it was right back to business, and onto session two. 

The majority of the retreat consisted of Mr. Abdulla's sessions, of which there were three. He challenged students to think critically, resolve conflict correctly, and listen to each other’s ideas. Natalie Khor (9) said this about her experience, "[It] really made me realize what the role of the student government was, and it inspired me to do my best and go all in." 

The sessions focused on analyzing James 5:19-20 and directly applying it to the Dalat community. Student leaders have a responsibility to their peers. If a brother or sister should wander from the truth, it is up to them to try and bring them back to the truth. It takes courage, and it takes love, but in the end, it is their responsibility to care for their peers. 

The retreat required great focus and critical thinking, but it wasn't all hard work. There was a lot of laughter and fun mixed in with the crucial content which, therefore, created a healthy balance for everyone!  The 2019 leadership retreat was a success, equipping students with a foundation for a thriving ExCom and class in the year to come.

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