Dear Editor:

Being a LAUNCH Leader is much more than something, which looks good on a college application or release. Many duties need to be done as a LAUNCH Leader, and they are not always easy. Going to weekly Monday meetings to learn the lesson that will be taught to the freshmen is a small part of what we do. Along with going to meetings our job as LAUNCH Leaders is to welcome the freshmen into the high school making them comfortable and educated. Some lessons that are taught can be quite sensitive topics about which many people prefer not to talk. The responsibilities that a LAUNCH Leader possesses are great opportunities of which to take advantage.

LAUNCH Leaders not only impact the freshmen and how their first semester of high school goes, but it impacts the LAUNCH Leader as well. From experience as a LAUNCH Leader for three years, I greatly recommend becoming one. An abundant amount of LAUNCH Leaders go through the interview process and either become accepted into the program or denied. Being denied does not mean a candidate does not fit the LAUNCH Leader profile; however, it means that too many great candidates for the positions available exist.

As a LAUNCH Leader, one-on-one conversation skills will be improved greatly. After speaking aloud in freshmen seminar, I personally have improved and my nerves have slowly vanished. This may also open eyes to an entirely new side, previously ignored.

Along with great speaking skills acquired from being a LAUNCH Leader, there are many other opportunities such as community service. Freshmen seminars take part in a community service project of their choice. This is a great opportunity to get involved and make a difference. Every year is new and exciting with great ideas put forth by the freshmen and LAUNCH Leaders.

Lastly, becoming a LAUNCH Leader is extremely helpful when applying to colleges. According to www.quintcareers.com, community service is a hidden rule that most applicants have jumped on. By volunteering for many community service activities students become a “key campus activist.” Colleges are also seeking leaders throughout the assortment of applications. If one or two leadership qualities are found this means more than groups or organizations.

According to LAUNCH adviser Mr.Brian Borchardt, when going through the interview process he searches for qualities of which someone possesses. Qualities such as, positive, unique, outgoing, friendly, and dedicated to Launch is to be considered a good candidate. Also, when talking to Abbey Boushele, senior, she said that she wanted to become a LAUNCH Leader as a supportive individual and role model for the freshmen.  Boushele did not have that experience as a freshman, so she strived to be someone who showed she cared about the students and being a LAUNCH Leader.

Applying for LAUNCH could be a life changing experience. Many great LAUNCH Leader candidates are needed each year, so do not be afraid to interview for the position. Many benefits to becoming a LAUNCH Leader along with it looking good on a college application and getting release exist. Although those benefits are wonderful, they should not be the deciding factor of whether or not to become a LAUNCH Leader. Nothing is more rewarding than being a role model to the freshmen and observing them grow.

Sincerely,

Emily Martis, senior