Superpowers Student Leadership Conference 2019

For a second year in a row, Memorial University Student Experience Office organized a leadership development conference, aimed at helping students identify and harness their key strengths and competencies for the achievement of set goals.

The conference is designed in such a way as to allow participants understand and unlock their “superpowers” (unique combination of special abilities and talents that defines us). One of the highlights of the 2019 edition of the Superpowers conference 2019 was the free access to the Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment https://www.gallupstrengthscenter.com a tool for discovering one’s natural strengths and abilities and leverage them for success.  

SUPERPOWERS 2019 which was held at the Bruneau Centre on January 12th was divided into several sections, including an opening keynote speech by the administrative chief of Mi’kmaq Grand Council, Saqamaw Misel Joe. After that, participants were offered concurrent section blocks A to D, focusing on topics pivotal to self development and improvement. “Self-reflection”, “goal setting”, self-efficacy’ and “problem solving” are instrumental elements of a well-rounded and accomplished leader and each of these mini discussions were chaired by different student facilitators including Emily Laite, Emily Webb, Erin Couch, Maddie Hache, Katherine Sue-Ping, Sam Hoddinott, Taylor Ivany and Drake Holt.

“Learning what your key strengths are is a positive thing to do”, said Amy Bateman, a third year student majoring in Linguistics and Psychology and one of the atendees.

She was quite satisfied with the Gallup quiz/assessment, which in her opinion was a very useful tool that helped her get a more accurate understanding of where her core competencies lie. She got a score of five, meaning she is a includer, positive, developer, consistent, and relatable. The explanations that come along with the score are just as valuable and Amy can’t wait for the next superpowers event on February to continue building on and developing her leadership potential.

We also reached out to some members of the organizing committee to get their perspective on the importance of providing a platform to MUN students to assess and bring their leadership skills to a new level. “The conference is about helping the participants find out their superpowers and the supervillian against those superpowers”, Shane regular said.

Ashley Hammond (another member of the committee) pointed out that the highlights of the conference include learning and defining your superhero strengths and how to overcome any challenges that may arise, as well as learning how to apply the identified strengths for reaching your goals and getting the desired results.  

Reporters: Modeline Longjohn and Alanna Harriot