From the Students

HSLI was a wonderful experience for me. I learned so much about leadership and made many friends that I will keep in contact with.     
-2011 participant, Sam Schumacher, Denver, IA

The HSLI was more than I could have ever wished for. I have an entirely new perspective on life and leadership. And I have made friendships and connections that will surely last for years to come.  
-2011 participant, Seth Hardcastle, Centennial, CO

I had a great experience. I am so glad I came and meet these people that will hopefully be my long lasting friends. Thank you for your hard work to make this a great week! I will miss it all.           
-2011 participant, Haley Rudd, Manchester, IA

The HSLI experience was amazing! I’m so glad I came, meeting new people learning, and going to Chicago was so much fun. I’ll really be able to apply what I’ve learned to everyday life.      
-2011 participant, Deidre Franzen, Denver, IA

Messages from the Mentors

Being an HSLI mentor was highly rewarding. I got to expand my knowledge of leadership practices and styles while honing my own. The mentees were great to work with and had such inspiring ideas!  Beyond making friends with the other mentors and mentees, this program helped open my eyes to the needs that surround me and gave me the confidence and tools to do something about them! 
-2010 Mentor, Kate Glenney, ’12 – Muscatine, IA

It is inspiring to work with such talented and dedicated high school students. They are passionate about their communities and have the determination and creativity to make impactful and positive change. In only a week, the college and high school students bonded as a cohesive group. Through that interaction, we all learned more about each other and ourselves as leaders and members of broader communities.
- 2011 Mentor, Hollis Hanson-Pollock, '13 - Des Moines, IA

Becoming a mentor for the High School Leadership Institute program was a great opportunity to give and learn leadership skills with my peers. The program gave me the chance to become a better and positive role model for the high school students as they embarked on creating their service projects. I truly gained a new perspective in leadership and developed and distinguish my own leadership skills throughout the HSLI program. And I also gained new friends, both fellow mentors and high schools students, from the program.  This program is a great opportunity for both college and high school student to partake in.
-2011 Mentor, SiRena Webb, ‘12 – Chicago, IL

"Participating as a Youth Leadership Mentor (YLM) in the High School Leadership Institute (HSLI) has not only prompted the use of my leadership abilities, but allows me to work with youth interested in leading and service. Meeting, mentoring and working alongside high school students from various walks of life in a setting where the goal is to become leaders in service to others is a valuable experience in my own Wartburg education and in claiming my own vocation."
– Mentor, Katie Pedelty, ’08 – Mason City, IA

"Being able to mentor someone as part of the HSLI has helped me to further develop my understanding of the idea of being a servant leader. I now realize that being there for my mentee not only helps him with his project, but also lets me understand that a life of service is more well lived than a life of greediness. Also, being on campus for a week with all the DYL's (high school students) and YLM's (Wartburg students) has allowed me to build friendships that I would have never had before. Having participated in this program will definitely help me down the road."
– Mentor, Craig Kreman, ’09 – Tipton, IA