What we learn from students can position us to be better citizens and community members ourselves.
Each year, the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation awards nearly $1 million in scholarships to students in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. Awards include renewable funds for all four years of college. Each Selby Scholar has a story and a message. They go on to become educators, scientists, community leaders, artists and others who help people and places thrive.
The dedicated volunteers who serve as Scholarship Selection Committee members read every application, interview semifinalists and make tough decisions based on students’ academic rigor, academic preparedness, commitment, resourcefulness and resilience.
During the in-person interviews, students sit at the head of a boardroom table, answering questions, sharing their aspirations for the future and talking about who they are.
This year, we asked students to reflect on one leadership quality needed today. Their answers spoke to the world we are all observing – one in which people with power can take sides too quickly, fail to listen to the viewpoints of others or lack basic understanding of those impacted most by their decisions.
Read the rest of this Guest Column in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune here.