Leadership, Culture, and Connection: A Life-Changing Experience with the Cornell Leadership Program

Experience-centered learning is essential for cultivating a global perspective and developing leadership skills. By stepping outside the classroom and engaging with different cultures and real-world challenges, students gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. The Cornell Leadership Program’s trip to Panama provided a unique opportunity for sophomores to immerse themselves in a new environment, interact with Indigenous communities, and contribute to local sustainability efforts, all while enhancing their leadership abilities and broadening their worldview.

Reflection by Delainey Seibert

To kick-off the new year, the sophomores of the Cornell Leadership Program had the incredible opportunity to spend a week in Panama at the end of winter break. I had the privilege to attend, which I am forever grateful for, because the trip opened my eyes to cultures I had never seen before, and gave me an opportunity to learn more about the world outside of the United States. 

We started the trip at the Panama Canal, where we were only a few feet away from a ship passing through the locks. That same afternoon, we explored the historic city of Casca Viejo as part of a scavenger hunt. I was lucky enough to be on the winning team of the scavenger hunt, and we were awarded genuine straw Panamanian hats for our victory. 

The next day, we visited the Embera Indigenous people in their community off of the Chagres River, shopped in their marketplace of hand-made items, watched them perform traditional dances, and learned more about their way of life. My friend Gabbie generously donated soccer balls and uniforms from her hometown to the Embera children, and it was a joy watching them play soccer with my classmates! 

Then we traveled to the beautiful country-side of Panama, where we hopped in the back of pineapple pick-up trucks and explored a pineapple plantation. We were even able to pick our very own Panamanian pineapples, which I very much enjoyed. Finally, we spent the rest of our trip at the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve Resort, and met with their marketing director to learn more about how unique marketing can be for a tourism company. At the reserve, we took a night safari ride, visited a sloth sanctuary, and took an aerial tram to the reserve’s conservation tower. We also spent a few hours cleaning up trash from the Chagres River, which was absolutely a favorite for me! It was a time well-spent with my friends, and getting to serve the local Panamanian community was truly an impactful experience for me. 

The trip was organized and coordinated by our directors, Dr. Mary Beth Marrs, Stacy Rohr, and Jennifer Schupp, and we all cannot thank them enough for the enriching experience they’ve given us. The Cornell Leadership Program and the Trulaske School of Business have definitely changed me for the better, and I know my time at the University of Missouri would not be the same without them.