Expanding Valuable Skills at Leadership Rome
February 3, 2023
Ryan Strickland and Emalee Collins are representing Armuchee High School this year in the Rome Chamber of Commerce Leadership Rome program that helps young leaders develop their skills with real-life opportunities. Eric Collins, Director of Programs for the Rome Chamber of Commerce, said, “I coordinate monthly sessions where program participants can develop leadership skills, visit, tour, and hear about significant locations in Rome and Floyd County.” Leadership Rome developed when Floyd County Chambers established the High School Leadership Rome Program. This program creates awareness of issues facing the Floyd County community and discusses how student leaders could help deal with these issues.
Emalee liked it when they took a trip to Harbin Clinic because they got to learn a lot about the different practices and surgeries and take a deep dive into the different branches and elements of Harbin. She said, “It was cool to see how much thought has to go into building a helicopter platform and how all the doors work and what the process of supply arrival looks like. It was overall a really interesting experience.” Leadership Rome has given them a chance to see all the different layers of business and how team building is a valuable asset in running a successful business.
Leadership Rome gives many opportunities to evaluate businesses and gain a better understanding of the necessary leadership qualities it takes to have a business. Eric Collins, Leadership Rome advisor, said, “This program gives you the opportunity to develop and fine-tune leadership skills, and enhance knowledge of the Rome/Floyd community through educational hands-on experiences and exclusive interactions with community decision-makers. Students gain valuable insight into critical issues facing the community and learn how to get involved to make a difference.” Members of Leadership Rome have had multiple opportunities to participate in unique experiences. Strickland recalls his favorite trip where he enjoyed getting to go to Berry and participate in a fun icebreaker activity that helped them to get to know each other.
Another neat aspect of Leadership Rome is the opportunity it gives to meet other people. Strickland said, “It’s a great way to see the leaders in Rome and to look at them as role models.” Leadership Rome has given Collins and Strickland valuable advice that has made an impact on them and their surroundings by implementing the strategies and skills learned. Strickland said, “One piece of advice I have received is to surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. Surround yourself with people who have strengths where you have weaknesses.” Collins said she was able to learn about society’s competitive nature through Leadership Rome. She said, “ I realized not everything is a competition and you can gain experience without trying to outdo other people. It is more about the ability to work collaboratively to become better leaders and inspire others. ”
There are multiple ways to find out about Leadership Rome and get involved. Strickland said, “My student advisor put an announcement in Google Classroom and I was interested in the opportunity because it sounded like a great way to grow as a young leader.” Emalee Collins had a different experience when learning about Leadership Rome. She said, “I had a lot of friends who had been through the program, so I wanted to give it a try.” For those wanting to get more involved, Leadership Rome is a great start and you can learn more by talking to your student advisor.
