Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholars enjoyed a visit this week from Pam Carnes, president and CEO of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. As part of their leadership development program, Carnes led a conversation with students about discovering their leadership potential and enacting their plans for growth.
Through her inspirational personal stories and the students’ own reflections, Carnes illustrated the abundance of leadership opportunities. Everyone has opportunities to lead – at work, in the classroom, at church, at home, through volunteering, and – importantly – through every-day acts of kindness.
Carnes challenged everyone to reach out to someone who has made an impact on their lives. “We don’t tell people ‘Thank you’ enough for what they have done for us. So many times, people don’t even realize their impact on others. So, find that person, write them a note, and say ‘thank you.'” This is a thoughtful act of kindness – and one that often carries significant meaning. It is a way to remember and recognize that we lead from the shoulders of others.
Carnes also encouraged, “If you are guided by passion, and you strive to be the very best at whatever you may be doing at the time, whether you’re getting paid or volunteering, in the workplace or in your homelife, and if you strive to be the very best person you can be, you will find great success — and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
This motivating event was the first of many for Reinhardt’s Lettie Pate Whitehead scholars. Lydia Laucella, Ph.D., coordinator for the program, excitedly shared fall 2022 plans for the scholarship recipients. “We are launching a learning community for Lettie Pate Whitehead scholars, for which Elizabeth (Chesser ’24) will be our peer leader. There are innumerable mentoring opportunities to connect our current students with our first-year students. We’re also hosting a Women in Leadership panel this fall, with much more on the horizon!”
The Lettie Pate White Scholarship is awarded to Reinhardt students through the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation. The scholarship supports young women in their personal and professional development as leaders.
