The Laurentian Leadership Centre Starter Kit

Last fall, I spent a semester at the Laurentian Leadership Centre (LLC) in Ottawa, Ontario. This program is currently offered each semester and consists of three seminar-based courses, a field placement and housing in a historic mansion. Students earn 15 semester hours and graduate with a certificate in Leadership and Applied Public Affairs. I thoroughly enjoyed my semester at the LLC and would like to offer an evaluation of the program, along with a few recommendations for incoming students.  

First, Dr. Jon Waind teaches a course on ethics and public affairs. This class is offered exclusively at the LLC, and I enjoyed it because it teaches Christians how to engage thoughtfully with politics. 

Second, the field placement is an excellent opportunity for students to explore an area of interest and develop confidence in their professional skills. For example, I interned with a lawyer who specializes in civil litigation and criminal defence. She entrusted me with multiple files, allowing me to move beyond a theoretical understanding and actively engage with the practice of law. 

Third, the program encourages students to become more independent. I learned how to navigate a new city, budget my money, grocery shop and prepare all my own meals. I recommend the fall semester, as students can enjoy the last bit of summer, a beautiful fall and a bit of snow before returning home. 

I also encountered a few challenges at the LLC. At the beginning of the semester, I felt hesitant to disagree with my peers during class discussions. However, as the term progressed, I learned how to better express my opinions. I recommend that incoming students have the confidence to engage in conversations, even if it requires them to disagree with others. It may feel uncomfortable at the beginning, but these disagreements are part of discussions. I also felt a bit discouraged at the beginning of my field placement. However, mistakes are inevitable and what is most important is how you respond to them. My advice is to be patient, diligent with your tasks and resilient when receiving feedback. 

Finally, I missed my family and friends. I felt homesick partway through the semester, but there are plenty of ways to combat this. I recommend getting to know Ottawa. I loved walking along the canal, exploring local communities and trying new coffee shops—my go-to spots were Ottawa Bike Cafe and Wild Oat Bakery. A friend I made last semester emphasized the importance of finding a local church. This community can be especially helpful when students feel overwhelmed or discouraged. If anyone would like to learn more about the program, I would be happy to meet for a coffee and chat!