As a new semester rolls around, you can find the LEAP Ambassadors in class, in their office, at events, or at KSAM, where they are regulars on the “Around Town” program, with our friend Larry Crippen.
Participating were Maggie Denena and Ilexus Williams. It is Maggie’s second time to do this program, so she is a pro. And Ilexus nailed it on her first time in the studio, responding with personality while maintaining her usual professionalism.
We discussed (1) what LEAP is, (2) the activities we engaged in over the summer, (3) the activities we have planned for this fall, and (4) our most memorable experiences.
You can listen to an excerpt here, but a couple of responses are worth noting.
This fall, the students will be participating in events involving several diplomats (Consul General of Hungary; Consul General of Brazil), authors (e.g., Nevada Barr, Gloria Steinem, Bill Bryson), numerous politicians (Ted Cruz, Susan Rice, Sarah Saldana), a couple of trips (Texas Tribune Festival, Wyoming), and much volunteer service.
Also, Mr. Crippen asked the students what their most memorable experiences as LEAP Ambassadors involved. For Ilexus…
…it was interning in Austin, where she experienced a whole different culture, and expanded her professional skills (and network).
For Maggie…
…it was traveling to almost a dozen national parks, where she had the opportunities to see Canyons, mountains, tunnels, wild animals, and other unique geological, environmental, and biological features.