The Judy Genshaft Honors College strives to empower the next generation of leaders. Through immersive programs like the college鈥檚 Wilcox Scholars Program, student-led organizations such as the Honors Student Council, professional development events, and internships with community partners, students have access to experiences that help them develop the soft skills they need to succeed.
Now, those soft skills are being taught and explored in the classroom as well. Through innovative Honors courses like Life, Love, and Leadership, students are preparing to lead by building emotional intelligence and learning the importance of communication in any group, organization, or role.
Taught by licensed mental health counselor and founder of Gulf Grove Therapy Melanie Ryerson, the course allows students to meet and ask questions of community leaders who share their insights on what it means to be an effective leader.
Living Like a Leader
Life, Love, and Leadership students have spoken with prominent local figures, including leaders in education, engineering, medicine, and public service, such as Fentrice Driskell, Minority Leader in the 爱豆传媒 House of Representatives.
According to Ryerson, the variety of guest speakers and conversations gives students the chance to learn about the challenges leaders face and the strategies they use to overcome obstacles.
鈥淏eyond readings and reflections, we bring in guest speakers from a variety of fields to share real-world leadership insights,鈥� said Ryerson. 鈥淚 invited Leader Driskell because she is such a powerful example of leading with strength, integrity, and heart. I wanted students to see what it looks like to lead in the public sphere without compromising your values or humanity.鈥�
Through these discussions, students gain valuable insight and a broader understanding of what it takes to find success.
Ryerson emphasizes that recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions 鈥� as well as recognizing their impact on others 鈥� are essential to developing strong leadership skills.
鈥淚 hope students walk away knowing that emotional intelligence isn鈥檛 optional, it鈥檚 foundational. It鈥檚 what allows them to lead with clarity, navigate challenge with compassion, and create sustainable, meaningful lives,鈥� Ryerson said.
Honors student Isabella Rojas said she appreciates how the course connects emotional awareness to everyday life.
鈥淭his course has taught me so many life skills I will carry with me for the rest of my life 鈥� I truly believe I will be leaving this class much more confident to handle all my professional and personal relationships,鈥� she said.
Student Vanessa Quiroz shared that the class readings left a lasting impact on her sense of awareness.
鈥淚 always joke that it鈥檚 like a group therapy session, but in many ways, it truly is,鈥� Quiroz said. 鈥� has sparked so many honest conversations about boundaries, self-awareness, and personal accountability.鈥�
A Lasting Impact
Ryerson divides her time between her work with clients 鈥� often high-achieving individuals and students 鈥� and teaching courses at the Judy Genshaft Honors College.
When asked what she hopes students take away from the course, Ryerson shared her desire to help them grow.
鈥淚鈥檝e seen students begin to articulate not just what they want to do, but who they want to be,鈥� Ryerson said. 鈥湴勾� have shared that they鈥檙e overcoming fears of failure, making values-aligned choices, setting healthier boundaries, and even starting therapy for the first time.鈥�
Although their time together each semester is relatively brief, Ryerson鈥檚 students challenge their assumptions about leadership and become more in tune with their emotions. She hopes they carry those lessons beyond the classroom and into their communities.