Entrepreneurship Students Jump Start Their Futures
What do a rubber chicken, leadership, 60-foot ropes tower, fun noodles, and planning have in common? They were all utilized on Saturday, October 8, as the new Entrepreneurship majors took part in an experiential workshop. Dr. Jim Dupree and the students headed off to Family First Sports Park in Erie, PA for an eventful day of learning through experience and activities. It was time to ditch the books and profit from a fun day full of learning, activities, reflection, and friends!
Students were introduced to four key entrepreneurial skills: opportunity discovery, concept development, leadership and personal assessment, and management. Each principle was introduced in a short lecture followed by various interesting activities. In the end, students left the park motivated, invigorated, and bonded. According to Dr. Dupree, “This unique workshop was meant to “jump start” the students’ entrepreneurship careers here at Grove City College.”
The day began with various exercises to teach communication and teamwork. Students said that these activities were distinctively exciting and incorporated an odd but effective combination of rubber chickens, ropes, and fun noodles. Students were each given a three-foot long colorful fun noodle and placed in a circle. They were told to stand it on end with their hand and move to grab the next one without any noodles falling to the ground. After accomplishing this task, they upped the challenge to skipping one, then two noodles. After many tries, students accomplished each challenge, learning to work together as a unit.
Students were then taken to a table where a plain piece of paper was taped to the surface. A marker lay on top with 15 strings attached in a circle. Each student gripped a string and were told to draw a picture on the white paper. They learned how crucial effective communication is in this exercise. Students laughed as they attempted to draw a cloud in the sky which ended up resembling a mere shapeless blob due to their lack of communication. Finally, after discussing various options and learning how the team worked, the students successfully scripted an original drawing of a complete house with a yard, tree, swing set and various other additions. Check it out on the Entrepreneurship Program’s bulletin board.
Later in the day students moved on to trust-building activities, which ultimately pinnacled outside on a 60-foot ropes tower. The students were given goals to accomplish as a group. Among these goals were 8 students climbing to the top. Every student attempted this great feat, and in the end all fifteen students and Dr. Dupree successfully climbed the 60-foot tower. For some, it took a number of attempts, but this allowed students to learn from their failures and persevere toward the top. Everyone was finally able to stand on the top and enjoy the view of Lake Erie, along with some extremely chilling winds.
The day closed with a time of personal evaluation and reflection. Students were able to assess themselves and journal about what they had learned throughout the day. The day was a great success and will be followed in the spring with a similar experiential workshop for upper classmen Entrepreneurship majors.
What do a rubber chicken, leadership, 60-foot ropes tower, fun noodles, and planning have in common? They were all utilized on Saturday, October 8, as the new Entrepreneurship majors took part in an experiential workshop. Dr. Jim Dupree and the students headed off to Family First Sports Park in Erie, PA for an eventful day of learning through experience and activities. It was time to ditch the books and profit from a fun day full of learning, activities, reflection, and friends!
Students were then taken to a table where a plain piece of paper was taped to the surface. A marker lay on top with 15 strings attached in a circle. Each student gripped a string and were told to draw a picture on the white paper. They learned how crucial effective communication is in this exercise. Students laughed as they attempted to draw a cloud in the sky which ended up resembling a mere shapeless blob due to their lack of communication. Finally, after discussing various options and learning how the team worked, the students successfully scripted an original drawing of a complete house with a yard, tree, swing set and various other additions. Check it out on the Entrepreneurship Program’s bulletin board.
Later in the day students moved on to trust-building activities, which ultimately pinnacled outside on a 60-foot ropes tower. The students were given goals to accomplish as a group. Among these goals were 8 students climbing to the top. Every student attempted this great feat, and in the end all fifteen students and Dr. Dupree successfully climbed the 60-foot tower. For some, it took a number of attempts, but this allowed students to learn from their failures and persevere toward the top. Everyone was finally able to stand on the top and enjoy the view of Lake Erie, along with some extremely chilling winds.