A session was conducted by Stacey Zimmerman, assistant director of Called to Lead, this past Friday, Sept. 12 to discuss how to live and lead with purpose.

Called to Lead is a leadership development program consisting of more than 400 students. The overall mission of Called to Lead is to empower students, faculty and staff members to clarify vocational calling and discover individual leadership strengths that will allow them to practice visionary servant leadership in support of Elizabethtown College’s motto “Educate for Service.”

In this particular session, Zimmerman asked the group “what are you doing today that will make sure people remember you when you are gone?” She then talked about what the word “legacy” meant. A legacy is defined as something handed down by a predecessor. The group defined legacy as someone or something that has an impact, sets an example, leaves a footprint or is a hero.

Zimmerman asked the group to split up and define legacies of three influential people. Martin Luther King, Jr., was described as an activist, someone who wanted change and equality. Mother Teresa was described as a woman who was compassionate and caring. Steve Jobs was described as innovative, successful and an entrepreneur. “The legacy left behind is very clear. Most who think of these people, think of those words,” Zimmerman said.

Taking out notecards, Zimmerman asked the group to write down what everyone thought their legacy would be. Five minutes passed and the groups shared their words. Caring, compassionate, loving and strong were just a few of the words presented.

Shortly after, Zimmerman announced that each member of the session would be receiving a paper to fill out to help him or her figure out who they are. Each person was asked to pick up sheets of paper corresponding with the year they are graduating. All four sheets had some similar questions and some different ones based off of what year they were. Thematic questions asked were things such as understanding your passion, avoiding procrastination, pursuing worthwhile projects.

Called to Lead can be joined at any time by simply attending an event on the schedule. You make the program your own by choosing what events you will attend and what ongoing opportunities you will participate in. There is no checksheet with a list of items that you must complete. You also receive points for everything you do in Called to Lead; the points signify learning. You receive awards when you reach 300 points (a fleece jacket) and 600 points (a portfolio).  If you want to complete the program, then you must earn 1,000 points and complete the Senior Capstone Assignment during your senior year. You will be recognized at the Annual Awards Ceremony and Commencement.

The next Called to Lead event will be hosted on Thursday, Sept. 18, in Leffler Chapel and Performance Center from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.