The Office of Student Affairs' Student Leadership Program (SLP) conducted a training session for the newly recruited batch of 67 Peer Leaders on Thursday, September 4.

The training provided students with various ideas about building and developing their leadership and interpersonal skills. Peer Leaders learned about major topics and concerns that freshmen encounter and inquire about. The Peer Leaders were encouraged to be patient, flexible and cooperative and to take the first step while approaching new students and their parents.

Twelve Team Leaders also attended the session. Team Leaders, who mostly were Peer Leaders last academic year, shared their experiences and opinions about mentoring and acting as a Peer Leader.

"When I was a freshman, I was lost, confused and a bit scared as well. As a senior student today, two reasons motivated me to become a Peer Leader. First, I wanted to help other new students by welcoming them into a great atmosphere, easing their way through their first semester through ongoing communication when they are in need for help or advice. The second is that I myself would benefit from such an experience, as I would gain more self-confidence and develop my communication skills," said Maria Hakim, a senior student majoring in biology.

"The Peer Leaders Training is an essential part of the Peer Leaders Program. It is during the training that students are prepared to understand their role during orientation of guiding new students. Our aim is that through this program we can enhance students' leadership abilities and instill in them civic leadership responsibilities," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.