Sunday, August 3

The days here in San Diego seem to be flying by faster and faster! Today, the real action of ISLC set in as students woke up to a jam packed day of activities. The morning began with a speech given by Chris Atwood, personal development guru and author of The Passion Test. Next, students were able to attend breakout sessions led by Chris Atwood and two other amazing and inspiring gentlemen. One of the talks was offered by Benjamin Ajak, co-author of They Poured Fire on Us from the Sky: The True Story of Three Lost Boys from Sudan. I was blown away by Benjamin’s heart-wrenching story of fleeing Sudan as a young boy and overcoming unimaginable obstacles to reach Ethiopia and eventually come to America. In closing, Benjamin offered words of advice to the group, “We are not here to work for ourselves. We are here to work for those who cannot work for themselves.” The next breakout session speaker, best-selling author Tim Timmons, offered a talk based around “finding out who you are and what matters to you most.”

The afternoon began with the students dividing into their respective groups to prepare banners and chants themed around their group name. These banners and chants will be part of tomorrow’s fierce field game competition, The Aztec Games. Check out tomorrow’s blog for the winners!!

Later in the afternoon, students participated in Operation Smile themed breakout sessions led by Executive Leadership Council (ELC) Members, including Starting and Running an Effective Club, Networking and Communication, and Corporate Philanthropy. Tonight, I got to experience one of the jewels of ISLC, the International Party. Here, students display items from their home countries, allowing others to purchase items and taste foods, in order to expose one another to cultures from around the world. I was totally blown away by all of the energy and excitement of the “I-Party” which also included a silent auction of items from around the world and a DJ-ed dance. My night ended with a game of football in the courtyard near the dorms! Now, it’s time for sleep. Big day tomorrow including the Aztec Games and SEAWORLD!!

- Molly Rubin

Paige Atkison (center) helps team Oxomoco make their banner. Photo by Molly Rubin.

Students from South Africa and their sponsor at the International Party. Photo by Molly Rubin.

Nearly 400 students, sponsors and Operation Smile staff are participating in the 2008 International Student Leadership Conference in San Diego, Calif. Photo by Kip Cothran.