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CAMPUS BLOOD DRIVES
Gene Hartman/Oklahoma Wesleyan

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Red Cross and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics commenced the 2008-09 ARC/NAIA Youth Leadership Program on Monday, June 9. A student-athlete was selected to write a daily blog for the NAIA and the Red Cross chronicling the two-week program aimed at developing leaders on and off college campuses.

About the Author - This year's nominee, Katie Filiatreau, is a senior from Georgetown College (Ky.) who maintains a 4.0 GPA in exercise science and has served as the President for the Student Athletic Leadership Council (SALC).

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Read Katie's latest blog>> click here

JUNE 20 | KATIE FILIATREAU BLOG
The student-athlete experience...

The last two days spent in D.C. have been very emotional. It has been a time for us to share our experiences and take advantage of the last little bit of time we have together before going home. I would really like to thank all the readers and all those who support the American Red Cross and the NAIA. Writing this blog has been a very unique opportunity for me and I would like to extend a sincere thanks to Lynn Enterline who was responsible for getting me on board with this blogging idea. After two weeks hearing from me I thought it would be appropriate for the other student-athletes to share their experiences with you. It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of this program and I hope that this blog has helped readers understand the significance of the Red Cross and the NAIA. - Katie

Ethan Gentry – Vanguard University – Costa Mesa, California  
Wow, I don’t even know where to begin. This has truly been a once in a lifetime experience. Brian Hamil, Jennifer Lourie, Susie Nelson, Lynn Enterline and Meghann Hess did a great job to make sure everything ran well, and we were always on track. The program has equipped us all with the tools we need to run successful blood drives, and also to really have an impact on our region boards. The group was also amazing! I came in not knowing what to expect from everyone, but left having twelve great friends.

Katie Rice – Rogers State University – Claremore, Oklahoma
There are so many different things that I could share. I could tell you about all of the national monuments and memorials we saw. I could tell you about how much I learned as a participant in the ARC/NAIA Youth Leadership Program. Perhaps I could tell all the fun stories of living in dorms or about all of the great places we ate at, but I think I will tell you just a few things about the other remarkable participants. First there is Meghann, not a participant this year but, a returnee from last year. She has been a remarkable source of information since she went through this program in 2007.  Her kind heart and generous personality has truly made this experience fun. Katie, if I may say so myself, has been a great journalist. Katie and I were roommates; it was nice because it let me get to know her a little better. Katie is an incredible person with a matching personality. She is quite the character, but at the same time her mindset is completely focused. She was really an asset to this program as were all the other student-athletes. Gene, just saying his name makes me smile. There was never a dull moment with Gene, he really helped us all have fun and learn at the same time. Ethan is an intelligent young man that really helped us think outside the box. Every time we had a speaker, we could always count on Ethan to ask insightful questions. He is also quite the gentleman, every time there was a door to be opened he was either opening it or waiting with the other two guys for us girls to go in first. Lisa is just as fun as Gene. I enjoyed getting to know her because her passion to help others and the energy that goes with that passion is just fun to be around. It’s inspiring and the energy spreads easily. Jackie is going to be a great asset to her board.  She is great at coming up with new and fun ideas. She also has the most documentation of our experience (she has a lot of pictures). Cameron is a great guy that will do great things with his life. He always made sure that everyone was included. His passion for his campus and community is evident in everything that he does. Elyse is such a sweetheart.  Her happiness and kindness was a fire that the entire grouped fed off of while we where in D.C. She and Lisa are extremely dedicated. Almost every morning they could be found outside running at the crack of dawn for no less than half an hour. Elyse might have been the youngest one in the group, but she never once let that intimidate her. Amanda is one of those critical thinkers. She’s kind of quiet, but when she had something to say we all knew that it would be intelligent, well thought out, and something we all needed to listen to. She is such an incredible person and she was a great asset to our team. Megan Brown is absolutely hilarious. Between Gene, Lisa and Megan, there was never a dull moment. At dinner, we always wanted them to sit together so they could feed off of each other’s humor. Megan’s passion to help others and her desire to impact those around her is something that can be seen through everything she does. Vashun is just an all around fun person to be around. She loves to have fun, she’s outgoing, and I just really enjoyed getting to know her. Vashun and I were both deferred from giving blood, but Vashun wanted to help out so bad that she went and tried again, with the same results. Cindy, there is only one word to describe her…AMAZING! I’m truly grateful to all of them for making me feel like a part of the family. Leaving was not easy for any of us. I came not knowing anyone and left with lifelong friends. Thanks to each one of them.

Jackie Heine – Saint Xavier University – Chicago, Illinois
This program was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The friendships I’ve made and the memories we shared are something that I will treasure forever. When I first got here I was excited but not quite sure what to expect. In the end I wouldn’t change a minute of it. We came here as 12 individuals looking to make an impact on the world and are leaving as one family who has the ability to do great things. I learned so much and had an amazing time in the process. As much as I hate to leave, I can’t wait to go back and tell everyone about all the adventures we had in Washington D.C!

Cameron Branock- Bethel College – Mishawaka, Indiana
The time I’ve spent in Washington D.C. was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had. The ARC/NAIA program is awesome and I cannot wait to get back on my college campus so that I can educate my fellow students and faculty about everything that I have learned. But this trip was much more than that. Sure, I learned a lot and met many prestigious people, but I also made a lot of great friends. The student-athletes really hit it off right away and I will truly miss each and every one of them. We became a family during the time we spent in D.C. I had a fantastic time and I feel so privileged to have had this opportunity. Thank you to everyone who headed up this program (Brian Hamil, Jennifer Lourie, Lynn Enterline, Susie Nelson and Meghann Hess) as you have all had a tremendous impact on my life and I have become a much better leader and person because of all of you! 

Amanda Wiley- University of Saint Francis – Fort Wayne, Indiana
I have always considered myself to be blessed for many different things I have in my life and have always found reason in the plans God sets forth for me from day to day. I believe my participation in the ARC/NAIA Youth Leadership Program has only added another very special blessing to my life. First accepting the opportunity and beginning to receive more information about the program, I found myself to be a bit nervous and wondering what kind of opportunity was I really getting myself involved with. Just days prior to jumping on the plane headed for Washington D.C. and the ARC National Headquarters, I saw my eleven other ARC/NAIA peers bios and pictures on the NAIA website. I was quite surprised of the size of the group and diversity of each of us as we were all the same in that we were all choosing to dive head first into this new and challenging opportunity. I knew deep down that this opportunity was going to be special and was going to make a tremendous impact on me.

After a 2 1/2 hour plane delay, taking the metro, and walking several blocks on a very steamy Sunday, I found my “home” for the next two weeks.  I was greeted with open arms and smiling faces by my now new found eleven friends. This wonderful greeting set the tone for the rest of the two weeks. We developed this unity that is like most of the teams we were all accustomed to from our various schools; we developed a friendship; we became a family. It was neat to see us interact through our individual personalities and ideas we brought from our own campuses transform into this network that we can always lean on for support and inspiration. Without going into all the details of everything we did, everything we saw, every inspirational speaker we met and learned valuable information from, I simply would like say that this program has made a lasting impression on me not only through building a strategic plan to implement back on my own campus, but also on the heart. This experience will truly last a lifetime as it enabled me to make myself and others in my community to become committed lifesavers through something that flows through each and every one of us, blood. Finally, I would like to give a special thank you to Brian Hamil, Jennifer Lourie, Meghann Hess, Lynn Enterline, Susie Nelson and all of the other people and organizations that make this program possible in its uniqueness and lifelong blessing.

Vashun Wilkins – Martin Methodist College – Pulaski, Tennessee
When I was first asked to be a representative for my school for this program, I was so excited. I prepared myself and couldn’t wait to meet all the new people. When I got here everyone was so timid and quiet. It was so much like the first day of school. There were so many nerves and no one really knew how to act around each other, so we pretty much played it by ear. By day two we were all laughing and goofing off with each other and work became so much more fun. I personally still didn’t feel a connection with anyone quite yet but I soon had a new group of friends who would go to the mat for me…thanks Brian. This program and this group have been so beneficial to me and I’m really glad to have experienced it. I have learned so much from each individual and every speaker that I came across. I was able to build contacts, network, and be a part of something so spectacular and I can only hope that someone will have as much fun as I did. This program impacted my life so much. This was truly a once in a lifetime experience and I really will miss being here. I’ve learned new things, tried new foods, visited new places, and just have an entirely different view of the American Red Cross. I’m appreciative of the NAIA, State Farm and the Red Cross for having me and being a new asset in my life. I hope that I can make you guys proud when I implement my strategic plan on my campus.

Ellen Elyse Gildernew – Montreat College – Montreat, North Carolina
A couple weeks before I actually came to D.C., I was in St Louis. A couple runners on my track team were racing at Nationals and I went with the team for support. My coach asked me if I was nervous. I did not even want to think about coming here. I was afraid, nervous and excited. I did not want to get too attached to anyone here because I knew that we would only be here for two weeks. I did not actually think it was possible to grow that close to one another. After arriving the first day and finding that I was the youngest my nerves began to intensify. However, the following day we were all sitting at a conference table with the awkward silence and no one to break the ice. Eventually, we all began talking, and before I knew it, this group of incredible women and men had become some of my closest friends! I am very thankful and blessed to get to share in this experience with them. Not only did I learn many new things about myself, I learned life lessons and leadership skills. It has been some of the most important two weeks of my life! I would like to thank my coach, the Red Cross, NAIA and State Farm. If it were not for you guys I would not have had this experience and it has changed my life. Thank you to my new friends, you have also changed my life! I have many new inside jokes and cannot wait to tell my family and friends back home about you guys! I will never forget you and I look forward to getting to hear from you and see you again! I will be missing you very much! Thank you Brian, Jennifer, Meghann, Lynn, and Susie for all you guys have done! You are incredible and my life will never be the same!

Megan C. Brown – Columbia College – Columbia, South Carolina
To simply sum up this trip, I can say that this has been an unbelievable journey.  I’ve met prestigious people in high places, eaten different foods and made incredible and long-lasting friendships. Brian Hamil has become such an incredible influence on my life in just these two weeks with his compassion and sincerity to see youth flourish in the world.  Jennifer Lourie, a.k.a. J. Lo, has affected me with her excitable and youthful spirit, and Lynn Enterline has just been an amazing friend. I cried the day before I left because I didn’t want to leave and today I cried because I didn’t want to leave. Ironic, huh?  Not really. Especially when you’ve made such great friendships that you know will last beyond a two week program. I would like to thank everyone for making me feel welcome and loved because this has truly been a home away from home.  I love you guys!

Cindy Trent – Southern Virginia University – Buena Vista, Virginia
I never imagined how life changing this experience would be. We came here to learn how to run a blood drive and get more involvement, but we learned much more. We learned how to be an effective leader and how to adapt ourselves and plans so that we can always be improving the outcome. We learned to organize, utilize, and implement information. We now know the most effective ways to communicate and build a valuable team and/or club. We have also been able to work together as a team and learn from each other in this rare experience. This is just some of what we learned and almost all of it can be applied to the rest of our lives so that we can become better people and make a difference in the world. However, the thing that made the biggest impact on me was the caliber of the leadership we had. I have seen their integrity, compassion for others, and dedication to the purpose of the American Red Cross and all the things that are really important in life.  I am leaving with the desire to become the best I can and with their example and training I know where to start.

Gene Hartman – Oklahoma Wesleyan University – Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Words cannot express how much this experience meant to me and the other student-athletes. From working in the office to laughing in the hallways, the whole trip was unbelievable! Brian Hamil and his staff did an excellent job preparing us for this opportunity. The things we have learned in D.C. are lessons we can not only use for the upcoming blood drives we will be hosting but also for life in general. I feel that the lessons I have learned here can help me impact my campus in a positive way. Again, I’m extremely appreciative of this opportunity and look forward to seeing how we do as a group. I’m positive that this group will prosper, not only with the blood drives but in whatever opportunities/challenges we will face in life. To the people who really made this program go (Brian Hamil and his staff) and especially to the other student-athletes I thank you so much from the bottom of my heart!

Lisa Skrypnik – Houghton College – Houghton, New York
Now that these two weeks have come to a close, you would think I would have a lot to share about this whole experience. To be completely honest, it really is difficult finding words to describe it. I have met so many great people and I can’t think of one night where we weren’t laughing hysterically and having a great time. Meghann, Katie, Ethan, Elyse, Katie, Amanda, Megan, Cameron, Vashun, Jackie, Cindy, and Gene have all really made this experience one of the greatest of my life. Even at the office, when things were more on the serious side, we had so much fun. Not to say that our time spent at Headquarters was boring, it was nowhere near that. We had the chance to meet a lot of amazing people and listen to a lot of great speakers. Brian Hamil became like a father figure to us all. I know I speak for every member of our group when I say he’s someone to really admire and look up to. From taking us out for Indian food, to just talking with us and getting to know us better, he’s always made us feel right at home. His staff – Susie, Jennifer, Lynn, and Meghann – have also helped make this program unforgettable. I enjoyed spending time with them throughout these past two weeks.  The NAIA leaders – Jim Carr, Bruce Brown, Staci Schottman – were also very helpful in teaching us more about what the NAIA is all about, how we can demonstrate the Champions of Character core principles, and the importance of team over self. After finishing the program, I can honestly say the best part has really been the people I got to share it with. Whether it was the 12 others in the dorm going through it with me, or those who were actually providing the ‘training’, they all have made a huge impact on my life and I’m so excited to take that back home with me. I know the friendships I have made will carry on despite all of us going our separate ways. To any student considering going through this program, or coach that’s thinking of nominating a student to participate in the next ARC/NAIA leadership class, I simply say don’t hesitate. I hope after reading all of our entries about the program, you will see that it really is unlike any other. The rewards are countless. To my fellow student-athletes from the past two weeks, to Brian and his staff, and to all of the speakers from the ARC and the NAIA, I say thank you!  You have no idea how much this experience means to me. I look forward to talking to all of you soon!

Posted by the NAIA | 12:25 p.m. (CT)

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JUNE 18 | KATIE FILIATREAU BLOG
The Baltimore Blitz

Wednesday provided an opportunity for us to venture outside the city of Washington, D.C., as we headed out bright and early to Baltimore, Maryland. We were accompanied on a charter bus by 28 Presidential Interns who are all working at the American Red Cross National Headquarters throughout this summer. After about an hour drive, we arrived at the Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Region in Baltimore where we were greeted by CEO of the region, Gary Ouellette. The next few hours consisted of PowerPoint presentations given by employees at the region in Baltimore. The morning included a tour of the facilities that allowed us to gain a better understanding of how much work goes into preparing a unit of blood to be shipped to a hospital. The process is quite complex and follows strict regulations in order to insure that the blood will be safe for the recipient once it reaches its destination. 

After lunch, our group gathered once again into the board room. We had the chance to meet with three board members of the Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Region. It was a great experience for each of us because we were given advice from people very similar to who we will be interacting with once we return to our regions. They willingly shared their stories with us and provided us the chance for feedback about questions we have.

The afternoon continued with several other guest speakers including Wayne Stalvey and Brian Ende. Mr. Stalvey certainly was a vivacious presenter and his presentation was beneficial for all of us because it dealt with material that is very applicable. Because of the interactive sessions facilitated by Mr. Stalvey and Mr. Ende, I feel even more confident about what's out there for all of us and I'm very excited to figure out how I can be unique and make a difference in my community.

We left the office and headed to downtown Baltimore to enjoy dinner at the harbor. We all decided on The Cheesecake Factory. Needless to say, none of us knew the adventures that were in store for us as we were seated at the restaurant. I can definitely say that it was one of the most enjoyable evenings I've had since we've been here in D.C. The weather was beautiful, the food was good, and the company couldn't have been better. I can't wait for all the memories that are going to be made in our last few days here in the city!

Posted by the NAIA | 11:37 a.m. (CT)

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JUNE 16 | KATIE FILIATREAU BLOG
Champions of Character

The second week got started on the right foot as we were fortunate enough to have several speakers from the NAIA present at the office. Staci Schottman has already been with our group for several days, but she was now joined today by Bruce Brown and Jim Carr, both of whom are very influential leaders. Mr. Brown started off by giving a presentation that focused on the importance of having leadership on athletic teams, as well as in everyday life. His message was centered on athletics and the concept of team, because he has found that the success of a leader can be measured by the success of the team they are leading. I have had the privilege of hearing Bruce speak on a previous occasion at Georgetown College, but his message resounds each and every time I hear his presentations. He has the ability to capture the attention of his audience in a manner that truly makes a person want to listen and act on what he has to say.

Mr. Jim Carr spoke briefly to the group about his experiences as President of the NAIA and also allowed us to provide feedback on what it has been like to be a student-athlete at the NAIA level. I was very impressed with Mr. Carr and all the successes he has achieved thus far in his life. Mr. Carr has accomplished so many things in his life due to dedication and hard work. More than anything I feel that after these two weeks I will have a better understanding of the commitment that is required to attain the goals I have set for myself. I would really just like to thank people like Staci, Bruce, and Jim who dedicate their time to continually improve an association such as the NAIA that has and will continue to produce so many opportunities for student-athletes like myself.

The afternoon session was again geared back toward the Red Cross side of the program. We were fortunate enough to have Justin Lam, who currently serves as a Presidential Intern with the Red Cross, speak with us about his experiences with volunteering and as the Secretary of the National Youth Council. Being able to see firsthand the success of an individual from our generation provided encouragement and a glimpse of what opportunities may be still to come. We really appreciate Justin for his commitment and his willingness to set an example for our generation through his leadership. 

The last segment of the day was filled by Joe Pereles, a member of the Red Cross Board of Governors and the Vice President of the General Council for Drury Inns. It was evident after hearing Mr. Pereles' story that he is very committed to his role as both an employee and a volunteer. I was amazed at the level of dedication that he must possess in order to make the time to give back to his community through the Red Cross. Mr. Pereles is an example for all of us, and most importantly he helped us believe that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to.

After the work day was completed, all eligible members of our group headed downstairs to the American Red Cross' Blood Center to donate, many of us for the first time. I am proud to say that I was a first-time donor today and my experience was great. It was a wonderful feeling knowing that what I was doing could be benefiting someone just like me. Although each one of us handled the situation differently, I am very proud of what we accomplished today. Overcoming fear and hesitation to volunteer and donate blood that will save another person's life is what the American Red Cross is all about.

Tuesday the group tours Capitol Hill! Thanks for reading!

Posted by the NAIA | 1:53 p.m. (CT)

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JUNE 14/15 | KATIE FILIATREAU BLOG
Nothing short of amazing...

My first full weekend in Washington, D.C., was nothing short of amazing. Aside from the fact that I was surrounded by great company, the historical significance that we witnessed within the city limits was remarkable.

Our tour began at Union Station and ended with a visit to the Holocaust Memorial Museum. Stops included the Supreme Court Building, National Gallery of Art, the Willard Hotel, and my favorite, the Library of Congress. I had always heard about the beauty of the building but didn't fully appreciate it until I saw it for myself. Inside I was able to see things such as the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, books written by important historians, and artifacts that are significant to the history of our country. The tour ended with a visit to the Holocaust Memorial Museum. Words cannot describe the immensity of pictures and stories that can be seen inside. It was a very eye-opening experience and one that I will remember forever.

We were fortunate enough to be led on the tour by Jennifer Lourie, who is very informed about the uniqueness of each of the places we visited. I am grateful that she chose to share her knowledge with us. As we walked back to the dorm, Brian Hamil suggested dinner at a nice Indian restaurant near Georgetown. I was hesitant at first because I am a very picky eater. It turned out to be a very wonderful evening and I had the opportunity to try several foods for the first time.  

Late into the night on Saturday, our group planned a visit to Arlington Cemetery for Sunday. After arriving at the cemetery, I immediately experienced a whirlwind of emotions. I was truly amazed at the site of the thousands of graves as a feeling of sadness came over me. However, I was also overwhelmed with an enormous feeling of pride. Being able to see the gravesite of former President John F. Kennedy, the mansion of Robert E. Lee and the exchanging of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers truly made me proud to be an American. Today was one of the most humbling experiences of my life.

On a lighter note, this afternoon felt very much like a Sunday back at home in Kentucky. I found myself lying around a dorm room with friends, listening to music and enjoying the day off. However, it was a very special occasion. Cameron Branock, a fellow student-athlete from Bethel College in Indiana, celebrated his 21^st birthday with all of us today. So this is me saying "Happy Birthday, Cameron" and I hope that today was memorable for you.

As the weekend comes to a close I can say that I am grateful for the memories that I made this weekend with so many incredible people.

Posted by the NAIA | 8:36 p.m. (CT)

JUNE 13 | KATIE FILIATREAU BLOG
Working towards the weekend...

When the alarm sounded on Friday morning, I couldn't believe that my first week in D.C. was nearly complete! The first four days have flown by but I'm looking forward to an eventful weekend with the group. After arriving at the office, we ventured up to the ninth floor to our office area where we spent the entire morning working on our strategic plans. The morning consisted of sending emails and making phone calls in order to make progress on our plans. It's been wonderful having a space where we can all work together and utilize each other to reach our full potential during the program.

After enjoying a nice, relaxing lunch, the group headed down to a different area of the building where we were greeted by Tammy Seibert. Tammy was generous enough to meet with our group and conduct a training session on leadership and career coaching. It was a very fascinating afternoon as we analyzed the business world from the viewpoint of each of four different generations. We also were able to discuss the importance of resumes, references, and experience when searching for a permanent job after graduation. Both my peers and I took away very useful information from the session.

We finished the work day a bit early and later all gathered together to decide on evening plans. After making a few stops on our walk through Georgetown, we ended up back at T.G.I. Friday's for dinner (or as my family would say, supper). By the end of the evening, I was ready to crash as I looked forward to the very exciting tour, guided by Jennifer Lourie, that our group would take part in on Saturday.

Posted by the NAIA | 8:34 p.m. (CT)

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