Four Sterling College students recently participated in the National Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values in Washington, D.C., where they joined peers and professionals to explore leadership, service, and reconciliation. The three-day event, held Nov. 15-17, brought together students from across the nation to discuss topics such as integrity, purpose, and love.

The Sterling College delegation included Paige Schemm, Tarren Bails, Dylan Huggard, and Delilah Trias. Throughout the weekend, the students engaged in activities including keynote addresses from political and business leaders, breakout sessions, small group discussions, and panel presentations.

“This weekend was a transformative experience for our students, providing them with the opportunity to reflect on the lives of historic leaders such as Mother Teresa, William Wilberforce, Jesus of Nazareth, and Martin Luther King Jr. It was incredible to witness the personal growth and meaningful connections they developed during this time,” said Dr. William Anderson, assistant professor of education.

One highlight of the weekend was a visit to the U.S. Capitol, where the students sat on the House floor and listened to an address by Congressman Tracy Mann of Kansas. The forum also fostered discussions on serving the poor and addressing reconciliation, with students placed in diverse cohorts to exchange ideas and perspectives.

“Attending NSLF was daunting at first, but being in a small group allowed me to build deep friendships in just a weekend. The sessions on rest, empathy, and your story were impactful, showing how these elements are essential to leadership. It was a whirlwind of a trip, and we were packed to the brim, but it was such an amazing experience,” said Schemm. 

The National Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values, convened annually since 1991 by members of Congress and other prominent leaders, provides college students from various backgrounds the chance to learn about leadership and community service. Attendees are challenged to consider how they might use their unique talents to serve others and make a difference in their communities. For more information about the forum, visit www.nslforum.org.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.