Kevin Soto, Ernesto Romero, and Yankarlo Muñoz from Jimmy Carter Early College High School joined other students from across the Rio Grande Valley at the RGV Lead Fall Leadership Conference on October 18, 2024, at South Texas College. The conference aimed to help students develop leadership skills and prepare them to serve as ambassadors for their schools and communities.
The event opened with a welcome session, followed by a presentation from Rob Barrera, a Mathematics Specialist at Region One Education Service Center. Barrera led students through a “National Contribution Project” and a reflection activity. He emphasized the importance of using creativity and critical thinking to solve problems, both in school and in the community.
After a break for networking and lunch, students heard from Ramiro Hernández, a graduate of Harvard University’s School of Education. Hernández shared insights on the labor market and led an activity that encouraged students to connect their educational goals with future career opportunities. His story of growing up in South Texas and later attending Harvard resonated with the students, highlighting the value of persistence and education.
The day wrapped up with a planning session, where students outlined strategies to apply the leadership lessons they had learned throughout the day. A raffle and closing announcements ended the event.
Soto, Romero, and Muñoz left the conference with a renewed sense of purpose, eager to use their new skills to make a positive impact in their school and community.
