There are many programs around the world that help students gain perspectives on different types of careers; one such organization is LFS (Leadership for Five Seasons). This operation includes schools from the Metro area, such as Xavier, Linn-Mar, Metro, City View, Prairie, Kennedy, and the high school. They come together once a month and get to experience different parts of Eastern Iowa. Each day is dedicated to specific aspects such as health care, business, entrepreneurship, and much more. LFS is strictly for juniors, but one can apply by writing an essay about what they’re involved in and why they want to be a part of LFS during their sophomore year. The program helps students decide what they want for their future careers, or it can help them better understand their community by viewing it through a different lens.
Senior and former member of the group, Ada Dietzenbach, said, “Before I did LFS, I thought Cedar Rapids had nothing, but after doing it, I realized how much we actually have.” She mentioned how she wrote about the organization in her college essays and how this program truly helped her and provided many opportunities and experiences, all with many different career options. Since Dietzenbach is graduating this year, she recommended that all sophomores apply for LFS.
Isabella Aguilar-Lingo, junior and current LFS member, mentioned how their most recent day was dedicated to non-profit organizations such as homeless shelters and food banks. “LFS has a very positive environment, and it’s very encouraging,” said Aguilar-Lingo. She decided to participate in LFS because she heard many people talk about how good the program is from seniors who had previously taken part in the group. The program helps students get out there and explore numerous career options if they are still unsure of what they want to do for a future job. But it has also helped students learn more about their community and allows them to see the “behind-the-scenes” of the jobs in Cedar Rapids. LFS prepares one for their future jobs by building relationships. The program does so by having its members make a LinkedIn account so one can connect to anyone one wants to talk to. Dietzenbach mentioned that they have spoken with the mayor of Cedar Rapids and the CEO of Van Meter. These experiences are an incredible way to show one’s devotion to their community. At the end of the program, there is a service project that students can participate in to apply all of the lessons they have learned and see the impact in real time.
The main goal of LFS is to get students out into the community and provide them with chances and opportunities to learn more about local careers. To add, they also supply one with insights about job opportunities that one might have no idea are happening. The program helps future leaders get out there and become more outgoing, encouraging them to meet new people in their community. The organization itself is highly informative and provides its members with opportunities, so if any current sophomores are interested, don’t hesitate to apply!
