CLASSROOM REFLECTION

Chance Barrett, Kalispell – Class of 2019

Full Circle

As anyone that has participated in Leadership Montana can tell you, the overall impact of the lessons you learn and the people you meet through this program are truly life changing. That is what we heard at our first session in Big Sky and we nodded along out of politeness because none of us could really articulate what we expected. Well we have come full circle and I believe every one of us in the class of 2019 would agree wholeheartedly with that statement now.

On this trip to Eastern Montana we had the great opportunity to visit with leaders of the Assiniboine Sioux Rural Water Supply System that uses over 3,200 miles of pipeline to supply clean and reliable water to the Fort Peck Reservation. We then made way our way to the ever friendly town “in the middle of nowhere,” Glasgow. There we met tremendous people who are not only passionate about the lifestyle they have chosen but also committed to their community. Which has become a consistent theme throughout our travels across our amazing state.

During all of our class sessions we have been learning this concept of Gracious Space and how to apply it to not only ourselves but the people around us so we can engage in meaningful and civil conversations. While in Glasgow we came full circle from learning and practicing this wonderful concept to having to engage it on a very triggering discussion regarding the non-profit organization, American Prairie Reserve. The discussion is multi-faceted and worth the time to research and learn about to say the least. But during these discussions we were able to witness the vulnerability of presenters and fellow classmates that are emotionally vested in this discussion and go from concept to implementation. It was difficult at times to consciously stay engaged and give others that triggered our emotions the gracious space to share their opinions. But our leaders and coaches of Leadership Montana did a great job helping us navigate this charged landscape and employ what we have learned. In the end we were given the time to process our thoughts and emotions to show compassion and restraint to listen and learn.

The class of 2019 has come full circle and I am excited to join my fellow classmates and alumni at our graduation next month in Billings.