CLASSROOM REFLECTION

Masters Class Reflection

Abby Majerus, Lewistown, Flagship Class of 2021, Masters 2023

The term “life-changing” gets thrown around and overused, it seems, these days. A song or a flavor of ice cream becomes more poignant than necessary, or a few days off on a beach, away from life’s regular demands, are suddenly deemed life-altering. But for me, my experience in the Leadership Montana Master’s program was truly an experience that shifted paradigms permanently – fully embodying the definition of life-changing.

A few years ago, when my Flagship time came to a close, I was craving more – more connection, more conversation, more deep thinking, more time to work on myself, more open-minded individuals willing to lean in, more challenge – in a nutshell, more Leadership Montana. I got all that from the Master’s program and so, so much more.

Similar to the Flagship program, the Master’s program takes you across Big Sky Country, introduces you to incredible individuals, and provides an inside look into both communities and industries. But the Master’s program also strategically and intentionally positions some serious self-work into the sessions.  And that is where the magic is.

The Leadership Challenge curriculum takes introspective work to a deeper level and provides valuable self-knowledge. The instructors, the settings, and the additional content further level up the experience. But it is the people, the classmates, that make the work so significant. I had the honor of sharing this experience with a handful of my flagship class members, building on the strong foundational relationships forged a few years prior. In addition, our class was rounded out with other alumni, recent graduates, and OG leadership participants. However, no matter the history, the support and encouragement we were able to provide for each other in this program both lightened the load of the work and fortified relationships that will last a lifetime.

Whether it is a very packed schedule or numerous demands on your time, it is easy to come up with reasons why it might not be the right time to apply for the Leadership Montana Master’s Program. My challenge to all of those alumni considering it would be lean in and take the leap – I promise it will be challenging but very, very worth it – truly life-changing.