As I reflect on this year, I am so honored to have met and known all of the wonderful leaders in my capstone class. As many college classes work, you may never have another class with somebody again. We had the unique opportunuty to have an entire year together, and to get to know each other, laugh with each other, and watch and support each other through job searches, opportunities, and so much more. Working together for our conference and having a class presentation with each other was huge!!! The way that we were all able to come together in due time to present our research felt like such an accomplishment. I am so proud of everyone in this capstone, and I cannot wait to see what we all accomplish. I just want to say that we are the future leaders, and I know that we will not let ourselves and others down. The determination, passion and opportunity that each individual in this class has is inspiring and comforting. I hope that each and every one of us goes out into the world remembering what we learned and accomplished. Don't forget about life's cheers and jeers. I hope the best for all of you. 

<3 -Sophie Liles

As this class comes to an end, it is bittersweet to look back at the year-long journey we have all shared. From walking into the classroom the first day, timid and shy, to leaving much more confident in myself and my capabilities, I wish I could stop the clock. Over the year, I learned so much. I have learned about the kind of leader I am, imperfect but continuing to grow. I have strengthened my interview skills and learned the importance of mentorship and networking. I hope to be able to continue to be an empathetic and patient leader and learn to become more even more confident. I will always remember to be a vulnerable leader. Vulnerable leadership fosters innovation, and authenticity, supports growth, and enhances resilience. I want to be all those things. I am so fortunate to have been selected for this Capstone and to have met all my classmates and Dr. Goodier. I wish all the best for y'all and can't wait to see all that y'all accomplish! 

With love, Shelby Scott Upton

As my time as a CofC student ends, there are so many things that I could say that shaped who I am today—one of which being the Leadership Labyrinth Capstone. Breaking out of my shell came as a challenge to me, given I'm not one to raise my hand or talk first in discussions but throughout the year I became more confident in joining the conversation. I loved learning so much from the people around me in this environment, looking at things through the lens of other's strengths they use, and figuring out what kind of leader I strive to be in the future. I cannot thank these people enough for the laughs and great stories, especially Dr. Goodier for believing in all of us from the beginning of the year. I wish everyone the best and hope to stay in touch!!

Sincerely, Kiersten Callahan <3

With a bittersweet heart, we close the chapter on the cherished time spent in Dr. Goodier's Leadership Labyrinth capstone, as our time at The College draws to an end. This is truly a special group of outstanding men and women, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to grow with them, as we navigate how we can make our mark in the world. Throughout the year, we have had the opportunity to learn, inspire, innovate, and support one another through our triumphs and obstacles. I smile thinking about how we spent time discussing the importance of mentors and how they can change our lives…when the whole time these lessons came from our greatest mentor and supporter, Dr. Goodier, and she certainly changed mine for the better. She created the space for us to not only become better students but gain confidence in ourselves which allowed us to become better leaders and individuals. I am not the same student who walked into our classroom the first day – this year has brought many unforeseeable challenges but with the help of the lessons learned in this class, the unwavering commitment and support of my classmates, and the guidance of the most inspiring and caring professor, I am proud to have grown into a more confident and resilient leader, who learned that failure is only an opportunity for growth. It is because of this class that I am a better version of myself. I am so proud of this group of leaders who will undoubtedly break glass ceilings, empower others to rise alongside them, and forge pathways for future generations in every field, as we journey to find what we are meant to be in this world. When I reflect on my time here at the College of Charleston, I will forever be grateful for every one of you and our transformative and inspirational leader, Dr. Goodier. I know that wherever our lives take us, we will forever cheer each other on. The memories made in this class will forever hold a very special place in my heart. 

With love and admiration, 

Samantha Repass 

Leaving the Leadership Labyrinth, I have the most priceless gift: a profound excitement for the journey ahead. Throughout this course, I've come to understand the significance of empathy, compassion, and clear communication in creating a supportive culture- a realization that shapes my vision of leadership. To properly commemorate this year, I’ll end with a full circle moment; a cheer and a jeer. For those who did not experience our lively classroom routine, every day began with sharing a highlight and lowlight of our week. My cheer is that I have gotten the opportunity to be surrounded by thoughtful, driven, empathetic classmates that genuinely lift each other up with support and a professor that encourages us to be our authentic selves. My jeer is that although I am thrilled to accomplish graduating and enthusiastic about beginning a new chapter in my life, I will undoubtedly miss the energy of Charleston and the palpable sense of community that has become so integral to my daily life. Leaving behind the familiar streets gives me a sense of melancholy, but I am comforted by the knowledge that the memories forged here and lessons learned will ensure Charleston always holds a special place in my heart, akin to a second home. 

With love and gratitude, Avery Nye :)

A.A. Milne once said, "how lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." This is exactly how I feel about my journey at the College of Charleston coming to an end. The past four years have been transformative, and being selected to take Dr. Goodier's Leadership Labyrinth Capstone class was hands down the highlight. This class, filled with the most incredible young leaders and the most amazing professor, has changed me forever. I am not the same person I was back in August, and I owe it all to my classmates and Dr. Goodier. I leave this campus stronger, more confident, more grateful and better prepared to take on all challenges a young women faces during her post graduate career. Dr. Goodier created an environment where we were encouraged to be the most authentic and vulnerable versions of ourselves, something very difficult to do in a classroom setting with 24 strong individualistic personalities. However, she did it. We laughed together, cried together, struggled together, grew together and most importantly, we celebrated together. I can not thank Dr. Goodier enough for introducing me to each and every one of these amazing individuals. My classmates in the Leadership Labyrinth Capstone will undoubtedly change the world for the better, and I promise to be cheering them on the whole way. I am beyond grateful to have met all of them, and humbled to say that they are all my friends. Thank you does not come close to covering it. 

With love, grace, and gratitude, 

Tori Zlatanoff 

Looking back on the past two semesters and my time spent in Dr. Goodier's Leadership Labyrinth Capstone, I can undoubtedly say I'm walking out with a newfound confidence, and an over-whelming appreciation for my experience. Put a bunch of leaders in a room together, and you never know what you're going to get; thankfully, I was able to meet the most sincere group of individuals The College of Charleston has to offer (nice picks Dr. Goodier). All jokes aside, this class quickly became a place of comfort, something so refreshing amidst the chaos of senior year. No matter what else was going on in my world, I could always count on a moment of relief from 10:50-12:05 every Tuesday and Thursday. It's rare to create something so special in a classroom setting, so for that I'm forever grateful. This all being said, The Leadership Labyrinth Capstone taught me a great deal of patience and reminded me the importance of remaining positive when life gets a little hard. I learned to smile more, laugh often, and to not take advantage of the little things. As cliche as it all is, we all need those reminders sometimes; and my reminders now come from 24 extraordinary humans. - Jade :)

As our senior and capstone come to an end, I'm lucky to reflect on such a rewarding and amazing year. I catch myself thinking about how supportive we are of one another and how we celebrate each other's victories so well. My senior year at CofC has taught me so much, but my most memorable lessons came from RSS 105. Somewhere in between all of the games and laughter, I learned how to be the best version of myself and made 23 new friends along the way. Aside from the curriculum that obviously prepared me for the real world (in more ways than I knew possible), I also learned how to handle failure and communicate with intention and purpose. It's hard to put into words all of the ways that I have improved and all of the things I have learned. I can truly say I am a better person and leader because of this class and because of Dr. Goodier and our entire class. We are so lucky to have a something that makes it so hard to say goodbye! I'm so excited to see what the next chapter holds for each of us. Roll cougs forever and ever.

Much Love, Lucy

Words do not describe how grateful I am for the opportunity to not only have experienced this capstone, but also have had so many wonderful people by my side. I genuinely feel like the luckiest girl in the world. For the first time in my college career, I feel like I have found a community in the classroom- learning about each other's day to day lives, talking about random experiences, uncovering personality/leadership trait, and becoming our best selves. Every class was an opportunity to not only learn a little bit more about ourselves, but how we can improve for the benefit of others. Before this capstone, I was nervous about preparing for the future on my own- was my LinkedIn enough, how do I network properly, what are signs of the right company to work for...? Leaving this capstone, I feel like I'm armed with all of the necessary knowledge to reach my full potential! And for the days I may have doubts, I know I have a team of thought-machines and supporters that I can rely on and lift me up. This class was a breath of fresh air that has brought me so much genuine joy and provided me with a strong sense of purpose! Above all, I can't thank Dr. Goodier enough for leading by example- showing us care and concern, while still challenging us to be our best selves. I hope to be able to instill as much confidence and create as much of an impact one day!

All the love, Claire

Reflecting on my time in the Leadership Labrynth, I can't help but feel thankful for all the growth and learning that came my way, alongside some truly amazing classmates and our fantastic professor, Dr. Goodier. Throughout this journey, we've not just learned about leadership; we've lived it. Together, we laughed, struggled, and supported each other, creating a bond that goes beyond just a class. It's like we've become a little family, navigating through challenges, and celebrating victories together - the camaraderie we've built has been truly inspiring. One big thing I've realized about myself is how important authenticity is in leadership. I've discovered that being true to myself and leading with empathy and integrity is where my strength lies. Learning to create an environment where everyone feels heard and valued has been a game-changer for me. As I look ahead, I'm excited to continue growing as a leader. I want to be someone who can adapt to any situation, stay resilient in the face of challenges, and always lead with heart. To my classmates and Dr. Goodier, I can't thank you enough for this journey. Your support and guidance have meant the world to me. Here's to the future leaders we're all becoming, and the incredible impact we'll make together.

Steven

Thinking back on my year, this class was the best way to end college. This capstone not only helped me grow as a person and a leader, I also grew relationships I would have never formed otherwise. This group of leaders are special. We have laughed together, been vulnerable together, grown resilient in front of each other, and been the biggest support system through each others ups and downs. Dr. Goodier allowed us to find our strengths and she was our biggest mentor. She believed in each one of us and made all of us feel special and unique which is rare in a college setting. I couldn't be more grateful to end my college experience this way because I truly believe that this class has set me up with success not only in the professional world, but also in my personal life with my passions and mental health. When I look back at my time as a student at the College of Charleston, I will think of this class and how it made me grow into the resilient leader I am today. I hope to continue to grow my relationship building skills and resilience, but I know I have a special group behind me supporting me through every step of the way. Thank you all for an amazing year and this call will always hold a special place in my heart. 

With so much love, 

Sophie Baron

As our time at The College comes to a close, I want us to take a moment to reflect on this beautiful chapter in our lives and be proud of all we have accomplished. From starting college online during unprecedented times to caffeine-fueled all-nighters to all the 11:59 deadlines and to the incredible experience of this capstone, we have come so far! We are all so resilient, and each of us has a bright future ahead of us! 

As we prepare to walk across the Cistern, I hope we all take a moment to recognize how much we've grown, how much we've learned, and how much we've overcome. As we excitedly (& anxiously) move forward into the next chapter of our lives, I hope we take the time to slow down, appreciate the journey, and enjoy all the ups and downs that make life beautiful. 

Congratulations, we did it! On to our next adventure! 

With love, 

Taylor Jade Schneider

As I bid farewell to the College of Charleston, I reflect on this year and the fantastic opportunity to be in the Leadership Labyrinth Capstone with Dr. Goodier. No other professor is as caring, engaging, and inspiring as her. We have learned and accomplished much together as a class and had fun doing it! Throughout this year-long class, I have also learned much about myself. My idea of leadership before was very textbook definition and based on society's thoughts. That could not be more different than what I think of it now. There are many types of leadership, and I want to lead by listening to and truly understanding those around me. The Clifton Strengths report from the beginning of the year allowed me to hone my strengths while working through my weaknesses. I will surely use my ability to adapt and empathetic nature in any leadership role. Thank you to my classmates for being outstanding students and friends, opening my mind to new ideas, and pushing me out of my shell.           

Here is Dr. Suess's famous and fitting quote, “You're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so… get on your way!” 

I wish you all the best in this next chapter and hope to stay in touch!

Sincerely,

Brooke DeLorey <3

As I look back on my time spent in that special classroom with the most amazing group of individuals I can’t help but think about how lucky all of us were. I feel so fortunate to have been able to learn from such a knowledgeable and kind professor who hand-selected such authentic and brilliant students. When I think back to my views on leadership in August I can truly see how much I have learned from this capstone. The knowledge I have grasped about leadership styles, growth, resilience, and teamwork is something that I will tuck safely in my back pocket for the rest of my life. I can already tell every individual in that classroom will have such a fantastic career and hold a strong impact on a team someday, that team has no idea how fortunate they are. If there was one word I could use to describe the impact this capstone has had on my life it would be “confidence.” In August I would barely dare to raise my hand to share my cheer and jeer, yet by April, I can’t recall a single class period that I did not share one of my accomplishments. Dr. Goodier along with all of my bright classmates and peers truly gave me the confidence to believe in myself more to someday be a great leader for others. I have learned the power of authenticity, empathy, and most importantly resilience. 

My favorite quote of all time is “Be the light.” Without a shadow of a doubt, I know we will all be the light as a leader for our teams someday just as Dr. Goodier was for us! 

With all the love & light, 

Ellie Evans ☾

Taylor Swift says it best in her song "Long Live" when she sings "I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you," and that is exactly how I feel ending this amazing last year of college with my Leadership Capstone class. Going into my senior year at the College of Charleston, I had a lot on my mind in terms of who I wanted to be, where I wanted to go, and how I was going to get there. To say that I was a bit stressed out would be an understatement. However, each individual in our class cared for me to the point where those stresses I had on my shoulders faded away after the first month, and the relationships that I have gained are those that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I would say that throughout my life I have always been a very outgoing and confident person, and this class helped me push further to transcend those skills into a leadership setting. I've learned to be resilient, determined, and to foster my positivity into a strength that will propel me towards my goals post-graduation. Each student in our Capstone class not only celebrated my achievements, but they also uplifted me during my weakest moments (such as the time my house was infested with bees). Thanks to our class and the outstanding Dr. Goodier, I learned that vulnerability should not be taken as a weakness in our professional lives but rather a strength that shapes you into a more authentic and connected leader. I am extremely thankful for each of these students and Dr. Goodier for helping carve my career path post-graduation, and I am so excited to see each individual's journey begin upon crossing the stage on May 10th! 

As I learned to say best in my 8 years of taking French, ce n'est pas un au revoir, c'est un à bientôt.

Tyler Whartenby ❤️

It feels so surreal that my academic journey at the College of Charleston is coming to an end. Starting my senior year, I was eager to absorb any and all information in my classes as I knew the year would fly by. Now as graduation approaches, I now have time to reflect on who and what made my time unforgettable. When I look back to my August 2023 self, I knew I had the ability to lead but lacked the confidence to do so. Now, that could not be even farther than the truth and I have my Leadership Capstone community to thank for inspiring me to embrace my authenticity with confidence. 

To Dr. Goodier: Thank you for believing in me, supporting my ideas, and encourgaing me to step out of my comfort zone. You helped shaped me into the confident young leader that I am today and for that, I am forever grateful. It will be strange not spending 3 days a week with each other but I will hold onto our acorn with great pride! I tried not to cry writing this but you have impacted my life so positively that words truly cannot describe how grateful I am to learn from such an inspiring individual. <3

To my Capstone classmates: I will try not to cry writing this, but thank you so much for accepting me as I truly have built such a strong foundation with each and every one of you. I am really thankful for the community we have built and I truly consider y'all my family. If anyone was wondering, I am crying tears of joy because every moment in our classroom was filled with enthusiam, love, and support. I cannot wait to watch y'all succeed in the future and know that I will always be routing for each and every one of you. 

Cheers to the future reunions that I will make everyone go to (You too Dr. Goodier)!!

With eternal love, 

Ali Bergin

To Dr. Goodier,

Dr. Goodier, you are the best and most impactful professor I have ever had. When I chose the Leadership Capstone as my end-of-major yearlong course, I did not know what to expect. I understood that it would involve some writing and some research based on the short course description. However, it turns out that this was the course that prepared me for life after school. I entered the course with really one goal in mind: get an A by all means necessary! That means punishing every assignment put in front of me. I exit the course accomplishing just that, but it pales in comparison to what I have learned about dealing with people, jobs, tough situations, and most importantly myself. Dr. Goodier, you are a beacon of intelligence and wisdom, and you orchestrate the class in a way that really leaves me in awe of your abilities.  

I do not want to spend this post discussing the tangible concepts and skills I have learned from you, Dr. Goodier. I have learned many invaluable skills, such as crushing interviews from both the interviewer and interviewee position. I have also become exposed to several leadership styles, including my personal favorite, servant leadership. Instead, I want to (briefly) highlight who you are as a role model of personal development and excellence.

Before I took this course, I did not truly understand how important feedback and constructive criticism was. I knew that it was important to some degree, as I have been drilled by teachers all of my life about receiving and giving peer feedback. Dr. Goodier, your feedback is not just a basic assessment of what I did wrong or right, it is genuinely tailored to how I can take my work to the next level. I know you know that, but I did not until I was graced with your grading. I will now carry that with me for the rest of my life.

I have never met a professor more devoted to their students than you, Dr. Goodier. I know I did not ask for much, but I can see the impact you have had on fellow classmates, whether it be job struggles or personal crises. That does not go unnoticed. You work incredibly hard to put your students in the best possible positions to succeed, from kids just entering college to soon-to-be graduates to post-graduates. I think it starts with your emphasis on learning about oneself. From that corny Gallup personality test that turned out to be not so corny, you learn about who your students really are, and then you engage them on a level that fits their personality. I do not know any other professors that go to that extent to ensure their students thrive. Bravo. You really embody what every young professor aspires to become one day. 

One day I hope to repay you for all you have done to prepare me for future success. 

Thank you,

Kyle

As my time at the College of Charleston ends, I’ve been reflecting on what the past four years have meant. This past year has been the most transformative year of my life in many ways, and this is largely due to this class. This year I took over the Cougar Activities Board, a struggling organization that fell apart during the pandemic. I wanted to use the board to create a space for all students to connect and to bring together organizations across campus, increasing the sense of community at the college. I also wanted the new activities board team to enjoy their jobs, feel invested, and ultimately want to return for next year. As I started this year, I was so nervous because I did not have any experience in this big of a leadership role. Also, the last leadership role I had went poorly. Dr. Goodier’s class could not have come at a better time. 

Every class I felt like I learned something new that I could immediately apply. I can say with full confidence that I am a much better leader than I was at the beginning of the year. Dr. Goodier’s lessons, guidance, and leadership played a huge role in this but an even bigger part came from the stories and advice of my classmates. Each person in this capstone is unique and the vulnerability that everyone consistently showed was really powerful. As we learned together, I began to understand that the purpose of leadership is to support and encourage each member of your team. You set the course but to get there, you must recognize what makes each individual unique, see their strengths and weaknesses, and assist them in achieving their goals. This class allowed me to achieve my goals with the activities board but more importantly, it made me a better person. I am so grateful for the 23 wonderful friends I made in this class. I love you all so much. 

Dr. Goodier, I can't express how grateful I am. All I have wanted to do my whole life is work that matters. I thought for a long time the only way to do so was through public service. You have shown me that I can do that everyday in whatever role I find myself in. Your work changes lives.

With so much love, 

Gemma Hansen

As my college career comes to an end I couldn't be more grateful that I was able to spend the last year of it in Dr. Goodier's Leadership Labrynth capstone course. I feel this class has prepared me and given me tangible knowledge that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Dr. Goodier went above and beyond to make each and every one of her students feel seen. Before we even entered the class room on the first day, she sent out a form to get to know every single person in the class. She really stood out to me as a professor when she did this. It just shows how much she truly cares. I am so appreciative for her support and for constantly pushing us to do our very best. I think this class helped us all to realize the potential each and every one of us has. With this knowledge, I am so excited to go out into the world and continue to learn and grow as a person. Thank you Dr. Goodier! I will keep this last year and all the memories we made and lessons we learned close to my heart. To my class, I couldn't be more grateful to have spent the last year with you all. Thank you for being so supportive and inspiring. I can't wait to see what life has in store for you all!

With so much love,

Ella Howarth 

As my time at the College of Charleston comes to an end and my journey in the real world begins, I want to reflect one last time on my journey, not only in this class, but as a person. I am thankful for the growth and opportunities that have shaped me into the leader I am today. Entering the school, I was unsure of what path I was passionate enough to pursue or who I was as a leader. Through my experiences and collaboration with my classmates, I have discovered that this past year has been a journey of transformation, both personally and professionally. I've learned the importance of adaptability in the face of challenges and the power of empathy in fostering collaboration. Looking ahead, I aspire to lead with courage, integrity, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. To my classmates and Dr. Goodier, thank you for being part of this incredible journey. I can't wait to see what impact everyone has on the world!