LJWC kicks off new class with ROPES Course

Kirk Kinnett is one of eight in the 2012 Leadership Jim Wells County Class. Kinnett admitted his fear of heights prior to the first Session. He has overcome his fears having jumped not once but twice on a zip line during the ROPES Challenge Course in November.
“That was a hoot,” Kinnett said after his first jump from about 25 feet above the ground. “I can’t believe I did it. I have overcome my fear of heights.”
Leadership Jim Wells County began its 17th year with an eight-member class in November.
The eight members of the Class of 2012 are Alessandra Dominguez, Andy Barrera, Jennifer McGuire, Mauricio Gonzalez, Russel Gruber, Kirk Kinnett and Valerie Mejia.
Leadership Jim Wells County is a nine-month course that is sponsored by the Alice Chamber of Commerce.
The class’s first session involved the ROPES/Challenge Course with low elements being done in the morning while the high elements done in the afternoon. The low elements present a different challenge with the group figuring out the best and safest way to accomplish their goals.
“This made us think and work together,” Dominguez said. “We did not know each other this morning but we just got it together.”
The team building exercises were designed to teach the group to trust, communicate effectively, working together, developing leadership and responsibility for one another. Scenarios included being blind folded to create a team figure using ropes as well as rearranging themselves on a log without talking.
The highs were more of an individual challenge; building self-confidence, learning to trust, overcoming fears, etc.
The class reconvenes this month to study history and economics. Other sessions include local government that gives the group a prospective of local government and issues about the area. Ethics and communications enhance roles and ideas about the world through ethical situations. The communications session allows the student to get a better understanding of communications and the media. Leadership incorporates aspects of being an effective role model, team player and leader. The state government allows the class to get a better understanding of the state government in Austin. The education session shows off both private and public school districts and their inner works. The criminal justice session wraps up the year a better understanding of the judicial system through incarceration of inmates.
“Leadership Jim Wells County is a program aimed at further educating potential and existing leaders and enhancing visionary leadership skills through in-depth sessions,” LJWC Co-Chairperson Lisa Munoz said.