Washington Adventist University Student Leaders Participate in Annual S.A.L.T. Program

TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Washington Adventist University (WAU) student leaders recently attended the annual Spiritual Academy Leadership Training (S.A.L.T.) program, held from September 19 to 22, 2024, at Camp Blue Ridge in Montebello, Virginia. The event, organized by the Columbia Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist, brought together student government and class officers from Seventh-day Adventist academies across the Columbia Union for fellowship and leadership training.

S.A.L.T. serves as a critical opportunity for these academy leaders to enhance their leadership skills and learn how to be effective leaders in their school communities. This year, approximately 195 students from various academies, including Takoma Academy, Spencerville Academy, Highland View Academy, and Pine Forge Academy, attended the event. The training aimed to inspire and equip young leaders while fostering a sense of unity and spiritual growth.

Each year, the Washington Adventist University Student Association (SA) officers are invited to participate in S.A.L.T., offering workshops on effective leadership tailored to the executive officers of the academy student government organizations. This year’s WAU delegation included Junior Aguilar, SA President; Erick Soledispa Medina, SA Executive Vice President; Ethan Wiles, SA Social Vice President; Zachary Lowe, SA Financial Vice President; and Yordin Hernandez, a religion major who represented SA Religious Vice President Ali Bryan, who was unable to attend.

The WAU officers led breakout sessions, each tailored to the responsibilities of their specific roles. For instance, Junior Aguilar, as SA President, met with academy presidents to discuss the qualities of assertiveness, good communication, relationship-building, and active listening that are essential for effective leadership. Ethan Wiles, as Social Vice President, guided academy social officers through the intricacies of planning major events and provided insight into what the role entails at the collegiate level.

Reflecting on the experience, Wiles said, “My experience at S.A.L.T. was very positive. It was enjoyable to interact with the academies and witness the various talents coming together. During my presentation, I received numerous questions, and we had a lively discussion about the dos and don’ts of the role. I hope that when these students reach college, they will take my advice to heart.”

Aguilar echoed the sentiment, expressing how empowering the experience was. “The S.A.L.T. conference was amazing! It was encouraging to see the future leaders of the world and the Seventh-day Adventist church. We spent a lot of time worshiping and learning about Christ-centered leadership. The weekend was incredibly fun and filled with the Holy Spirit,” he said.

The WAU students not only provided leadership training but also shared their personal experiences about life at WAU. They offered academy students the opportunity to learn more about the university and its commitment to spiritual and academic development. The event also allowed WAU to increase its visibility among Seventh-day Adventist academy students and position itself as a primary choice for higher education.

In total, 195 students from across the Columbia Union attended S.A.L.T., with six WAU students leading the training sessions. The weekend concluded with a sense of accomplishment, as both the academy and university students benefited from the experience, forging new relationships and gaining a deeper understanding of leadership.

For those interested in learning more about the S.A.L.T. program or Washington Adventist University’s leadership initiatives, additional information is available through the university’s Student Life Department.

TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Washington Adventist University (WAU) student leaders recently attended the annual Spiritual Academy Leadership Training (S.A.L.T.) program, held from September 19 to 22, 2024, at Camp Blue Ridge in Montebello, Virginia. The event, organized by the Columbia Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist, brought together student government and class officers from Seventh-day Adventist academies across the Columbia Union for fellowship and leadership training.

S.A.L.T. serves as a critical opportunity for these academy leaders to enhance their leadership skills and learn how to be effective leaders in their school communities. This year, approximately 195 students from various academies, including Takoma Academy, Spencerville Academy, Highland View Academy, and Pine Forge Academy, attended the event. The training aimed to inspire and equip young leaders while fostering a sense of unity and spiritual growth.

Each year, the Washington Adventist University Student Association (SA) officers are invited to participate in S.A.L.T., offering workshops on effective leadership tailored to the executive officers of the academy student government organizations. This year’s WAU delegation included Junior Aguilar, SA President; Erick Soledispa Medina, SA Executive Vice President; Ethan Wiles, SA Social Vice President; Zachary Lowe, SA Financial Vice President; and Yordin Hernandez, a religion major who represented SA Religious Vice President Ali Bryan, who was unable to attend.

The WAU officers led breakout sessions, each tailored to the responsibilities of their specific roles. For instance, Junior Aguilar, as SA President, met with academy presidents to discuss the qualities of assertiveness, good communication, relationship-building, and active listening that are essential for effective leadership. Ethan Wiles, as Social Vice President, guided academy social officers through the intricacies of planning major events and provided insight into what the role entails at the collegiate level.

Reflecting on the experience, Wiles said, “My experience at S.A.L.T. was very positive. It was enjoyable to interact with the academies and witness the various talents coming together. During my presentation, I received numerous questions, and we had a lively discussion about the dos and don’ts of the role. I hope that when these students reach college, they will take my advice to heart.”

Aguilar echoed the sentiment, expressing how empowering the experience was. “The S.A.L.T. conference was amazing! It was encouraging to see the future leaders of the world and the Seventh-day Adventist church. We spent a lot of time worshiping and learning about Christ-centered leadership. The weekend was incredibly fun and filled with the Holy Spirit,” he said.

The WAU students not only provided leadership training but also shared their personal experiences about life at WAU. They offered academy students the opportunity to learn more about the university and its commitment to spiritual and academic development. The event also allowed WAU to increase its visibility among Seventh-day Adventist academy students and position itself as a primary choice for higher education.

In total, 195 students from across the Columbia Union attended S.A.L.T., with six WAU students leading the training sessions. The weekend concluded with a sense of accomplishment, as both the academy and university students benefited from the experience, forging new relationships and gaining a deeper understanding of leadership.

For those interested in learning more about the S.A.L.T. program or Washington Adventist University’s leadership initiatives, additional information is available through the university’s Student Life Department.