What Students Say about LSDP

"LSDP is the kind of experience that changes how you see yourself and the world around you. I went in unsure about myself, questioning what I wanted out of college and who I am outside of my high school experiences. But through the activities, conversations and moments of reflection, I started to see layers of myself I never even knew. I discovered my strengths and my weaknesses but what surprised me the most was how much I liked the person I was becoming in that space. The Eckerd community, my LSDP classmates and the mentors guiding us created an environment where growth felt safe, not forced. I left with a clearer sense of what I want from my time at Eckerd. If you’re on the fence about taking it, I’d say go for it." 

Lily, Participant, ‘26

"I absolutely LOVED LSDP. It taught me so much about adulting in the professional world. Before LSDP… I was scared of spontaneity, interviews, and advocating for myself in a professional setting. By the end of this 3-week course, I was a different person. I was willing to network, knowing it was going to benefit me. I was able to confidently do an interview to be an RA for the school. And what I'm most proud of, I learned to be flexible. I didn’t freak out because something didn’t go as planned, and I didn’t go crazy not knowing any plan at all. I would recommend to anyone wanting to better their leadership skills, or even learn more about themselves as a person. " 

Kaitlyn, Participant ‘26

"LSDP was a truly magnificent experience from the first day onwards. It allowed me to meet some of the most unique caring people on campus and built an extremely valuable community. From my time camping to learning how to take job interviews to setting up my LinkedIn, LSDP ticked every-single box and MORE to what I could’ve ever have wanted. I am immensely grateful for the course and believe it is the BEST option for those first years seeking a place at college or establishing genuine connections with others. Paired with a fun yet effective approach to learning in the classroom day to day I have taken away lessons for life because of this course. I LOVE LSDP AND YOU WILL TOO!"  -- Pharrell, Participant ‘26

"I have gained so much from LSDP: leadership skills, new perspectives, relationships, and awesome memories! Challenging me to grow outside my comfort zone, I loved the various activities I did in the LSDP classroom. This class was taught in such a creative way that made the lessons feel like fun games. On one of the last days in class, Dr. Schwarzmueller said, 'If you keep doing what you’re doing, you will get the same results that you are getting now… If you want better result, you have to do something different.' This quote stood out to me because it brings the class full circle, connecting to the challenges that forced me to grow. As LSDP is truly life changing, I recommend this course to any new first-year students because you will gain friendships, self-confidence, and life skills that stick with you into your future."  -- Eva, Participant ‘26

“LSDP gave me a sense of belonging and community during a time when I was really struggling. This experience gave me the opportunity to learn more about myself, my wants, my needs, and my goals. When you hear other students talking about how amazing the class is it’s easy to be skeptical that a college course could be so life changing. But it is truly unlike anything you will ever experience, and I will be forever grateful that I did it. As someone who is very introverted I really struggled to make friends my freshman year. Through this course I was able to come out of my shell and make lifelong friends with the best people. The lessons I gained from this class allowed me to be more confident in who I am, which enhanced every single other aspect of my life. If there were any course I would recommend you take in your short time at Eckerd, it’s LSDP. ” Jas, Participant '25

LSDP, long story short, is indeed life changing. It gave me a sense of belonging in the community and a lovely group of friends that I will cherish for a long time. This course has helped me get out of my shell and put myself out there. I learned so much professionally as well as personally. LSDP gives you challenges that make you think deeply and will provide great rewards in the end. It is one of the best experiences you will gain at Eckerd. There is something so special about LSDP that you’ll only understand when you take it. So take that chance while you have it and carpe diem! -- Chloe, Participant, ‘26

LSDP gave me the inspiration to become the person I've always dreamt of being, the class helped me see versions of myself that I thought I wasn't capable of! If you are someone that loves to learn and loves to grow spiritually and emotionally I wholeheartedly recommend this amazing opportunity! I also found some of my best friends through the class!  --

Brooke, Participant, ‘26

"Strangers to friends, friends to family. LSDP is not just any other program, It helps you find your place. Connecting with others, building life long friendships, learning how to grow personally and professionally. LSDP teaches you skills that you need in order to strive for success. Skills like communication, teamwork and present listening. My biggest take away from this program are the genuine relationships I made. It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity you can only truly understand through first hand experience. Everything I learned in LSDP I will hold with me for the rest of my life. I learned how to flourish in community, pave my own path, and lastly LSDP taught me how to work hard but love even harder." - Maiya, Participant '24

"LSDP changed my life. It was a way for me to not only meet and connect with so many people, but find a home at Eckerd. No one is a stranger in this class and it feels absolutely amazing to walk in and know that no one in the room is going to judge you... Everyone comes as they are and there is something so truly empowering and freeing about not having to hide in front of people. This class provided me with tools to grow as a friend, professional, leader and a member of society; but most importantly it taught me the value of creating strong relationships. LSDP allowed me to feel comfortable picking a major, comfortable talking to new people, and comfortable being myself around others. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and it is so worth it. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to make new friends, expand their horizons and gain the tools needed to succeed as a professional outside of Eckerd College." - Julieanna, Participant '24

"It’s the family you never expected, or even knew you needed. Nobody in LSDP stays strangers and I love it! I met so many like-minded individuals who also sought to understand themselves and others around them better. It’s a place where you can come as you are, and when you’re in such a supportive environment, it’s empowering. It taught me how to think of myself and believe in myself as a leader. On the flip side, it taught me how to see others as leaders too. It allows you to explore new dimensions of yourself and relations with others in fun and exciting ways. I’m so grateful for the opportunities it opened!" - Francesca, Participant '23

“LSDP provided me with so much, from the tools to grow individually as a leader, friend, and successful graduate, to connections that will carry on long after this class. Although the path of life comes with great uncertainty, I am open to the possibilities that change may bring. LSDP taught me how to do this, it bettered me, my trust in others, and my capacity to grow. If you are up for the challenge, this class will help you become the best possible version of yourself each and every day until it is habit.” - Maddy, Participant '23

"I found LSDP to be such an amazing opportunity to not only connect with others, but also connect with myself! Through all the different exercises, I learned what attributes make a strong team and also what I bring to the table. This class helped me to find what I’m most interested in, where I might succeed and gave me a better idea of what I’d like to do after college. It was an eye-opening experience that brought me closer to the Eckerd Community, my LSDP class, and also myself. I learned positive things about myself that helped give me the confidence to push myself out of my comfort zone and pursue some great opportunities on and off campus! An unforgettable experience and definitely the highlight of my Eckerd experience thus far! I would recommend this course to anyone looking for an opportunity to grow and become more invested in the Eckerd community." - Jennings, Participant '24

"Out of the LSDP experience I gained friends and a sense of community in Eckerd when I was really lacking that prior. It’s hard to get involved when you don’t know where to start and feel too shy to put yourself out there. This course really helped me with adjusting, feeling welcome, and finding people I enjoy spending time with. It also helped me find confidence in communicating with the Eckerd faculty and gave me the courage to reach out and discover amazing programs such as Career Advising which helped me get my first job!    I would really, really recommend this course for students who are struggling to find their place in the Eckerd community, who are feeling homesick, and/or who would like to gain valuable professional experience. It’s a scary leap to make for some, but it’s entirely worth it!" - Isabelle, Participant '23

"I got a lot of things out of the LSDP class. I learned so much about how to lead but my biggest takeaways were collaboration skills and how to manage conflicts. I was taught so many different tools to help deal with uncomfortable situations and how to work well with other people. I would recommend this class to first-years because it is an incredibly unique experience. You form amazing bonds with people and learn so many skills that you can take with you your entire life." - Jayden, Participant '23

"LSDP was a great opportunity to make friends in a welcoming and positive environment. I felt unafraid to be my genuine self. I learned how to work better as a team, and I learned things about myself that I was previously unaware of. Self-discovery was the biggest thing I gained from LSDP. I became more confident that who I am is someone good that others will accept. I made great friends, and I wish I could go back and do it all over again." - August, Participant '23

"Finding comfortability in being uncomfortable is my biggest takeaway from LSDP. You learn to understand and honestly love not knowing exactly what comes next, but going into it with the lessons you learn in class to find some comfort in those situations. Your peers also create some comfort. The people you're with in LSDP become family quickly, and the bond formed helps you through tough situations that are scary and uncomfortable. It seems foreign to be so vulnerable and reliant on others, but you figure out how to have that reliance turn into comfort and a learning opportunity. I recommend every first year-take this class. You will learn so much about yourself while also learning skills that establish yourself as a leader on and off Eckerd's campus." -- Daniel, Participant, ‘26

"LSDP pushed me to grow in many of the ways that I was scared to. I learned so much about myself as a team-member, leader, and friend... Many of the situations that this course placed me in forced me to consider myself as a leader, an experience I was previously unfamiliar with, but I learned to recognize the values and skills of such a position that I now implement in much of my everyday life. … I gained so many incredible opportunities, insights, and connections. If I had to make this decision again, I would say yes in a heartbeat because it taught me that growth really does begin where your comfort zone ends, and it is completely worth it. I am so incredibly grateful for the knowledge, relationships, and experiences that resulted from that small decision I made to fill out an application months ago." 

Sam, Participant, ‘26

"LSDP was a building block towards much needed growth in my life. It allowed me to step outside of the person I convinced myself I was, and learn about the person that I'm going to become. The confidence and sense of self this course gave me is unlike anything I've ever felt before and I'm so glad to have taken part in it. LSDP gave me the choice to decide what I wanted that first step out of my comfort zone to look like. As a pretty extreme introvert I never lost that part of me, LSDP just gave me control over it. My social skills are so much better than they were despite being an introvert. LSDP taught me to accept myself fully for my strengths and weaknesses and showed me that I can find belonging anywhere if I make the first step." -- Murrit, Participant ‘26

"LSDP is a time to reflect and grow. During the stress of my first year, a big challenge for me was to think about my personal goals. LSDP gave me time to reason with myself. The questionnaires and countless activities were a reminder of who I was and where my talents resided. LSDP helped grow confidence in my abilities; allowing me to fully understand how I can take advantage of the opportunities Eckerd provides."  -- Cole, Participant, ‘26

"LSDP was the class that helped me discover that I was in the right place. It gave me an opportunity to bond with people I would have never have otherwise been able to meet. Throughout the class I discovered more about myself than I ever thought was possible. I learned how to be a strong leader and how to bring out that leadership in others as well. Being in a class like LSDP it is so easy to call your peers your family and discovering that connection will make all the difference in the rest of your life! I am so grateful to have been a part of such a wonderful class and I am so thankful for every lesson and person LSDP has given to me!" -- Abby, Participant ‘26

LSDP, to me, is an endless reminder of belonging and everything good someone can aspire to be. This program brings happiness, lessons, learning, and beautiful friendships, and it is safe to say I wouldn't be where I am today without this class. LSDP teaches you how to strive to be the best version of yourself socially, professionally, and in overall authenticity. I cannot recommend this course enough to any first-year student who may be interested because I can honestly say it is one of the most influential programs you can be a part of during your years starting at Eckerd and beyond that, the rest of your life. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will shape your perspective and help you grow in every area of your truest self. The lessons I learned in LSDP and the memories I made gave me a strong foundation for my first year at Eckerd, especially the friendships and relationships I now hold so dear. -Dair, Participant ‘26

"For me, LSDP was a whirlwind of different experiences. I was pushed out of my comfort zone and asked to rise to the occasion every day. I learned so much about myself and how I move in the world. I discovered where my strengths lie and how best to utilize them. All my habits, both good and bad, were brought to light. LSDP was an explosion of growth. It helped me further navigate the insanity that is transitioning to college life. After that Winter Term ended, I had a whole new perspective for what I wanted the next four years to look like. It was also just enormously fun. I met some of my best friends and was constantly laughing so hard my stomach hurt during class. Through LSDP, I rediscovered my love for movement and the simple joy of playing just to be silly. I really could not recommend it more. At the risk of sounding corny, I have to say that LSDP changed my life." - Ryn, Participant '25

"… As someone who has always felt a little out of place, no matter where I went, I wanted to utilize the opportunity provided by LSDP ... to “learn” myself. I wanted to know who I was—and I bared my personality, my internal beliefs about myself and the world, and my insecurities to that classroom of peers, friends, mentors, and professors. I have never been good at vulnerability, and learning how to be vulnerable throughout the duration of this course is ultimately what changed me, and broke open who I was. …. While I discovered myself, I learned … how to discover more about my friends and form authentic relationships, and how to interact with the diversity of personalities I was surrounded by. It was exhilarating, energetic, and at times, exhausting. However, it was an extremely rewarding thing to do for myself. … - Sojo, Participant '25

LSDP is an amazing course for first-years to take because it allows you to make mistakes and grow from them. Every person in the class comes as they are, ready to share their true authenticity with the group of once strangers and now friends. I valued my time in the class because of the deep self reflection I had time to process over the course of Winter Term... I would recommend this course to anyone who is looking to get to know themselves better..., seeking new friendships, wanting to get connected to the Eckerd community, or simply to anyone who wants a fun adventure!"  - Sloan, Participant '25

"LSDP was an amazing opportunity for me to learn more about myself and how to connect with my peers. I learned many new skills not just for leadership, but also for approaching new or uncomfortable situations and emotions we don’t experience often... Getting to know my classmates in a more vulnerable setting helped create connections across many different personalities and ideals, which is a valuable tool for our diverse world. Making connections is one of the most important things we do, whether with our peers or in the business world, and I feel more prepared as I continue in my own education." - Kylie, Participant '25

"LSDP is an opportunity to not only shine a light upon yourself as a leader but it teaches you how to better shine that light on your peers. Peers you might not have ever talked to unless you decided to take LSDP. The same people who have now become some of my closest and truest friends here at Eckerd. ... You feel the love of being a part of a community of people who all enjoy each other's company and ideas. Developing these relationships ... gave me more confidence ... to further connect to Eckerd and take on more roles with my community... I will forever be grateful that I was able to be a part of this program and meet all of the amazing friends that have felt like family ever since!" - Priscilla, Participant '25

"LSDP was an amazing experience! It brought a new outlook, community, and meaning to being an Eckerd student. I was able to grow as a person by testing my boundaries and being able to make new, close friends! I was also able to gain new leadership skills that made me think critically and be more professional. I believe anyone who is looking for a community, wants to learn more about Eckerd itself, grow their leadership and personal qualities, and make a change for the better, should join LSDP! It's a course that you won't regret!" - Megan, Participant '25

"Trying things that were out of my comfort zone has always been challenging to me, but LSDP provided me with a newfound sense of confidence to try things I might not have before taking the class. The class was a safe space for me to make mistakes, challenge myself, and learn. After my first year of college I can most definitely say I have had so many new experiences that I would not have tried without taking LSDP. The environment created by every individual who played a role in the class made it easy to feel comfortable to be myself! I highly recommend taking LSDP if you are looking to find your footing not only here at Eckerd, but for your path in life. The skills I learned here I will take with me forever." - Amelia, Participant '24

"It was difficult for me to decide whether I wanted to stay home for my freshman winter term or take LSDP. I will be forever glad that I took LSDP. The class gave me an immediate group of friends that I look forward to seeing around campus, people who I trust, who I can study with, and who I can adventure with. The class not only gave me friends, I have learned to trust myself as a leader, how to brainstorm and problem solve, and to push through with a project I’m passionate about. The class was a safety net for me to understand the value of networking, making connections through vulnerability, and knowing how to flex my strengths and improve my weaknesses... - Hazel, Participant '24

“LSDP is the fundamental experience that has spurred, for me, a career at Eckerd of involvement, excitement, and determination. This school is full of such wonderful opportunities, and my time with Dr. S, the facilitators, and my peers has taught me how to squeeze every ounce of goodness out of my time here — like a particularly ripe orange. I love oranges. Yum yum. Yeah, LSDP is like if a class was an orange. Come get your Vitamin C, y’all.” - Hugh, Participant '24