THE PERSONAL ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME
The Personal Enhancement Programme (PEP) is a weeklong residential seminar which Fellows of the Leadership Programme for Undergraduates (LPU) complete as part of their personal development. PEP consists of indoor workshops, individual and group work, and outdoor activities. It is delivered by trained professionals whose aim is to allow you to ‘challenge yourself to see what you can achieve.’ Self reflection is integral to PEP, with a focus on areas of our lives that can be barriers to future development.
Shazhad Rafiq, a Group 23 LPU Fellow, attended this year’s PEP and said “it showed me how to challenge the stereotypes that I have about others and more importantly, the negative connotations I hold about myself. The trainers helped Fellows to consider their thought processes and to come to the realisation that the negative associations that they hold about themselves and others are merely an illusion which can act as a handicap to your development. When these barriers are removed you can be empowered to transform your world view.”
Throughout PEP, there are opportunities to share your thoughts and feelings with a smaller group, which provides a space for everyone to participate and make the most out of the Programme.
The challenge of the mind is also complimented by physical challenges, with at least an hour’s intensive exercise each day. Alongside this there is a full day of outdoor physical activities, which included bridge building, mind challenging tasks and raft building to name a few. The themes emphasised during the day were a continuation of those raised in the indoor seminars. Focus was given to determination and overcoming the misconception that we can’t surpass the seemingly impossible.
Shazhad says “For many, climbing on top of a thirty foot pole, with the aim of jumping off and grabbing onto a trapeze bar as part of one of the challenges, would have seemed daunting. But the indoor seminars successfully allowed us to apply the concept that these fears were merely ‘conversations’ taking place in our heads, and that once the conversation was rationalised, the seemingly impossible was now an exciting challenge”.
He adds “the entire PEP process could have been a daunting experience, but it was an invaluable development tool, and taught me that there is no reason for complacency when dealing with personal and professional challenges. I am leaving PEP believing in the possible and understanding better how to realise my goals.”
Information on PEP and the LPU can be found on the WF website at www.windsor-fellowship.org
