“This program could benefit many others the way it has benefited me.”
– Tribune
Whole Person Development, also known as WPD has been an integral part of my time at SBU and has shaped my life in many ways. The four components of the WPD model are physical, mental, social, and spiritual. Throughout my time in WPD, I’ve enhanced my athletic abilities in many ways. Collegiate athletics can be very competitive and at times quite frustrating. It is in the toughest moments that the training and lessons from WPD shine through.
- The lessons such as how to balance athletics with the rest of life, or how to earn the right to be heard have been essential in my success.
- My relationships with peers is of high value to me. WPD has developed me to be very empathetic and it is because of the training from WPD that I am able to connect with individuals from all walks of life.
- WPD has also improved on my leadership skills so that I can successfully lead others by example.
- Academically, I have done well and have been able to help my teammates and other classmates in their coursework. WPD has also taught me ways to keep others accountable so that they can achieve academic success as well.
- Most importantly, I’ve strengthened my relationship with the Lord. This realm is so unique as it tends to encompass the previous three areas. This area is one that I am constantly pursuing and WPD has been a great foundation on which to stand. WPD has trained me to be conscious of life’s never ending challenges, and to use those challenges to improve myself holistically.
This program could benefit many others the way it has benefited me. Like many other universities SBU prides itself in its ability to successfully fulfill its mission statement. WPD will work to develop an individual into a leader who is strong in their faith and academics. This perfectly fits the mission of SBU to produce Christ centered servant leaders. Along with this, WPD participants develop skills needed to develop and maintain social relationships. This only improves their ability to lead others in a Christ centered manner.
Without WPD, I would not be the same person I am today. My time in WPD has given me life- long friends, a renewed outlook on life, and a mindset to serve.
Austin “Tribune” Acosta. May 2019 Graduate. United States Marine Corps. 1st Lieutenant.