Under a vast blue sky with the North Atlantic crashing against ancient rocks, Eric Shepherd, a rising senior and Neuroscience major at TCU, paused to reflect in the cool, salty breeze. These quiet moments, a daily practice on Scotland’s Isle of Skye, became a foundation of transformation during a once-in-a-lifetime Spring Break leadership retreat.
Eric, alongside fellow TCU student leaders, embarked on this adventure with the Office of Leadership & Experiential Learning. Each day began with a “chill & still” session, a time for silent reflection in nature. The natural beauty of the Isle wasn’t just a backdrop; it became a teacher, grounding students in the present and cultivating a deeper connection to their purpose.
“Chill & still means taking time for myself, no matter how busy life gets,” Eric shared. “Coming back to campus, things got hectic quickly, but I realized I could bring that practice home. Taking a moment to pause and center myself has made all the difference when I feel overwhelmed.”
Claudia Urbina, a Physical Education major, found a new source of strength in the practice. “Chill and still became a way for me to ground myself at the start of each day. Although I was admittedly skeptical at first about what seemed like simply stopping and doing nothing, I quickly realized how powerful it was. It gave me space to just breathe, which is something that’s easy to overlook as a student leader constantly on the go. Instead of jumping straight into my responsibilities, I had the chance to slow down and reflect. I’ve never felt so at peace, and I think a big part of that came from beginning each day with a chill and still.”
These lessons were guided by Columba 1400, a Scottish social enterprise dedicated to nurturing leadership through six core values: awareness, focus, creativity, integrity, perseverance, and service. Founded on principles of genuine hospitality and shared journeys, Columba challenges traditional views of leadership by celebrating diverse styles.
For Claudia, this approach was personally affirming. “I’ve never been the loudest person in the room, and sometimes I felt like that made me less of a leader. But Columba taught me that my quiet, behind-the-scenes contributions are not only valid but powerful. For the first time, my leadership style felt like it truly belonged.”
Over the course of the week, students engaged in guided reflections led by Columba facilitators from the United Kingdom, Sweden, and South Africa. They reimagined their definitions of success and embraced outdoor challenges that fostered trust and resilience. These transformative experiences deepened their connections, not only with one another but also with themselves and the world around them.
Reflecting back, Eric explained how the retreat reshaped his perspective. “Scotland emphasized for me that leadership starts with relationships. It’s about those authentic connections with others,” Eric said. “Whether we were pushing through challenging hikes or sharing vulnerable conversations, those moments taught me how meaningful relationships are to achieving any goal.”
Most of the students were part of TCU’s Chancellor’s Leadership Program (CLP) or LEAPS (Leaders Engaging & Assisting People through Service), both dedicated to creating community change. After the trip, they return to campus with a renewed focus. Eric plans to carry what he’s learned into his senior year as he leads his CLP social change legacy project, while Claudia continues her work on the Director Boards of LEAPS and Frog Camp.
The jagged cliffs and misty skies of Scotland offered more than just breathtaking scenery. They provided a space for these students to discover their leadership potential in ways they’re eager to share with their communities. To learn more about how TCU cultivates leadership through unique experiences like this, or to connect a student to similar opportunities, reach out to leadership@tcu.edu.
