Alyson Archambault

How did you get involved in campus life? What adviceĢżwould you give to students who havenā€™t yet found their place on campus?
I got involved with campus life by starting a club I wanted to see on campus and through being a part of Res Life. The advice I would give to students who have not found their place on campus is to go to different events to explore their interests and to be open to learning new things. If you do not find what you like, start it, people who enjoy the same will join you.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
Over time I have learned how to ask for help and advocate for myself and for others. I have learned that most people are willing to help or give you resources, you just need to reach out. People have access to solutions that you donā€™t know exist and will give you access if they know you need it. Just ask!

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
Living on campus the last few years, I have made numerous memories that are incredibly meaningful. My favorite moments have been in my dorm or out and about where I have been able to have many conversations and build connections. From puzzle nights with my suitemates, to staff meetings with my fellow RAs, positive experiences occur on a daily basis.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
Surround yourself with people who you can learn from. You are never going to know it all, hold yourself accountable but also take the time to learn, by forming these relationships you can learn and support each other.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
Surround yourself with people who you can learn from. You are never going to know it all, hold yourself accountable but also take the time to learn, by forming these relationships you can learn and support each other.

Alyson with other members of the Fiber Arts Circle.

The post Student Spotlight | Alyson Archambault appeared first on Campus Life.

Jamilah Namaganda and other members of BSU

How did you get involved in campus life? What adviceĢżwould you give to students who havenā€™t yet found their place on campus?
I got involved with campus life by starting a club I wanted to see on campus and through being a part of Res Life. The advice I would give to students who have not found their place on campus is to go to different events to explore their interests and to be open to learning new things. If you do not find what you like, start it, people who enjoy the same will join you.

How do you think youā€™ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
I have changed as a leader throughout my time at WSU because I have stepped out of my comfort zone and seen things from different perspectives.
The aspects of my experience that influenced this change the most are the support and always being open to learning.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
The biggest lesson I have learned about leadership is the importance of empathy. It takes listening to the needs of others, recognizing strengths, and creating a safe space.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
The best experience I have had at WSU is making lifelong friendships and memories. I will leave knowing that students of color have a space to create memories.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
The advice I would give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader they are is to gain self-awareness and embrace failure because that is how you grow.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
My plans after graduation are to gain experience as a nurse and travel as much as possible.

The post Student Spotlight | Jamilah Namaganda appeared first on Campus Life.

Tien Nguyen

How did you get involved in campus life? What adviceĢżwould you give to students who havenā€™t yet found their place on campus?
When the Asian Cultural ā€œBobaā€ Club started in the Spring semester of 2021 was when I actually felt like I wanted to make an effort to be more involved. I take a lot of pride in my background, and I wanted to support the first and only Asian representative club on campus at the time.Ģż

Going to club meetings as well as talking to new people was a big step outside of my comfort zone, but I found out pretty quickly that the people who went to those meetings had just the same intentions as I did, to make friends and meet new people who have the same interests. For a lot of people, itā€™s natural for them to start a conversation with a stranger or to make friends, for a lot of other people, itā€™s not, and thereā€™s nothing wrong with that. The number of clubs and organizations has been growing so much, and of course, it can always be better, but I think itā€™s safe to say that there is a space for everyone here at Worcester State.

How do you think youā€™ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
Just the way I view myself, I think Iā€™ve become more proactive and reliable. Stepping into the position of an executive member of a club has given me the opportunities for this personal growth.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
You canā€™t expect everyone to agree with your opinion.Ģż

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
Itā€™s hard to pick one, but in general, itā€™s the feeling after successfully running an event and knowing that everyone has a good time and all the hard work you put in actually does pay off. Itā€™s a very rewarding experience.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
Be brave. You donā€™t know what youā€™re capable of until you try it.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
My first plan is to hopefully get a job, and maybe to go back home to Vietnam sometime soon.

Tien and friends at Boba Club’s Lunar New Year celebration.

The post Student Spotlight | Tien Nguyen appeared first on Campus Life.

How did you get involved in campus life? What adviceĢżwould you give to students who havenā€™t yet found their place on campus?
COVID is a big reason for my involvement on campus. Online resources are what helped me to get to know my campus more! The more I learned about my campus, the more I realized about the opportunities it offers and that a student cannot only be studying but also be involved and develop their leadership skills as well as many others.

If I have to give advice to other students, I will say be open minded and always be willing to get out of your comfort zone. Surround yourself with people who will help you reach your goals and encourage you (family, friends, professors, campus resources, etc.)

How do you think youā€™ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
My leadership skills improved with time. As a leader, I learned how to be humble and listen to others (my co-workers). Being a leader is not just about giving orders and being on top of people, but showing the example and being that person others can rely on and trust. WSU taught me how to be responsible and helped develop my skills (communication, problem solving, leadership, etc.)

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
One thing that I learned about leadership is that everyone can help you learn something new. As a leader, itā€™s not about me knowing everything but also being open minded and learning from others, being receptive to feedback and improving myself everyday. I learned that a good leader motivates others to be great and shows them the example to follow!

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
My best experience was meeting great people who helped me become the person I am today. Being involved on campus (RA, PSA, OL, etc.) was the best decision I could have ever made in my life because today I have developed skills that I never thought I had, and feel ready to embrace the professional world.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
I would say be yourself and donā€™t hesitate to step out and take a leap of faith. It may seem scary at first but once youā€™ve found the right people and get out of your comfort zone, be willing to give it a try, youā€™ll realize that it was worth it.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
My plans after graduatingĢż are to work as a Data Analyst in order to develop my skills even more, and then go back to school for my masters degree in Data Science to become a Data Scientist. My dream is to be part of the Amazon data team.Ģż

The post Student Spotlight | Gracia Kitenge appeared first on Campus Life.

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who havenā€™t yet found their ā€œpeople/placeā€ on campus?

Brandol Ogando Saladin

I got involved on campus by first joining Third World Alliance my freshman year and by becoming an OMA Ambassador at the Office of Multicultural Affairs on campus. I wanted to be fully involved on campus and participate in multiple things that matched my interests as a student.

For our students who have not yet found their place/people on campus, my advice would be to join different clubs and push yourself to try new things and meet new people, but always remember to be yourself!!

How do you think youā€™ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
When looking back on the progress Iā€™ve made, I have seen major growth in myself. I have become more confident in myself and my decisions as a leader as well as being more open to options and feedback.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
One of the biggest lessons IĀ“ve learned in my leadership is that you should never stop striving to be a role model. You can learn a lot from others and become a better leader by keeping an open mind.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
My best experience here at WSU has been through Third World Alliance. I love interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds while also celebrating and embracing my own culture with others.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
My advice would be to not be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone and do different things to elevate your leadership level without being afraid of making mistakes because those mistakes will make you a better leader in the future.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
My plans for the future are to stay in Third World Alliance, which will soon be renamed to Intercultural Student Alliance, and expand the organizationā€™s horizons and reach different students on our campus. I would also like to do an internship related to my major in the future. One day, I hope to go back to the Dominican Republic and visit my family down there!

The post Student Spotlight | Brandol Ogando Saladin appeared first on Campus Life.

Class of 2023, Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health Services, minor in Public Health
Hometown | Shrewsbury, MA
Campus Involvement | Student Senate, Women’s Cross Country Team, Women’s Track Team, 2023 Class Committee, Resident Assistant, Circles of Leadership, Orientation Leader

Erica Hanlon, SGA President

Can you describe the role of the SGA President? What do they do for the student body
The SGA President collaborates with the student senate and the rest of the student body to represent our student population and advocate for student needs. The SGA President attends various meetings with administration, alumni, and students to be a voice for the student body.

What are some of the goals you hope to accomplish while in this position?
One of my goals is to add a new aspect to the student senate in which each senator will have a focus group on campus to receive feedback from and offer support to. Another goal I have is to increase community outreach through creating opportunities for students to donate to and support the greater Worcester area. Overall, I aim to be an approachable and helpful person for all WSU students.

What do you foresee as some of the challenges you could face in this position?
A challenge I foresee in this position is not being able to please everyone, as there will be many different opinions among our student body, and I will need to do my best to represent as many students as possible as well as my own beliefs.

At the end of the year, looking back, what do you hope your fellow students remember about you?
At the end of the year, I hope my fellow students will remember me as someone who was genuine, welcoming, helpful, and action-oriented.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
My key piece of advice is to push yourself to follow what interests you regardless of anyone elseā€™s opinion. If you are thinking about trying something new or stepping up to be in a leadership position, just try for it! No one is judging you and any endeavor for your own personal growth is well worth any potential nerves.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
After graduation, I hope to work as a Resident Director at a university while taking graduate classes for my Masterā€™s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. I also hope to adopt a dog and travel

The post Meet Erica Hanlon, SGA President appeared first on Campus Life.

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their place on campus?
As my freshman year was unconventional, I decided to make the best out of my sophomore year and fully harness it. I pursued leadership roles that aligned with my interests and beliefs. For people who haven’t found where they belong or their people; my advice would be to put yourself out there and chase the opportunities presented and the rest of the puzzle will come piece by piece.

How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
Looking back to the leader I was and the leader I am now, I see major growth in many aspects. I think Iā€™ve adapted to advocating for others and empowering people’s voices. What inspired this change would be the mentors Iā€™ve been lucky to have found here at 91æģ²„, most importantly the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes toĢżleadership?Ģż
The biggest lesson that I have learned is that to be an effective leader you truly must practice what you preach. For you to spark a movement or change you have to be at the frontline. This is a concept that Iā€™ve been implementing in my leadership style.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
My best experience here at WSU would be having the opportunity to be an RA, this position has helped me grow as a leader. Interacting with residents on a day to day basis and helping mediate conflict has challenged and rewarded me tremendously.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
If I could give any student who is just beginning to explore the type of leader they are capable of being, I would tell them to aim for the sky. Donā€™t be afraid of making mistakes, as they present opportunities to learn and grow

The post Student Spotlight | Ian Njihia appeared first on Campus Life.

How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
At WSU, I have definitely become aĢż more active, involved, and confident leader. When I started, I was really quiet and super nervous! Meeting new people, student leaders, and staff here has really made me come out of my shell. The people around me have shown me what it takes to be a leader, and most importantly, they showed me that I have what it takes. I have been met with kindness and open minds who want to hear what I have to say and help me to reach my goals.Ģż

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes toĢżleadership?Ģż
The biggest lesson I have learned when it comes to leadership is that itā€™s okay to ask for help! I wouldnā€™t be the person I am if it weren’t for the help of the people around me. I used to be really afraid to ask for help but through being involved on campus I have gotten so much better at this.

We really want to highlight the intersection of identity, culture, and leadership development. Can you share how your identity has shaped your leadership style throughout the years?
As Iā€™ve gotten more involved on campus I have felt so much more comfortable being myself. Coming out was a huge part of this. It was so scary, but in the end I felt so accepted by the community around me and found that it was just another thing that I can use to help make me a better leader. Since I have come out, I have become a part of the team behind the LGBTQ+ Alliance on campus. I found that I can contribute to the wonderful safe space that they create. I have even become a safe space for others who need someone to talk to when it is too scary to talk to anyone else. I have come to appreciate the unique experience I have as someone in he LGBTQ+ community, especially since I can use it to help others who are working through it.Ģż

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
My best experience has been working with OSILD through the leadership programs. And Iā€™m not just saying this because they gave me the opportunity to talk about myself! They really do give so many opportunities. They have really helped me to work on myself and my leadership. They gave me opportunities to meet leaders like myself to share and hear ideas. They also stick with you- checking in, and helping out.

What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU?
When I was in freshman seminar my first year, it was required for us to participate in a ā€œmock interview.ā€ I didnā€™t think much of it- it was just an assignment that I needed to get done. However, I actually met some really amazing people in my interview, and since it wasnā€™t real, I felt really calm, and every interview since then has been a breeze. I really recommend this program.

However, the people I met were the most important part.Ģż They opened up a door I didnā€™t even know existed. Before I knew it, I had a real interview for a summer job. I worked with individuals with disabilities and I learned so much that summer. I even learned that this is a population that I want to work with in the future as a therapist. Itā€™s a really great feeling. And this job opened up so many other opportunities for me.Ģż

What has been your biggest accomplishment since beginning your journey at WSU?
Honestly, I think my biggest accomplishment has been becoming more me. As a teenager I was really shy and hid who I was. The community at WSU has shown me that there is a place for me- a lot of them actually. After coming out I have made so many connections with people and learned to embrace who I am.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
Donā€™t doubt yourself! This was something that was really hard to learn. I used to be really focused on my mistakes and setbacks, but you canā€™t do that to yourself. You have to learn from these and move on. Donā€™t let yourself be your biggest barrier. When in doubt- ask for help. An outside perspective can change your own

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I hope to study and receive my masters after graduation. I want to continue working with others and helping people.

Ari is a graduate of the Circles of Leadership program.

The post Student Spotlight | Ari Giasson appeared first on Campus Life.

Many of the things that describe Memphis can also describe Jess, both as a leader and an individual. Her leadership style is positive, energetic, and motivating, welcoming to those around her. Coming to Worcester State has allowed her to break out of her shell and grow while learning to be the best leader she can be.

Leading with Soul

Jess credits the experience of working as an Orientation Leader between her freshman and sophomore year as the start of her leadership journey. The position allowed her to get to know campus faculty and staff members, interact with students, and learn everything she could about campus.Ģż

ā€œThat feeling I felt, being on stage, talking to people, and having someone look up to you in a way…Iā€™ve never had that feeling. I think my favorite thing was just being around people, and learning and growing; I just felt on top of the world for that summer. I had friends who were like ā€˜Jess, you were so different when you were an Orientation Leader.ā€™ I donā€™t know if thatā€™s a good thing or a bad thing, but to me itā€™s a good thing that I was on top of the world. I was doing something I loved and I made connections.ā€

Spending time talking with small groups of first-year students gave Jess the opportunity to build relationships with them, and some of her students later joined her in club meetings or became her residents. Theyā€™ve become friends, supporting one another through the ups and downs of college student life.

ā€œI love being around people, I love helping people, thatā€™s one thing about me. Just being around people is my ideal…being that friend for someone, has really helped me in my leadership style. Because yes, I’m here to lead and give you direction, but Iā€™m also here to build that friendship with you and really be that mentor, that peer for you, to help you grow.ā€

Relying on Energy & Spirit

Holding leadership positions on the Orientation and Residence Life require more than just practical skill; they require a type of energy and determination that helps during even the most difficult and demanding of times. These positions have taught Jess the importance of having a strong team around her, made up of people who can provide support and help.

ā€œYou donā€™t have to do it all. Itā€™s okay to do one thing, to have two things that youā€™re good at, you donā€™t have to take on like, ten things at a time. I feel like thatā€™s the best lesson that Iā€™ve learned. And I think just as a leader, do what you can handle. And just be the best you can at that.ā€

A spirit of determination to forge a new path has also followed Jess from back home. The first time she applied to work as a Resident Assistant, she wasnā€™t offered the position. But instead of becoming frustrated, she threw herself into her Orientation Leader role and opportunities rippled from there. To a student who isnā€™t sure about applying for a role or job they want? She recommends they just go for it.

ā€œJust do it. What do you have to lose? I applied for RA, but I didnā€™t get it that year, but you know, OL was the thing I got and I will forever be thankful for that because it was the start of something. Itā€™s a ripple effect. Different programs open up different opportunities. Just go for it, you wonā€™t regret it.ā€

Jess describes a great leader as someone who is open and honest, a good listener, and willing to take criticism and advice from others. But most importantly, they should be themselves.

ā€œDonā€™t try to be like any other type of leader that you see; I wouldnā€™t want anyone to try and be like me. Of course you can like some of my characteristics, but [you should] truly be yourself. I think a lot of leaders aim to be just like a certain person, but you kind of screw yourself over in the end. But if you truly be yourself and just be open and honest, then thatā€™s the best type of leader that you can be; thatā€™s what makes you unique.ā€

ā€œThe Life of the Two Landsā€

Ever since her first year, Jess has been a familiar face on campus. She is an Orientation Leader, Resident Assistant in Sheehan Hall, current secretary and former chair of Third World Alliance, and a member of the Circles of Leadership program and Student Support Network. She has naturally stepped into a variety of student leadership roles. Reflecting on this, Jess shared that one of her biggest accomplishments has been stepping out of her comfort zone and taking advantage of all the leadership opportunities that Worcester State has to offer.Ģż

ā€œBelieve it or not, in high school and middle school, I was never in a leadership role. I was just in class, I never did anything after school. My school life here [at Worcester State] and the way Iā€™m around other people is different. People back home in Memphis, if they see this type of Jess theyā€™re like ā€˜what, she does this?ā€™ They have the basics to know that Iā€™m very sweet, and Iā€™m very kind, and Iā€™m a people person, but my involvement and just seeing me really owning everything I do and being the best I can be, theyā€™re probably shocked. So itā€™s two different environments and the biggest accomplishment has been to step out of my comfort zone.ā€

Students coming to college and taking the opportunity to be someone different or try something new is not uncommon. Jess spoke about the realization that her college experience could be less about fitting the mold of how others saw her and more about trying different things.Ģż

ā€œComing here no one knew me, so if I fell on my face or whatever, oh well. Theyā€™re not going to remember that. Itā€™s a different environment from high school. I decided to come here because I wanted a change. And coming to Worcester State was the best choice. I was like, okay, Iā€™ll start new. Even though I didnā€™t know anyone, I was just like ā€˜hey, I gotta make the best of it.ā€˜ā€

Established & Everlasting

With the hope of someday becoming a motivational speaker or working behind the scenes on theater productions, Jess is studying communications with a concentration in media production, and minors in both art and theater.Ģż

ā€œI had a thing for arts, and all of this just came from being at Worcester State, all this interest in creating things, I was able to put things into words being here. Seeing the people and all, thatā€™s a great feeling. Thatā€™s why I love behind the scenes.ā€

Now entering the second semester of her junior year, Jess has only grown more confident in the leader she is becoming and the relationships she is building.

ā€œ[Every year] my friends do a Friendgiving. My group of friends, weā€™re all different, from different backgrounds, no one is the same, which is so crazy but I love it, because weā€™re all together. Just eating and laughing.ā€

And her final thoughts on her Worcester State experience and her leadership journey?Ģż

ā€œA lot of times when Iā€™m around a group of people, or with a lot of people, I go into a daze. You may think Iā€™m distracted. But what Iā€™m doing is taking in the moment because itā€™s almost too good of a moment, and Iā€™m trying to take a picture in my mind to remember it. Itā€™s like, Iā€™m living a dream in that moment, Iā€™m leading others. I wanted to come to Worcester State to start new, and I actually came to Worcester State to start new. Itā€™s a crazy feeling.ā€Ģż

The post Jess Wicks Brings Memphis to WSU appeared first on Campus Life.

Written by Jess Evora, Assistant Director, OSILD
Photos provided by M. Mateo & Worcester State

SGA President Maribel Mateo, who is a rising junior studying sociology and criminal justice, hails from Lawrence, MA.ĢżĢżShe grew up in low-income neighborhood and was raised by her mother in a single-parent household.Ģż Things didnā€™t come so easy for her and her family.Ģż Despite the challenges, things were looking up for Maribel after she earned a scholarship to attend a private Catholic high school.Ģż The transition, however, was not an easy one.

ā€œI went to Central Catholic which was an amazing school in my city, but when I arrived, it was a struggle being a Latin minority because their population [which was majority White] didnā€™t know how to work with us as minorities,” Maribel said. “Ultimately, I decided to transfer to Lawrence High School, which was known as being [a low performing] high school in the area.ā€

91æģ²„ was Maribel’s first choice for college.

Despite its reputation, Maribel felt at home at Lawrence High School.Ģż She no longer felt like an ā€œotherā€, and she actually thrived from the sense of community.Ģż Maribel immediately got involved, joining the varsity basketball team as a sophomore. Ģżā€œIā€™m so glad I joined the varsity basketball team because it helped me decide who I wanted to be, and what I wanted to do,ā€ Maribel said. ā€œThatā€™s where I started my personal growth.ā€

And what was it that Maribel decided she wanted to do? Well, she wanted to attend 91æģ²„, of course!

Choosing Worcester State

ā€œWorcester State was my first choice.Ģż I knew I wanted to go there,” Maribel said. “Coming from an inner city, sometimes you lose the opportunity to work on your leadership skills because youā€™re just trying to survive.Ģż I knew I had to build my leadership skills to help advocate for others.ā€

Maribel felt strongly that Worcester State would help her build the skills she needed, and time would ultimately prove that she made the right choice.

However, like many first-year students, Maribelā€™s first year in college was not an easy one.Ģż Despite the many coaches and mentors who supported her, everything about the college experience was new to her, so the road bumps were inevitable.

ā€œI am a first-generation college student,ā€ Maribel said. ā€œIt was beyond what I could even believe to actually go to college.ā€

ā€œI lost myself because I felt excluded because of where I come from, because of who I am, and also because of how I speak,ā€ Maribel said. ā€œTowards the end of my first year, I felt I was completely falling off.ā€

Finding Her Way at WSUĢż

Maribel decided she would take steps to get more involved. ĢżOne of her first steps was applying to become an Orientation Leader.Ģż Serving as an Orientation Leader increased her sense of community here on campus.

ā€œWhen I joined Orientation, it helped me better identify who I was,ā€ Maribel said. ā€œI was given an opportunity to be embraced for where I came from.ā€

Maribel was also actively involved with the CLEWS program (Community and Leadership Experience at Worcester State), led by Mark Wagner, Director for the Benienda Center for Civic Engagement.Ģż Maribel acknowledges the CLEWS program for having a large impact on her WSU experience.

From that point on, Maribel was determined to get more involved in order help other students embrace who they are.Ģż She went on to serve a second year with the Orientation program.Ģż She was also hired as a Resident Assistant for Residence Life, a Student Manager in the Student Center, and a student employee in the Wellness Center.

In addition, Maribel wanted to do as much as she could to advocate for the student voice on campus.Ģż She ran for Student Government Association (SGA) President and was successfully elected in the Spring of 2018. ĢżShe assumed her duties as SGA President beginning fall 2018.

All of these responsibilities were not enough for Maribel.Ģż She also joined the 2020 Class Committee to ensure that everyone in her class would have a voice in helping to shape their senior year experience.Ģż One of the main goals of this committee is to increase class pride.

Reflections on Her Journey

As Maribel wraps up her first semester as SGA President, we sat down with her to discuss how she thinks she is doing.

Maribel believes there is always room for improvement on campus.

How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?

Maribel:Ģż“I believe that Iā€™ve been able to grow as a leader by understanding different points of views. I can now use my abilities to advocate, not just for myself, but for others too.”

“Iā€™m also learning to listen more, and I try to understand what others are trying to say before I speak. I try to make sure I confirm and I understand what people are saying instead of just going with my own opinion and my own beliefs.”

What are some of your goals for SGA this year?

Maribel: “I want to change the culture so we actually change the idea of what we believe is good enough. We can do so much more as a campus. We should always focus on what can we do better. There is always room to improve.”

“Diversity, equality, and understanding are so important. I want to do what I can to help contribute to a more inclusive community.”

“Campus safety, ethical safety, and unity through understanding are also areas in which I hope to focus. ĢżLastly, I want students to feel like they can call the community our home.”

What advice do you have for students who are still trying to figure out what role they want to play in the campus community?

Maribel: “One thing I would say is try anything and everything. Donā€™t be discouraged by whoā€™s doing what. Seek out the things you never thought you would do. Itā€™s okay to ask for advice and make sure you are comfortable with what you are doing. Make sure you love what youā€™re doing. Donā€™t stick with something just because of your friends. There are so many opportunities on campus – big or small. Keep trying. Never stop trying.”

Maribel is excited to continue her efforts to bring people together. She believes in the power of the Worcester State community to get things done.Ģż

ā€œItā€™s on us to pay attention. Itā€™s on us to make WSU a home,ā€ Maribel said. ā€œItā€™s not just on me as SGA President, but itā€™s on us. Itā€™s on everyone to make that change.ā€

Thank you Maribel for your passion and the amazing advocacy work youā€™ve already done at WSU thus far. We canā€™t wait to see the lasting impact of your efforts.

Cheers to Leadership. Cheers to Passion!

Sincerely,

The Office of Student Involvement & Leadership Development

The post SGA President Maribel Mateo | Advocating for All Students appeared first on Campus Life.