Medical Ethics & Humanities Club
The purpose of this organization is to encourage the exchange of ideas on biology, sociology, medicine, and research, with an emphasis on their connections to ethical principles and philosophical theories.

The purpose of the organization shall be to provide a space for women and people supporting women on campus to come together, uplift one another, and have positive and meaningful discussions about our experiences.

The purpose of ASL Club is to educate students about the culture and fundamentals of American Sign Language while promoting awareness and understanding of the Deaf community.

Viva La Cultura
The purpose of the organization shall be to connect and build Latino communities on campus.

There are a few more new student organizations applying for approval with Student Senate, so make sure to follow along to learn about new clubs!

Learn more about all of our club offerings by clicking here. Feel free to email studentinvolvement@worcester.edu with any questions or to learn how to join a club! While the deadline to submit to start a new club has passed, we would also be happy to meet with you about starting a student organization!

The post Welcome Spring 2026 appeared first on Campus Life.

Class of 2026, Political Science with a minor in Spanish
Hometown | Worcester, MA
Campus Involvement | Intercultural Student Alliance, Student Senate Secretary of Diversity and Multiculturalism, Orientation Leader,

Brandol Ogando-Saladin

Can you describe the role of the Student Trustee? What do they do for the student body?
The Student Trustee serves as the voice of the student body on the Board of Trustees – bringing forward student concerns, perspectives, and ideas and ensuring decisions reflect student needs. It’s about being a bridge between students and university leadership so students have a seat at the table when important choices are made. The Student Trustee also attends SGA meetings as a guest and non-voting member, which provides another opportunity to stay connected and involved with student concerns at a more direct level.

What are some goals you hope to accomplish while in this position?
I want to strengthen communication between students and the administration so students feel informed and included in decisions. I aim to elevate underrepresented voices in campus conversations and support initiatives that improve student life and success through resources, support systems, and meaningful opportunities for engagement.

What are some of the challenges you could face in this position?
Balancing the diverse needs of our student body can be challenging because priorities do not always align. Students come from many different backgrounds, with unique goals and concerns, and it is not always easy to represent everyone equally at the same time. Another challenge is making sure students feel heard and that their input is valued in decision-making. It takes time and effort to build trust between students and leadership, and part of this role is making sure those conversations remain open and meaningful.

What do you hope your fellow students remember about you?
I hope students remember me as someone who listened, was approachable, and worked hard to represent them. I also hope to be remembered as a leader who helped make the campus more inclusive and connected.

What advice would you give to students just beginning to explore the type of leader they hope to become?
Say yes to opportunities, even small ones, because every experience helps you grow. The kind of leader you become is shaped by the relationships you build, the challenges you face, and the values you choose to stand by. My advice is to stay open to growth, seek out mentors and peers who inspire you, and remember that leadership is ultimately about service and making a positive impact on the people around you.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I plan on pursuing a master’s degree to continue building my knowledge and skills, and then I want to pursue a career in diplomacy and international relations. My goal is to work on issues that affect both our country and the broader global community, such as security, human rights, and sustainable development.

The post Meet Brandol Ogando-Saladin, Student Trustee appeared first on Campus Life.

Class of 2025, Psychology, minor in Spanish and Pre-Law
Hometown | Clinton, MA
Campus Involvement | Student Senate, Tour Guide, Presidential Student Ambassador, Honors Program

Lilian Sydow, SGA President

Can you describe the role of the SGA President? What do they do for the student body?
Two of the SGA President’s main roles are to run weekly Senate meetings in an orderly fashion, and to connect students with administrators and faculty who can assist them in their academic journeys. Within the student body, the SGA President is responsible for making sure the needs of the students are heard by administration, and not just their personal needs.

What are some goals you hope to accomplish while in this position?
While in this position, I hope to bring more awareness to what decisions are being made and what is going on around campus. I was unaware of so many decisions being made at the administrative level before joining SGA, and my ultimate goal is to provide everyone with the same access to the information as other members and I have.

What are some of the challenges you could face in this position?
Worcester State is an extremely diverse campus, and every student here is unique. That being said, it may be difficult to satisfy everyone when advocating for what the majority of students want. Also, relating to my main goal, it may be difficult to give all students the same access to information because not everyone uses the same methods of communication.

What do you hope your fellow students remember about you?
I hope they remember my work ethic and my determination to help them be heard in all areas  around campus. I also hope students will remember my approachability. My job is to listen to  students and express their opinions, and I can’t effectively do that if I’m not approachable to them!

What advice would you give to students just beginning to explore the type of leader they hope to become?My biggest piece of advice: Don’t sell yourself short. You can’t reach your full potential if you aren’t reaching for it, and you’ll never know what you are capable of if you don’t try your best. It can be difficult at times, and it might feel like a lot on your plate, but growth isn’t always comfortable! It’s a bit clichĂ©, but if you struggle or don’t succeed the first time, TRY AGAIN! Worcester State is filled with people who want to help you succeed, and they are all so supportive! Never be afraid to reach out for help!

What are your current plans for the next few years?
After graduating from Worcester State, I am planning to go to law school. I’m hoping to pursue civil law, specializing in either family or immigration law!

The post Meet Lilian Sydow, SGA President appeared first on Campus Life.

Ansha Khan

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their place on campus?
The way I got involved was I just quite literally showed up to different club meetings. I started getting involved in NSSLHA when I heard students in class talking about going to the meetings. I got involved in MSA because I am passionate about it. I did go to other club meetings but they just weren’t for me and that’s okay. 

My best recommendation would be to check through all of the clubs/ organizations available on campus and choose which ones pique your interest. These clubs may relate to your major, your passions, or could be random and you found them curious. Just make it apparent to go to the meeting and try it out. I took a defense class my freshman year and it was so much fun. Choose different interests and step out of your comfort zone.

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?
Without a doubt, my trust in myself and my self-confidence have grown tremendously. I used to believe that I wouldn’t succeed, that everything would fail, that I wouldn’t be able to do it, etc., when I initially started in my leadership role. But as time went on I started to change and realize my abilities and skills. My e-board definitely helped influence this change by lifting me up and continuously encouraging me to keep going.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
The most important thing I’ve learned about leadership is that asking questions is better than assuming. Help is always there if you need it. Another big lesson I learned was to have faith in myself and be proud of my accomplishments. 

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
My first Ramadan Iftar Dinner was the highlight of my time at WSU at this point. I genuinely wouldn’t have known my best friends the way I do now if it weren’t for that night, when I first met and grew close to them. That night held an abundance of memories as we, a Muslim community, got to come together like this in faith. 

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?
Not giving up is the most important piece of advice I would tell students who are just starting to consider their leadership role. I know it sounds cliche, but if you want to be a leader or it’s who you are, don’t give up on it. There will be moments when you feel overburdened but don’t shy away from asking for help, it will always be there. One step at a time is the best approach.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I hope to continue my education here at Worcester State and get into the 4+1 Speech-Language Pathology Master’s program this upcoming April. After that, I plan to take my board examinations and obtain clinical certification in order to work as a registered speech-language pathologist. 

Members of MSA at their annual Iftar dinner.

The post Student Spotlight | Ansha Khan appeared first on Campus Life.

Book Club
The purpose of Book Club is to create a welcoming community where students engage in discussions about books to further appreciate and understand them, all while sharing common book-related interests and engaging in book-related activities.

Education Club
The purpose of the Education Club shall be to have a community of future teachers to collaborate with one another, provide educational workshops for professional development, and be a community where we can support one another professionally or socially.

Fire-Flow Club
Fire Flow teaches individuals the art of fire spinning while honoring and incorporating traditions inspired by Native American practices.

Investing, Money Management, and Trading Club
IMT helps to foster financial literacy among WSU students by providing a platform to learn and practice the principles of investing, money management, and trading.

Paw Print Club
The purpose of Paw Print Club is to offer students an opportunity to become more involved with the surrounding community of Worcester with core aspects of the club gauged towards animal well-being. This will not only offer a glimpse into the field of veterinary medicine but will allow students to Â鶹ĘÓƵ a positive impact/cause to their community, ultimately providing a sense of fulfillment and happiness.

Also coming this semester:
Accounting Club, Newman Association, and Rock Climbing Club

Learn more about all of our club offerings by clicking here. Feel free to email studentinvolvement@worcester.edu with any questions or to learn how to join a club! While the deadline to submit to start a new club has passed, we would also be happy to meet with you about starting a student organization!

The post Welcome Spring 2025 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?
My friend Eric introduced me to the Commuter Activity Board. He suggested I come by and check it out. It’s a lot of fun! I usually don’t get involved in social activities on campus because I’m a shy person. I’d usually just hang out with my closest friends. Looking back, I wish I had joined the club sooner. For those still searching for their own social group, consider joining a few clubs to see which ones resonate with you the most. Each club offers its own unique vibe. Get involved on campus, and the experience you gain will last you a lifetime.

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?
In the past, I would simply follow someone else’s lead. However, when I became the president, everyone turned to me for guidance. As a result, I started speaking up and became a better person to lead my organization. I began talking to more people and actively listening to their opinions, which allowed me to grow as an individual.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
Not everything will go as planned, and you must listen to your followers for feedback on the event. Something always happens spontaneously, and you need to pay attention to the situation to fix the problem.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
Getting involved on campus has made me a better person today. It has made me more social and allowed me to meet other organizations on campus. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, but that’s okay because it’s how you grow as a person.

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?
Get involved in an organization and actively contribute whenever possible. Engage in conversations with the other board members to demonstrate your interest in expanding your involvement within the organization. The valuable friendships and experiences you’ve gained from the organization will serve you well throughout your life.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
After graduating from Â鶹ĘÓƵ, I plan to secure an Analysis position that will allow me to further develop the skills I’ve acquired during my time here.

The post Student Spotlight | Josh Gadway appeared first on Campus Life.

Kyram Pou

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their place on campus?
When I transferred to Worcester State as a sophomore, I immediately knew what I wanted to be a part of. I always seek to be a change in my community, so I immediately joined the Intercultural Student Alliance (formerly known as Third World Alliance) to bring a sense of community and belonging to underrepresented students who don’t have much of a voice for themselves in their community. A piece of advice I would give to students who haven’t yet found their “people/place” on campus is: make your own place if you don’t see it. Don’t be afraid to mark your territory on what you are standing on. If you do not feel comfortable, make yourself comfortable. Make connections with current student leaders to see how you can help bring the change you want to see within your community.

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?
I began looking at Worcester State as a whole and realized I would like to help be the voice for all students, so I ended up joining the Student Senate. I immediately became a class of 2025 Senator, and was recommended to obtain the role of Treasurer. Over the course of my sophomore year, I began to make lots of friends which resulted in me wanting to pursue more leadership roles, like being an Orientation Leader. While being an Orientation Leader, I made more friends like myself who are leaders, which opened more doors for student networking opportunities at Worcester State. Making friends definitely plays a role in leadership change because more opportunities open and you begin to have more of a bird’s eye view of life at Worcester State.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
When it comes to leadership, I have been surrounded by different people. I’ve learned how to blend myself in with people of different backgrounds, cultures, preferences, and so on, and there’s so much more to learn. It’s important to take into consideration that not everyone will be the same as you so it’s important for you to take those first steps and make those connections because no one will do it for you. Each leader has different leadership styles and traits which makes them who they are, which is something I have been able to adapt to.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
My best experience at Worcester State is definitely being a student leader. There are so many different clubs I have been a part of, and there are more that I would like to be involved in. Each club has a different focus so I am always learning something new from each club, whether that is the Intercultural Student Alliance, Student Government Association, Photography Club, and so on. I have learned how to expand my leadership skills as well as my interpersonal skills beyond my typical lecture-style classroom, and I have been able to exert the skills I have accumulated throughout my time at Worcester State to real-world situations which I am more than appreciative of.

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?
Never be afraid to make your mark. College is about YOU so you need to take those first steps to see the change you want to see in your community!

What are your current plans for the next few years?
For the next few years, I plan to obtain a Master’s Degree in Communication. Currently, there have been lots of schools I have been eyeing and I have faith that I will get into the school I really want to get into!

The post Student Spotlight | Kyram Pou appeared first on Campus Life.

Campus One80 Ministry
The purpose of the club is to establish an atmosphere of Christian community and fellowship, give opportunity for sharing Christian beliefs, and to provide a welcoming atmosphere for others who are interested in learning about Christianity.

First Generation Nation
The purpose of the First Generation Nation is to empower first-generation students to develop a sense of belonging and community through social, academic, cultural, career, and financial programming that is easily accessible.

International Student Club
The purpose of the club is to form a community for international students and share cultural backgrounds and bring exposure to everyone. Also for all international students to share their problems and concerns and to be part of a community.

Also coming this semester:
Armenian Student Association, Computer Science Club, and Photography Club

Learn more about all of our club offerings by clicking here. Feel free to email studentinvolvement@worcester.edu with any questions or to learn how to join a club! While the deadline to submit to start a new club has passed, we would also be happy to meet with you about starting a student organization!

The post Welcome Spring 2024 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?
I got involved in campus life by taking the initiative and showing up to events and club meetings and talking to the people there. I filled out club interest forms, tried different things, and talked to as many people as I could until I found things that I was both interested in and felt like I belonged. It takes equally as much effort on your end to find your group as it does for that group to include you, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!

Zach Trudell

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?
When I came to WSU, it was the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and I, like many others, was getting too used to the shut-in lifestyle. I was definitely not a leader, nor was I particularly extroverted. Through joining clubs and organizations, volunteering and participating in different events, and taking on responsibilities, I found myself learning that I was capable of leading. I found that my style of leading was being particularly in tune with the wants and needs of those I lead. Many people want to be heard and feel like they belong, especially after years of little social contact and high stress. By lowering myself from the pedestal of some refined leader to someone who may be more personable and relatable, I found that I was able to better reach and communicate with those I lead.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned about leadership is that no one is perfect and that mistakes happen, but they are a learning experience and a chance to get better at what you do. Reflecting on mistakes may allow you to improve yourself and your leadership ability. As a leader, you should strive to do right by those you lead and those around you who look up to you. However, things will happen that will challenge you and cause you to perform poorly or make mistakes. But that is okay. Know that when you do your best and learn from everything, including mistakes, you can succeed.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
My best experience here at WSU has probably been either movie nights with friends in the residence halls, or the weekly Chess Club meetings.

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?
Take a leap of faith and try things that you might not normally do! Try volunteering, go to an event you are on the fence about, or even participate in OSILD’s Leadership Circle workshops. Self-reflection is key to figuring out how you lead or figuring out who you are and how you operate. Take time to think about how something made you feel or how you may have reacted. Look back on how you might have done something, and think about how it could have turned out differently had you done something else.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I plan on focusing on career acquisition this academic year, as well as finishing my degree. I have always dreamt of working in environmental conservation/sciences, and I am hoping that I can find a career path that will give me opportunities to make the world a better place through doing what I love. As for this current year, I plan on building up the Worcester State Chess Club and hosting/co-sponsoring events, as well as participating in some interesting research in my field. Most of all, though, I hope to enjoy my last year in school as much as I can!

The post Student Spotlight | Zach Trudell 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?
I got involved on campus when I was looking to make more friends. Working for OSILD and learning more about student organizations made me realize how fun it is to be involved in clubs!

Elias Nelson

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?
Throughout my time at WSU, I have learned how to adapt and work with different types of people, and create meaningful experiences with E-board members and students. Being able to work with other LGBTQ+ students has completely influenced my leadership development and has taught me so much as a student leader that I will bring to my future job.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
Listen closely to everyone, and don’t be afraid to try new things that seem scary.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
The best experience I have had at WSU would be having the opportunity to hear the heartfelt stories told to me by other members of the LGBTQ+ Alliance. Being able to hear their perspectives on life and form relationships with them through our similar struggles has been life changing.

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 tell students to start slow and don’t expect to be the perfect leader immediately. It takes time to adapt to different positions, and the best way to learn is to listen.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I plan on going into Digital Marketing Management when I graduate and using the leadership skills I have learned at WSU!

Eli (center) and members of the LGBTQ+ Association and Drag Club at the spring 2022 Drag Show.

The post Student Spotlight | Elias Nelson appeared first on Campus Life.