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.

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 Ā鶹ŹÓʵ, most importantly the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes toĀ leadership?Ā 
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.

Class of 2022, Sociology with Pre-Law minor
Hometown | Worcester, MA
Campus Involvement | Third World Alliance, Presidential Student Ambassador, Academic Policy Governance Committee, Bias Incident Response Team, Open Educational Resources Student Ambassador
Community Involvement | MA Board of Higher Education New Undergraduate Education steering committee, Worcester World Cup steering committee

Can you describe the role of the Student Trustee? What do they do for the student body?
My role as Student Trustee is to bring studentā€™s ideas, concerns, and perspectives [to the full Board of Trustees]. My duty is to help make important decisions that will affect the student body and the campus as a whole. [I also] protect the voices of the student body,Ā their interests, and their rights, and make sure that every decision or vote I take is in the best interest of [all] students.

Last year I wrote a proposal to the board requesting a Student Trustee speaking spot on every meeting agenda, something the board never had before.Ā  The proposal was presented to the full board [and approved]; what this does is give me and future Student Trustees the space to bring everyday student’s thoughts, ideas, and concerns to [each meeting].

I also sat on a committee with two other board members and a few Worcester State administrators to help improve diversity within the [Board of Trustees membership]. What this committee did first was diversify the board sub-committees bylaws and provide space each board meeting where different offices and committees can present on [the work they are doing to support] diversity and inclusion on campus.Ā  I also voted to approve the fee freeze which allows the fees to remain the same through the 2021-2022 school year with no additional increase.

What are some of the goals you hope to accomplish while in this position?
I hope to see student interest and benefit in every decision the board makes.Ā 

What do you foresee as some of the challenges you could face in this position?
Like most things in life, it is hard to meet everyone expectations, so a challengeĀ  I foresee is that sometimes I might have to make decisions that might not be in the best interest of every student. But I am going to always make sure that I seek student’s opinions from all over campus before voting or being a part of aĀ  [board decision].

At the end of the year, looking back, what do you hope your fellow students remember about you?
I believe that not every student views or sees me in the same way; some may find my advocacy annoying while others may find it brave or inspiring. Asking people to remember me from my perspective will not be fair to student’s and their opinions, but all I can do is to keep striving to be better and allow my actions to help students to remember me from their point of view. Overall I hope students remember me for my passion to speak up for others and against injustices.

What advice would you give to students who want to make an impact on Worcester State?
I would tell them to never be afraid to speak up, or to take a stand, and to go for what they want without holding back. TheyĀ  should be resilient, willing, and committedĀ  to whatever it is [that helps them to] make an impact.

What are your current plans for after graduation?
My goal is to go to law school to help find justice for the underrepresented populations in my country and community.

Read more about Anna Johnson in our 2020 Student Spotlight post.

The post Meet Anna Johnson, Student Trustee 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.Ā 

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.Ā 

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.Ā 

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.Ā 

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?Ā 

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€Ā 

The post Jess Wicks Brings Memphis to WSU 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?
I believe as a leader I am always growing no matter where I am, but since coming to WSU my different leadership roles have helped me become a more mature leader.Ā  Working on different projects as a leader allowed me to be open and willing to learn and hear from others. To me, being a leader is all about building a relationship where you can understand your teammate and they can understand you; we all have different personalities and different skill sets that make us who we are. As a leader I learnt to always be open to learning from others while trying new ways to become a better leader.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes toĀ leadership?Ā 
The biggest lesson I have learned as a leader is that leaders are followers. For me to be able to lead and lead effectively I must first be open and willing to follow and learn for others,Ā  because that is the only way I can grow as a leader.Ā  My grandma is a very good baker and decorator so she does a lot of wedding catering and decorations, but when she is hired to decorate and someone else is hired to cater she listens to the other person and learn from them instated of saying “I can do this” or “I can do it better,” she is always open minded to trying out the other persons way of doing things . So I learned from her how to be a better follower so I can be a better leader.

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 a Black woman, not many opportunities are handed to me and I don’t always get to be seatedĀ  at the decision making table, so I always have to work twice as hard then my white counterpart to be afforded an opportunity. So as a leader I am constantlyĀ  working hard to make sure I am leading the right way and by example so that other Black girls out there can see me as their representation and know what they canĀ  be and do what they set their mind to do regardless of societal barriers.Ā  As a leader, I want other Black girls to see me advocating and know that they can also use their voice for change.Ā  As a leader I am constantly looking for a new way to highlight who I am and my identity to give othersĀ  the power to be themselves and strive for more with confidence.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
My best experience at Worcester State was hosting the Multicultural Fashion Show for Third World Alliance, and putting together a photo shoot called “A Different Shade of Black.” The portraitsĀ  from the shoot showedĀ  Black hair, Black identity and Black fashion.Ā  These were my best experiences because these tasks allowed us to showcase the beauty in multiculturalism andĀ  showcase the beauty in being different and also functioned as a way to help changeĀ  the narrative of how Brown and Black people are seen in our communities.

What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU?
My most meaningful experience at WSU has been finding a major that speaks to me and my abilities and one that fits the person I amĀ  perfectly. The experiences I have had in my class learning and doing what I enjoy the most has been the most meaningful.

What has been your biggest accomplishment since beginning your journey at WSU?
My biggest accomplishment is getting to serve my fellow students and advocating for them any way I can. Using my voice to advocate for things students are facing and see change happen is one of my greatest accomplishments.

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 will say to those people or to that person to believe in themselves,Ā  it is first step in believing you can do and be whatever you set yourĀ  mind to, then go on to love and appreciate yourself because that builds up your confidence. And above all don’t be afraid to be yourself while learning from otherĀ  and listening to others.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your leadership journey?
After undergrad I plan to go to law school; I hope to serve the youth in our communities that have been under served by the justice system. I believe that our justice system is broken and a lot of young Black youth has been victims of this failed system. My goal is to become a defense attorney to help bring justice to people that have been denied justice by the system.

The post Student Spotlight | Anna Johnson appeared first on Campus Life.

Club Name: Third World Alliance
Mission: To promote multiculturalism, inclusion, and diversity on campus and in the greater Worcester community.
Club Meeting Time:Ā  Tuesdays at 2:30pm via Zoom
Contact information/Social Media:Ģż±õ³Ņ | Twitter | Snap @wsu_twa | Email TWA@worcester.edu

Why should students get involved with your organization?
TWA teaches students about the struggle, the joy, and the discomfort in our society and ways that we can still rise as our movement continues.

What types of events and/or programs do you do throughout the year?
Throughout the year, TWA is recognized for educating the Worcester State community on the struggles that people of color face and ways that we can unite and understand. TWA holds many annual events that promote different cultures from around the world and that are representative of students, faculty and staff on our campus.Ā  Events such as our theme month speakers, Courageous Conversations lectures, the Multicultural Show, and the Poetry Slam are some of our most successful events each year.

What do you think your organization brings to the students of WSU?
TWA brings community to the campus in a cultural aspect. Students will get the opportunity to connect with other students of similar cultures to themselves while still learning about other cultures in a safe-space environment.

How can interested students join your organization?
Reach out Diara Canton at dcanton2@worcester.edu or any member of TWA and weā€™d be happy to get you involved!Ā  Also, reach out via our social media!

How can the campus community learn more about your programs and events?
Follow us on our social media pages for more information as well as reaching out to any of the pages to be added onto our email list.

You can also read the stories from past TWA members Manasseh Konadu, Omolara Ojo, and Manuel Reyes-Ponce on our blog.

The post Club Highlight | Third World Alliance appeared first on Campus Life.

Written by Jess Evora, Assistant Director, OSILD
Photos provided by M. Konadu

As a first-generation college student, Manasseh understands the importance of getting involved on campus.Ā  Manasseh currently serves on the Campus Climate Committee and the Bias Incident Response Team.Ā  He is a Peer Mentor for the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and an Event Chair for the Third World Alliance (TWA).Ā  He also helps coordinate the Young Menā€™s Group on campus.

Through his experience, Manasseh has come to learn the importance of the student voice when it comes to making large-scale decisions on campus.Ā  Therefore, he is doing everything he can to make sure he advocates for all students as WSUā€™s 2018-19 Student Trustee.Ā  We sat down with Manasseh to see how he is doing so far in this very important role.

1. Why did you decide to run for the Student Trustee position here at Worcester State?

²Ń²¹²Ō²¹²õ²õ±š³ó:Ģż ā€œLast year, after the Ā I found myself in a position where I had to stand up and speak for students.Ā  I realized that studentsā€™ perspectives and ideals needed to be presented at a higher level.

I knew that being able to communicate on a bi-weekly basis with the Trustees would do great things for the student perspective.Ā  I thought that having the respect as the Student Trustee would ensure that they would take me seriously, and thus far they have.Ā  We have been doing some great work ever since.ā€

ā€œOne of the first things we did was help create a Common Book program. We made sure that the topic of the Common Book involved race.Ā  We chose Ģż²ś²āĢż.ā€

2. What has been the most interesting part of the experience thus far?

Manasseh: ā€œThe most interesting part is seeing the campus run as an organization where there are so many moving parts and so many different layers.Ā  Itā€™s a process that you really need to sit down and engulf yourself in before you can do anything.Ā  Itā€™s a maturing experience.Ā  Iā€™m now able to understand how everyoneā€™s small contributions are really not small at all.ā€

Manasseh stays busy both on- and off-campus with a variety of leadership positions.

3. What, if anything, about your experience as Student Trustee has surprised you?

Manasseh: ā€œThe only thing that is really surprising is that everyone is human.Ā  The trustees are all human. They all have their families. They all have things going on.Ā  All our professors with PhDs are people like us.Ā  The president is a person.

At first when you see people in their suits, you tend to think this is who they are all the time.Ā  Ā To be in the room helps you see the other side of them, that they are all human too.ā€

5. What has this experience taught you about leadership?

²Ń²¹²Ō²¹²õ²õ±š³ó:Ģżā€œI’ve learned that leadership is hard, and you canā€™t please everybody.”

6. It is clear that this experience as Student Trustee is an incredible opportunity for personal growth. What do you have planned once you complete your year as a Student Trustee?

Manasseh: ā€œI really want to go to law school to be a prosecutor because I want to change the perspective that the judicial system has on the people.Ā  I think the problem in the judicial system is more a class divide rather than a racial divide.Ā  As of late, race has made a really big impact, but you have to keep in mind that most people of lower class are people of color. A lot of people try to affect change outside the system, but I want to be in the system, where I think I could do a lot more.ā€

Manasseh begins law school at UMass Law in Fall 2019.

Manasseh has set himself up perfectly to just that.Ā  He currently interns with the District Attorney for the City of Worcester.

Even more impressive, Manasseh is also the first and only student from Worcester State thus far who will be graduating a year early, and enrolling in law school at UMass Law in Fall 2019 as part of the new 3+3 Articulation Agreement.

However, in the meantime, Manasseh plans to continue to focus his efforts on advocating for all students at Worcester State as WSU Student Trustee.

Good luck Manasseh, as you finish out this year strong.

Sincerely,

The Office of Student Involvement and Leadership Development.

The post Manasseh Konadu | WSU Student Trustee appeared first on Campus Life.

Written by Jess Evora, Assistant Director, OSILD
Photos provided by O. Ojo

Massachusetts-native Omolara Ojo is a going into her final year here at Ā鶹ŹÓʵ.Ā  She is a proud Nigerian American who moved to Worcester from Cambridge, Mass. before starting her first year here on campus.Ā Ā When Omolara first started as a student here, she decided she would waste no time getting involved.

She served as a member of Third World Alliance (TWA) during her first year.Ā  In her second year, Omolara served as President of Amnesty International, a group that advocated for human rights across the world.Ā  The group no longer exists, but Omolara is proud of what they were able to accomplish during her tenure.

Omolara has been a long-term member of TWA since first joining.Ā  TWA is a group that focuses on bringing multiculturalism, pluralism, and diversity to campus and to the greater Worcester community.Ā  She served as a general member/treasurer her first year with the organization, and then Vice President in her second year with TWA.Ā  She is proud of her contribution to the organization.

ā€œIt was a difficult year when I was VP because we were understaffed,ā€ Omolara said.Ā  As Vice President, it was Omolaraā€™s responsibility to fill any gaps.Ā  She therefore served as an Executive Board member, as well as a chair person for planning events.Ā  She explained that it was certainly a challenge, but one that she was able to overcome.

Omolara is now going into her fourth year with TWA as a dedicated general member.Ā  When she is not fulfilling her responsibilities with the organization, you can find her either in class, or in the Living Room on the second floor of the Student Center.

Omolara can often be found hanging out in the Living Room in the Student Center, where she continues to build community among fellow WSU students.

OmolaraĀ recently sat down with us to share what she has learned through her involvement on campus.

How do you think youā€™ve grown as a leader during your time at Worcester State?

ā€I think Iā€™m more open to talking to not only faculty and staff within the school, but Iā€™m also more comfortable talking to business owners,ā€ Omolara said.

ā€œI think interacting with the Student Involvement Office, and other administrative offices that I wouldnā€™t have normally interacted with outside of student leadership positions, has been a real benefit for me,ā€ Omolara said. ā€œSometimes we [students] complain in silence, and donā€™t say anything.Ā  So in a way Iā€™m more proactive now.ā€

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned about leadership through your time here?

ā€œThe biggest thing that Iā€™ve learned is that you canā€™t please everyone,ā€ Omolara said. ā€œItā€™s such a tough thing to be a leader.ā€

ā€œPeople donā€™t know the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes,ā€ Omolara said. ā€œThat was something I realized, but it only really hit me when I became an E-Board member for TWA.

“Sometimes you can get so close to your goal, and one small thing can cause an event to not happen, but you just have to keep going,” Omolara said.Ā  ā€œIf I canā€™t do everything, Iā€™m going to do what I can do to the best of my ability.Ā  Iā€™d rather have one great event, than have 20 small events that are sub-par.ā€

Representation in the Community

ā€œI identify as an African-American woman.” Omolara said. “I am Nigerian American, and I think representation is very important.”

ā€œGrowing up, there were always people that looked like me,ā€ Omolara said. ā€œThen I went to college and the hallway that I lived in was predominantly White. That was an adjustment. Itā€™s made me more self-aware,” Omolara said.

As a proud Nigerian American, Omolara feels it’s important for incoming students to see people that look like them in leadership roles on campus.Ā 

“I never thought about race and my womanhood until I got to college,” Omolara said.Ā  “Even just to see someone of dark skin, having that representation is so important.”

Omolara explained that this is the reason she pushes herself to get involved and stay involved.

We hope she continues to do just that. Thank you Omolara for your contribution to the Worcester State community.

Have you found your reason for getting involved? If not, then stop by the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership Development on the second floor of the Student Center, and our friendly staff will help you discover your reason for getting involved. Oh, and donā€™t be surprised if you bump into Omolara during your visit!

The post Student Omolara Ojo Talks Culture & Representation on Campus appeared first on Campus Life.

Written by Jess Evora, Assistant Director, OSILD
Photos provided by M. Reyes-Ponce

The President of Worcester Stateā€™s Third World Alliance (TWA) is Manny Reyes-Ponce, a third-year student here on campus.Ā  Last year, Manny led TWA (a student organization that focuses on bringing multiculturalism, pluralism, and diversity to campus) to great success.

He is now going into his second year as President. Ā However, if you were to ask Manny his role on campus, he would simply tell you that he is a proud first-generation college student studying Business Administration at Worcester State, and he is a student first.

ā€œPersonally I donā€™t think titles are important,ā€ Manny said. Ā ā€œI feel that, sometimes, if you are given a title, it can be used to taken advantage of situations.ā€

Therefore, Manny does not focus on his title as President of TWA, but rather views himself as a member of a team.Ā  He strongly believes that both learning and working with a team are two important components of leadership. Ā Therefore, he is intentional in making sure he engages in learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

The Office of Student Involvement sat down with Manny recently to learn more about his work both on campus and within the local community.

Leadership through Campus Involvement

If you were looking for Manny on campus, you might find him in class. You may find him in the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) with his advisor Laxmi Bissoondial, or in the TWA Office. Ā You might also see him in the Student Involvement office, speaking with the office’s director, Kristie McNamara, about logistics for an event. Ā Finally, you may very well find Manny out in the local community helping to engage youth in conversations related to unity among diversity.

Manny is very much involved in his community, and it has shaped his view regarding the definition of leadership.

ā€œEveryone is a leader in their own way,ā€ Manny said. Ā ā€œSome people are more vocal. Others show their leadership through action.Ā  Everyone has their own type of leadership, and everyone can learn from one another.ā€

When leading a group, Manny likes to focus on ensuring he creates an inclusive environment. ā€œFor me, I personally like to get the voices and opinions of the people,ā€ Manny said. Ā ā€œItā€™s important to me to hear everyone out.ā€

Manny explained that through his work and collaboration with other leaders on campus, he has learned the importance of taking the time to truly listen to what those around him have to say.Ā  Ā He has also learned to take pieces of what he appreciates about his peersā€™ leadership style to create his own unique way of leading.

ā€œI feel lucky to have the opportunity to work with my peers on campus,ā€ Manny said. Ā ā€œThey give me another lens to see leadership because everyone has their own leadership style.ā€

Manny has also come to realize that leadership can be tough.Ā  It is not easy to lead a diverse group of individuals to accomplish a common goal.Ā  However, learning to work with diversity in a group is extremely important. This has been one of the biggest lessons Manny has learned during his time here at WSU.

ā€œIā€™ve also learned that you canā€™t please everybody,ā€ Manny said. ā€œBut the aim is to try please the majority.ā€

Making an Impact

In addition to his commitment to TWA, Manny worked this past summer as a Resident Advisor for Worcester Stateā€™s Upward Bound program (a pre-college program for local high school students). Ā He has also dedicated his time to lending a hand to Worcester Statesā€™s Alternatives for Individual Development (AID) program through the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

As a native of Worcester, Manny also feels it is important to give back to the community. He has been an active member of the program (CETS) for the past 9 years.Ā  CETS is a non-profit organization dedicated to using the sport of soccer to unify diverse communities in the pursuit of collective empowerment.Ā  Manny has been with the organization for 9 years.

Manny with members of Worcester’s Culture Exchange Through Soccer (CETS) program | Photo Copyright: CETS

ā€œWe organize Worcester World Cup for both men and women,ā€ Manny said.

The wide range of countries that have been represented in this event is a testament to the diversity of the city of Worcester.Ā  Manny explained that the teams participating in the Worcester World Cup represent many countries, including Brazil, Ecuador, Liberia, Ghana, Kenya, Somalia, Iraq, Albania, Myanmar, and Italy ā€“ just to name a few. Ā In order to qualify to represent a country in the tournament, the majority of members on each team must come from the specific country.

Mannyā€™s family is from El Salvador, and he is happy to share that El Salvador has a team participating in the games. Manny also explained that his cultural background has had a large impact on the development of his leadership style.

ā€œWhen I visit El Salvador, I notice people are very hard-working,ā€ Manny said. ā€œThings might be hard, but as long as you get the job done at the end of the day, thatā€™s what really matters.ā€

Leading Third World Alliance (TWA) into a New Academic Year

Manny brings this mindset into his work with TWA.Ā  Looking ahead to this new academic year, he is most excited to work with the new team of TWA leaders to see what they can accomplish.

ā€œWe had our retreat recently, and we had a lot of time to bond,ā€ Manny said. ā€œIā€™m looking forward to working with all of them. With last yearā€™s team, I didnā€™t know what to expect and it worked out very well.Ā  So Iā€™m excited to see that I am going to have a great experience once again.ā€

Manny with the Third World Alliance Executive Board and their Advisors from the Office of Multicultural Affairs during their 2018 retreat

Manny encourages the members of his team to take an active role and become more involved, not just in TWA, but in anything that interests them in the community.

ā€œIā€™m looking forward to seeing who is going to emerge as our next great leader as the school year ends,ā€ Manny said.Ā  Manny is also excited to collaborate with other student leaders across campus, as well as other departments and offices.

With his positive outlook and his eagerness for teamwork, we are excited to see the impact that Manny will continue to make at Worcester State this academic year.

ā€œI feel good about what we can all do together as community,ā€ Manny said.

We do too, Manny! Best of luck at Worcester State this year! Go Lancers.

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