Advice from Florida's top college students

     Wondering if other campus leaders are dealing with the same issues as you? A closer look at the winners of the 1999 Florida College Student of the Year Award revealed advice that could help your organization reach its full potential.

What is your number-one accomplishment as a leader?

"Raising enrollment and spirit for the university."
—Richard Viens, 1998-99 ambassador, Florida Atlantic University

"While working with Spouse Abuse, we saw many sad days, but knowing that I helped one person who was being abused find shelter, start a better way of life, or help build their self-esteem made my job that much better. You can never put a price tag on saving someone’s life."
—Melissa Zelniker, 1998-99 director, Volunteer UCF, University of Central Florida

"Making a difference on my campus by pushing for scholarships for nontraditional students. Our college now has $10,000 a year for returning students because of our Students Offering Support."
—Joseph Papa, co-founder, Students Offering Support, Pasco-Hernando Community College

"Remaining true to myself through my whole involvement in leadership roles. Too many ‘leaders’ quickly forget who they are, and in doing so, they lose touch with the people they supposedly serve. They forget what it means to be a true leader."
—Gary Slossberg, 1998-99 president, Inter-Residence Hall Association, University of Florida

"I took the initiative to reinstitute a supportive organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered individuals on campus."
—Sara Cotner, 1998-99 managing editor, The Stetson Reporter, Stetson University

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned as a leader?

"Leaders are neither born nor made—they’re constantly becoming. Everyone has the potential to develop leadership and even leaders are constantly learning how to improve."
—Taryn Fielder, 1998-99 resident advisor, Eckerd College

"I’ve learned important interpersonal skills. Taking a sincere interest in others and making them comfortable is important in forming a solid organization."
—Melissa Llera, 1998-99 ambassador, Barry University

"Lead by example. People will not commit to a hypocritical leader’s goals."
—Jennifer Salinas, 1998-99 president, Student Activity Board, Central Florida Community College

"That within every person there is a leader waiting to be motivated, coaxed forward, and empowered to participate and contribute his or her own unique ideas."
—Beverley Mas, 1998-99 ambassador, Palm Beach Community College

"I’ve learned that you are always a leader, even on your ‘off time.’ People will always look to you for advice or just how to handle a particular situation. I must always be aware of my surroundings."
—Jennifer Gurchak, 1998-99 president, Phi Theta Kappa, Valencia Community College

How do you motivate and encourage others to get involved?

"Probably one of the hardest aspects of being a leader is convincing others that their participation is crucial to campus success. I’ve always gone with the one-on-one approach. If we have 25 members of an organization and each member approaches three students a week, think about how many students we are reaching in a month."
—Jenee Fernandes-Jones, 1998-99 executive director, Student Government, Miami-Dade Community College, North Campus

"I encourage and motivate others to get involved by expressing my own motivation for extracurricular activities and community service. Excitement is contagious. If they see how beneficial the cause is and how much fun you’re having, they usually catch the spirit."
—Anna Berger, 1999 conference director, Leaders Involved For Tomorrow, University of Central Florida

"Continuous conversation. Everywhere I go, I try to inform students about the various opportunities my campus offers. The more you put in, the more you get out. That holds true, and people recognize that."
—Megan Miller, 1998-99 student representative, University Religious Affairs Committee, Florida State University

"Make things fun. Make people almost envy the excitement and energy you create...they’ll beg to join in."
—Daniel McCabe, 1998-99 Alternative Break Corps site leader, Florida State University

"I speak enthusiastically about my experiences and plan fun events to get people motivated."
—Debbie Goss, 1998-99 president, Student Government, Florida Institute of Technology

"Student apathy is one of our largest problems. I try to keep the campus informed about events, activities, and occurrences through extensive use of the university’s media resources."
—Alyson Dion, 1998-99 Campus Life editor, The Knight, Nova Southeastern University

"We have a hate crime problem right now, and we’re writing editorials and using the newspaper as an open forum."
—Natalie Smith, 1998-99 editor in chief, The Pulse, Lynn University

"I’m an enthusiastic advocate for campus involvement. There are so many students who miss out on the great experiences and wonderful friendships they could be gaining through being involved on campus. I try to get as many people as possible to get involved."
—Dana Hill, 1998-99 director, Dance Marathon, Florida State University

"Equal representation of all students and concerns. I’m leading by example and hoping others will follow."
—Ian Lane, 1998-99 treasurer, Student Government, University of Florida

"The biggest problem on our campus is taking control of our own destinies. This starts by defining your role and how you fit into the big picture. As a solution, I act on my conscience, always making an effort to do the right thing."
—Kristin Tucker, 1998-99 president, Student Government Association, Florida A&M University

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