Take It from the Top
Advice from Florida's best student leaders
Compiled by Lindsay Downey
There’s no set formula for success, but if anyone knows how to work at solving the equation, it’s the 2004 Florida College Student of the Year honorees. From motivating, mentoring, and overcoming adversity, to budgeting time and getting an organization off the ground, the state’s top leaders are giving you their insider tips. Read on to learn how they created success on their college campuses and how you can follow in their footsteps. For more information on the winners or to participate in the 2005 Florida College Student of the Year Award, please visit www.floridaleader.com/soty.
What surprised you most about your transition from being a high school leader to a college leader?
“The speed with which it occurred. I couldn’t believe how quickly the transformation happened. I was a senior in high school, and then -boom! -I was a freshman in college, chairing a 12-person committee, sitting on the executive council of our Student Government as a voting member, and starting my own club.”
—Craig Altemose
03-04 Co-president and Founder
Alliance of Concerned Individuals
Eckerd College
altemocs@eckerd.edu
“I was surprised by the myriad of organizations in which I could easily become involved, as well as the autonomy afforded college leaders by campus administration. I was also surprised by how quickly and easily campus leadership positions transitioned into state and national responsibilities.”
—Jason Guercio
03-04 Director and Founder
Medical Mentoring Program
University of Miami
j.guercio@umiami.edu
What advice would you give up-and-coming leaders?
“Remain confident at all times. Work closely with people you respect and admire. Upon awakening every day, I speak of the day at hand and I live by the motto ‘I can do anything I set my mind on doing.’ However, I can do it only with the help and guidance of others.”
—Wendy Reed
03-04 President
Student Government Association
Manatee Community College
z.wow@verizon.net
“Use a daily planner, Palm Pilot, or some other means of organizing your time. You don’t get paid in college, but your time is the most valuable asset and resource that you have. Use it wisely and keep good records and plans so you can review them and share that information with others.”
—Joshua Pila
03-04 Founder
Multicultural Information Council
University of Florida
jpila@ufl.edu
“Master the courage to turn original ideas into action. College is the last time that you enjoy both a limited responsibility and a paid support system: university administrators. Make the most of it!”
—Jason Guercio
How do you overcome adversity?
“Before you begin a task, make sure to plan for mishaps. If you find yourself in a place where you feel like you can’t get out, envision yourself succeeding. Let the success you desire motivate you to overcome adversity.”
—Ayanna Beckles
03-04 President
Student Government Association
Seminole Community College
ayanna.beckles@hotmail.com
“Because I’m deaf and a cancer survivor, I face adversity every day. I find hurdles at each endeavor and another setback after every bend. It hurts to climb so high and be knocked down, but I stare adversity in the face and growl right back at it, so when I fall back three steps, I step ahead another five. Fear is also what drove me because I knew that fear is what courage is derived from. I saw a cool bumper sticker one time that said, ‘Courage is fears that have said their prayers’.”
—Leslie Brown
03-04 Member
Leadership Challenge Team
Seminole Community College
deafparamedic@aol.com
“I don’t care if there is any adversity from other people. By just doing my own thing without letting other people influence me negatively, I gain a lot of respect and following.”
—Bijal Chhadva
03-04 Entertainment Chairman and Founding
Member
Dance Marathon
University of South Florida
bijalbgk@hotmail.com
What qualities make you an effective leader?
“I’ve never been an authoritarian leader. I believe in leading by example and working in the trenches with everyone else. If you’re personable, others are certainly more willing to come up to you and ask you questions, and you’re more likely to make the desired impact.”
—Kimberly Rogers
03-04 Founder
McLane Center Fall Festival
Chipola College
berly122@hotmail.com
“Dedication and work ethic. Once I start something, I put in as many hours and as much sweat as needed to complete it with 110 percent satisfaction. Using effective time management, I can be involved in many causes and build a positive reputation based on dedication and hard work that helps open doors later.”
—Joshua Pila
How has your group improved the quality of life on campus for students? How can it be further improved, even after you graduate?
“P.E.A.C.E has helped students realize how necessary it is to go out and volunteer. It gives students the opportunity to make a difference in a variety of ways. It can be further improved by keeping a better database of volunteer events and planning more alternative spring break trips.”
—Brianna Holmes
03-04 Student Coordinator
People Exploring Active Community Experience
University of Tampa
blholmes@ut.edu
“The 51st Way began as a vision I had to create a campus empowerment program that could be implemented at any university, anywhere. I’ve made a difference at UNF by teaching my peers through workshops how to have confidence in themselves and how to be self-starters. The 51st Way met and exceeded my vision when the federal government granted it 501c3 nonprofit status. Now, the 51st Way is not only changing lives on my campus but also in my community.”
—John Allen, Jr.
03-04 President and Founder
The 51st Way
University of North Florida
jallen51way@hotmail.com
“My club, the Alliance of Concerned Individuals, has helped to raise the levels of political activism and political awareness on our campus. Prior to our existence, there were no politically active groups on campus. Now, there are four. Students on campus are much more aware of political events and many have begun the transition into full participants in the democratic process.”
—Craig Altemose
How do you take your ideas from a vision to a reality? How do you get others excited about them?
“The first step is recognizing your vision and its practicality. Once you know what it is, tell others-and not just your peers. Adults and advisors know a lot as well. Take the advice they give you and think it over. If it makes sense, alter your vision a little, put it into action, and recruit others. It’s no longer your vision, it’s a shared reality.”
—Marianne Howe
03-04 Founder
Recycle UCF
University of Central Florida
annieland10@hotmail.com
“Do what 99 percent of students don’t: follow up! If you’re at a conference and you get someone’s card, be sure to send them a thank-you note and remind them of your conversation. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve simply by sending a follow-up message.”
—Steven Cohen
03-04 Founder and National Chairman
Friends for Life of America
University of Florida
sdcohen@ufl.edu
“Hearing random ideas and thoughts is one thing. Seeing them written down and organized is another. When others actually see plans for your visions organized, they immediately feel those visions are possible, and possibilities- not impossibilities-get others excited about ideas.”
—Kimberly Rogers
What is the most important issue facing Florida college students today?
“The most important issue is finding a unique activity to set them apart after graduation. More than just a degree is needed to find a job today. Finding that one ‘right’ activity is hard but necessary.”
—April Gillespie
03-04 President
Student Government
University of Tampa
agillespie@ut.edu
“I believe the most important issue facing Florida college students today is the availability of an affordable education. The cost of tuition is going to be a continual factor in the choices that upcoming students make before going to school. I’m afraid that if the cost of living continues to rise, then education may once again be for the elite.”
—Clevin Weekes
03-04 President
Honors Council
Florida Memorial College
clevinweekes@hotmail.com
“Managing stress. College students have stress from classes, organizations, family, and friends, and they must learn time management skills to enjoy their college careers.”
—Kimberly Ruhge
03-04 Founder and President
Graduate Business Student Association
University of Central Florida
kwatts03@hotmail.com
What will most improve life in Florida in the future? What role do you see yourself taking in achieving that?
“I would change the apathy level in the state of Florida. I’d encourage students and citizens to become active in their local government, use their talents to help those around them in service, and become more involved in their local community. It seems as though a small percentage does a lot for the world, while the majority are only concerned with their own world. If everyone put others before themselves, our world would be a much better place.”
—Cathalain Tobin
03-04 President
Student Government Association
Florida Southern College
ctobin@flsouthern.edu
“Maintenance of the vast expanse of Florida wilderness, especially the Everglades, for generations to follow. I intend to help finance and educate the population about the gravity of conservation issues.”
—Jason Guercio
“My goal is to help change the role of teachers and to give them back the rights they had 10 years ago.”
—Ayanna Beckles
If you had the power to change one thing about your school or the Florida educational system, what would it be? Why?
“I would focus on our teachers and educators. All schools, regardless of the level, are meant to transfer knowledge from teacher to student. Without adequate support, teachers can’t do this effectively. If we expect to continue to be a world leader, the United States has to make a sincere commitment to get behind our teachers with more training, more compensation, and most of all, more recognition.”
—Matt Collier
03-04 President
Student Government Association
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
colli3ef@erau.edu
“Budgetary constraints. It’s so hard to watch a great university that I love having to cancel classes and struggle to offer services students need because of under-funding.”
—Marianne Howe
In what specific areas will you use your leadership skills after you graduate?
“I definitely will stay involved with Saint Leo as an alumna and help out Student Government. I’ll stay involved with my sorority, and once I leave the university, I will be able to advise future sisters.”
—Janet Levic
03-04 Executive Vice President, Operations
Student Government Union
Saint Leo University
janet.levic@saintleo.edu
“I would like to advocate for improved healthcare rights here and in developing nations. I want to help people more than just by being a physician: by changing healthcare policy.”
—Minal Ahson
03-04 President
Islamic Society of UM
University of Miami
mahson@miami.edu
“In the United States Army, as a second lieutenant, I will have the opportunity to be in charge of 40 soldiers.”
—Brianna Holmes
“Someday, I would like to work in Congress as an advocate for education in America.”
—Wendy Reed
“My goal is to become a marketing manager. Therefore, I will lead within a company. I have also considered starting my own business, which would require a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a lot of leadership. Either way, I will continue my volunteer work in the community and lead by making a difference.”
—Kimberly Ruhge
Copyright © 2006 Oxendine Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved
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