From the Horse's Mouth
Florida's best students give advice to you

Compiled by Ana Ribero

Let’s play follow the leader—the Florida Leader, that is. The 2003 Florida College Student of the Year honorees give advice on what they do best—leading. From overcoming adversity to improving Florida’s future, these students know their stuff. Read on for their expert advice and learn what it takes to be an exceptional leader.

What surprised you most about your transition from being a high school leader to a college leader?

“I discovered a willingness on the part of college administrators to aid student leaders in accomplishing their goals. I was surprised by how many contact persons were available to recruit as resources and the numerous organizational and bureaucratic channels through which I had to find my way in order to make things happen.”
—Jason R. Guercio ­
Chief of Staff and Internal Affairs, Student Government
University of Miami
j.guercio@umiami.edu

“I was excited about the freedom and the opportunities college presented. You have a little more room to be creative in organizing things. You are looked at more as an adult.”
—Jamie Lowe
President, Circle K
Vice President, Phi Theta Kappa
Florida College
jamilo2001@yahoo.com

What advice would you give to up-and-coming leaders?

“Make sure that you’re well-versed. A student leader is an individual who’s a leader in many aspects of student life. Whether the student is a leader in the residence halls, a fraternity, a community service organization, a religious organization, or SG, she needs to diversify her activities to be able to meet and attend to different students and their concerns.”
—Yasmine P. Taeb
President, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Student Council
Treasurer, Islam on Campus
University of Florida
yastae@yahoo.com

“Get to know your faculty, staff, and administrators. Good relationships will help you and the students you represent.”
—Adam Singleton
President, Mathematics Society
Jacksonville University
asinglet@ju.edu

“Be persistent! It’s important to keep trying even when doors are shut. You also can’t do anything alone. Get to know people and their ideas, and let those guide you. Also, recognize the people who have helped shape and form you.”
—Cat Tobin
Executive Vice President, Student Government Association
Florida Southern College
ctobin@flsouther.edu

How do you overcome adversity?

“By staying focused on the overall goal or big picture. By staying positive.”
—Kelly Browning
President, Graduate and Professional Student Organization
University of South Florida

“Perseverance. Attitude is everything. You can choose to make your life into anything you like. ‘Spin doctor’ your life and fight for what you believe in. Just don’t forget the value of compromise.”
—Bruce Haupt
President, Student Government Association
Vice President, Phi Theta Kappa
Board of Governors, American Red Cross
Brevard Community College
bhaupt@cfl.rr.com

What qualities make you an effective leader?

“Having a passion that others can see and feel, being able to speak with and in front of people, and having the ability to concede to any person and to learn his story.”
—Michael Gale
Executive Representative, National Collegiate Honors Council
University of Florida
diversify@ufl.edu

“The ability to facilitate and delegate is of utmost importance. Yet, I find that it’s imperative to have fun. By enjoying what you do and showing that you’re having fun, it becomes contagious and will have an enormous impact on efficiency and productivity.”
—James Chambers
Vice President, Student Government Association
Vice President, Habitat for Humanity
Secretary, Phi Sigma Kappa
Vice President, Omicron Delta Kappa
Stetson University
jchamber@stetson.edu

How has your group improved the quality of campus life for students? How can it be further improved after you graduate?

“We have increased the level of communication between university administration and student government. New leaders need to continue meeting with university officials to work toward a common goal of increasing student services.”
—Brian Battles
Vice President and President Elect, Student Government
University of Central Florida
bcb29252@pegasus.cc.ucf.edu.

“The Honors Program has nurtured a unique group of students in a way that greatly compliments the undergraduate experience at my university. Through the Honors Ambassadors, we have strengthened the image and prestige of our program while providing important leadership opportunities to those chosen as Honors Ambassadors.”
—Michael Gale

How do you make your visions a reality and get others excited about them?

“I get others involved by rolling up my sleeves and participating myself. Organizational leaders should never delegate something they wouldn’t be willing to do themselves.”
—Steven Cohen
National Chairman and CEO, Friends for Life of America
University of Florida
Scohen@friendsforlife.com

“I develop, organize, plan, and research what I want to do before I begin. I encourage others to get involved and develop support before I get in too deep. I encourage others to be as creative and driven as possible.”
—Michael Petrauskas
Undergraduate teaching assistant
Chairperson, Dance Marathon
Florida State University
mikepetrauskas@hotmail.com

What is the most important issue Florida college students face today?

“As more and more students are attending college, there become more students with large financial debt. Colleges help tremendously, but in today’s economy, the state scholarships are never guaranteed and leave many students anxious.”
—Cat Tobin

The most important issue any college student faces is the temptation to waste their time while in college. Many students come to college thinking that it’s all about having a good time and partying. But what you do in college will shape your future and who you are. It’s important to take time to study and also look for ways to improve the world around you.”
— Jamie Lowe

What will most improve life in Florida in the future?

“The key to a prosperous future is tolerance. We must celebrate and be willing to challenge stereotypes.”
—Steven Cohen

“I think the lessening divide between demographics will improve life in Florida because it’ll turn differing perspectives into one.”
— Andrew Merkin
Vice President, Student Government Association
Rollins College

If you had the power to change one thing about your school or the Florida educational system before you graduate, what would it be?

“If I could change one thing about UF, it would be to increase the administration’s commitment to promoting diversity by adding more programs promoting culture and diversity. By educating the student body, the tension on campus would diminish and the campus climate would become more pleasant and tolerable.”
—Yasmine P. Taeb

In what specific areas will you use your leadership abilities after you graduate?

“I will use my economic background to continue work in government, ensuring that economic policies will have direct benefits to the citizens of this nation.”
—Brian Battles

 “I intend to bring my leadership abilities to bear in all of my future endeavors. I hope to become a leader in the medical field, whether it is in clinical practice, clinical research, or academic medicine. Medicare needs effective leadership in order to best respond to patients’ needs.”
—Jason R. Guercio

Copyright © 2006 Oxendine Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved