Honorable Mention Winner
Ayanna Beckles
Seminole Community College
Sophomore in Foreign Language Education
3.47 GPA

When her fellow students at Seminole Community College greet her, Ayanna Beckles takes pride in the fact that they consider her not just a friend but also a mentor. Since her arrival at SCC, Beckles, 19, has dedicated herself to making a difference on campus and in the community. However, it was her first leadership retreat in the summer of 2002 that called Beckles to become a leader among her peers.

“Even though I was hesitant at first, the information I received was thought-provoking and showed me a side of myself that I didn’t know existed,” Beckles says. “This inspired me to get involved on campus.”

Today, Beckles holds several leadership positions at SCC as well as a continuing involvement with many student organizations. She’s president of SCC’s Student Government Association, a student ambassador, and a member of the Leadership Challenge Team, the group responsible for planning and presenting Leadership Institute Programs at SCC.

“Miss Beckles is a highly motivated individual and has achieved many successes at Seminole Community College,” says Dr. Ann McGee, SCC president.

Beckles was elected to Who’s Who among Students in American Junior Colleges, the National Dean’s List, and the Florida Community College Student Government All-Academic Team. She’s a founding member of SCC’s Oviedo Campus International Student Organization and served as president of that organization in 2002 and 2003.

Among her many achievements, Beckles played a key part in obtaining a food service on campus and organized community service initiatives such as a school supply drive for a local elementary school and student workshops concerning topics such as time and stress management.  Beckles has volunteered for the Softball and Aquatic Championships at the Special Olympics; raised funds for both the English and Spanish versions of Funds for the Relay for Life, an overnight team event held to raise money for cancer research; and volunteered for Emergency Rescue Training.

“She’s a motivated and conscientious student whose contributions to the college extend beyond the classroom,” says Rafael Davila, academic advisor.

The accomplishment Beckles is most proud of, however, is her role as a student mentor. Seeing positive change in students that statistically would have been likely to drop out of school is especially rewarding for this aspiring teacher.

“There’s a particular student that I’ve been mentoring for a year, and seeing the changes in her has been fulfilling,” Beckles says.

Her successful interactions and experiences as a guide to her peers have also led to her success in involving students with campus clubs and activities such as SCC’s Leadership Retreat Program and various fundraisers for the International Student Organization, SGA, and the Environmental Club.

Beckles revels in the fact that her peers recognize her and go out of their way to speak with her and ask for her advice. One of the things she most enjoys is that she gets to meet people and form long-lasting friendships. Beckles is also enthusiastic about the many networking opportunities that her activities offer and knows her experiences make her a better leader in her career.

“I see more potential in myself than before,” she says.

Beckles plans to graduate with an Associate of Arts degree in May 2004, after which she plans to transfer to a four-year college to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education.

Beckles receives scholarships that help her pay for part of her expenses. She also works between 20 and 40 hours a week to supplement her income. –MDJ

Contact Beckles at ayannabeckles@hotmail.com.