Donovan, Devin, and Morgan, three student body presidents.
As someone who’d never served as even a class president for high school, the idea of ‘student leaders’ fascinates me, and I wanted some perspective on what it takes to be one. I compiled some questions, gathered some people, and found out just what it takes to make a difference on campus.
How do you define a student leader?
“I think a student leader can be defined in many ways. However, I don’t think that your grades are one of them. Yes there are some traits that seem to fit both strong leaders and strong students, speaking from personal experience, corporate finance was very difficult course for me, but it certainly didn’t hold me back from being a student leader — if anything it taught me that everyone has their weaknesses. Ultimately, being involved within the campus community allows you to find people and organizations you share interests with.”
Devin Rossi
Donovan agreed, advising hopefuls presidential candidates to be ambitious go-getters and to not shy away from opportunities when presented. He made goals, set out to achieve them, and was ready to make some sacrifices with free time, hard choices, and no-win situations with the mindset of helping the most amount of people.
“I believe that all student leaders on campus have one thing in common: they are all so dedicated. Whether students are leaders in Greek Life, Athletics, or SGA, Susquehanna students leaders are unmatched in their level of dedication. I believe that a good leader does not strive to do every task and activity possible, but is so dedicated to the tasks that they do take on that those tasks are completed successfully.”
Morgan Dubbs
But let’s back up a little but; who are these former class presidents? And how did they get where they are(and how can we replicate their success)?
“I began my SGA as a class representative, the lowest ranking class officer position. The following year I was planning to run for class president, but former SGA President Christina Martin reached out to me and encouraged me to run for a executive officer position and the rest is history!”
Morgan Dubbs
Morgan describes her experience with the Community Clean Sweep program as what kept her going toward the presidency, the example of her hard work while wrestling with imposter syndrome during her junior year(which we covered in an earlier article linked here).
Devin tells a similar story, “During my time at Susquehanna I found my love of leadership in multiple areas of campus. Upon joining Orientation Team I started as a orientation leader which I loved, that propelled me to continue on to lead staff where I ultimately served as the Orientation Coordinator going into my senior year. I was able to hold an executive board position in my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, where I served as the Vice President of Events Management. My biggest leadership position was and continues to be my role as the Class of 2020 President.”
On how she managed all these differing roles, she cites effective communication with those you work with, capitalizing on everyone’s strengths and building a strong team that meets and exceeds expectations. Resilience is a trait that should be carried throughout life but when it comes to being a student leader (especially in a pandemic) you must remind yourself that you are stronger than the circumstances you are currently enduring and you are capable of handling these matters gracefully, even as you navigate them yourself.
Donovan links his cultural background, familial upbringing, and strive toward social justice as the biggest indicators he’d be heavily involved on campus.
“As a student of color in a predominantly white institution, it is quite a different experience than one would initially expect. However, it does come with some advantages. It gives you connectivity and a sense of community with all the other students of color on campus. That community is important because it allows me to be true to myself and to my people.”
Donovan Gayles
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to this incoming class that you wished had been given to you?
Morgan: “My advice to other students would be “Never think you’re not qualified for a position. If you want something, go for it! You never know what opportunities will come your way if you just put yourself out there; first-year students, delve into the college experience! It’s ok to switch majors, change friend groups, and try out many different activities. No two college experiences will look alike so own yours and make it your own!”
Donovan: It certainly was not easy but in order to manage all of my position I used upwards of 4 different calendars to track dates and events throughout different organizations. I also had to make sure that I was delegating work and trusting my teammates so that responsibilities would be taken care of.
Devin: The uncharted territories may test you but the tools that you have at your disposal, whether it be something you hold within yourself or the support of your team, those are the things that will keep you grounded in times like this. While each of these positions were different, there is one common denominator that helped me get there, passion. I found my passion for helping to create positive student experiences whether it was for a first-year or senior, I searched for ways that I could fulfill that goal and these positions allowed me to do that. Find your passion and then take opportunities that best align you with that goal, soon enough you’ll find like-minded people who will continue to introduce you to new ways to fuel your passion — you never know maybe it’ll turn into a career.
As someone pursuing their M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs emphasis, that’s more than the case. I’ve found my passion aiding other first-gen students realize their goals, and if you find what you enjoy in life, at least according to my mother, you won’t work a day in your life.
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