Thomas Skidmore, a junior at USFSP majoring in Marketing, has definitely changed, in an astonishing way, since his first year as a freshman. Not only has Thomas Skidmore excelled academically, he has done so while being actively involved in three different organizations: Delta Sigma Pi, a co-ed professional business fraternity, Bulls Out Loud, a new organization on campus helping students with their leadership and presentation skills and the Marketing Club; two organizations of which he is president of.
Within Delta Sigma Pi, Skidmore held leadership positions. He was Vice-president of professional events for a year and the VP of Community Service for a semester.
Skidmore’s journey at USFSP began in the summer of 2012. “What drew me to USFSP was the beautiful campus being right on the water and the small class sizes.” We are right there with you Skidmore!
When asked why he got involved in so many organizations and what actually led him to lead Bulls Out Loud and the Marketing Club, Skidmore said, “I wanted to become more involved on campus. Delta Sigma Pi has a great atmosphere and it hosts a lot of events to be involved with. With the Marketing Club, I saw it benefiting me in an interesting way and helping me with my major.”
Bulls Out Loud is a whole different detailed story on its own. Bulls Out Loud came into existence at USFSP after Skidmore became involved with Toastmasters, an organization that gives members a support group, boosting members with confidence with their presentation skills. “I was referred to Toastmasters by Janene Markuske, the Regional Vice-president of DSP, to check out the organization due to my issues when I spoke in front of a crowd.”
After being involved in Toastmasters for over a year, Skidmore has definitely seen the improvement in his leadership and presentation skills. That improvement and boost in self-confidence is what led Skidmore to team up with fellow Bulls and start Bulls Out Loud.
On a more personal note:
K- Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
T- “As the head of a big company and continuing to work with Toastmasters. “
K- What do you plan on doing upon graduation?
T- “Job searching will start the summer before graduation. I would like to get an internship to start getting experience in the field.”
K- Number one thing on your Bucketlist?
T- “Travel all over the world. Number one destination would be Peru.”
K- Coke or Pepsi?
T- “Coke!!!”
K- Advice to incoming freshman?
T- “Get involved in organizations. Attend random meetings. If you are invited somewhere, say “yes!” It can definitely lead you to interesting places.”
More information about the organizations mentioned above:
Bulls Out Loud is a club that allows students to improve their communication and leadership skills. We do this in a fun way and we offer constructive feedback. We have multiple leadership positions available.