Leslie Cepeda is a busy junior! She is studying medical anthropology with a minor in human biology and is fulfilling her credits for the pre-med qualification. She enjoys research and works in a lab assisting Dr. Lee, the Senior Vice President of Health Sciences and the School of Medicine Dean. And if her plate isn’t full already, Leslie is also a Presidential Intern under our new president, Dr. Pershing!
As a Presidential Intern, her most important job is representing the student body at various functions and when meeting with different groups. The interns help in different offices including Student Affairs, Enrollment and Governmental Relations. They also help host various events for the Office of the President, including many of the activities related to his inauguration this week. You can thank them for their dedication to Community Engagement Day, Pizza with the President and the inauguration ceremony.
Leslie wanted to become a Presidential Intern to learn more about the U, discover how diversity affects our university and help other students in the same internship. She has loved all of her duties so far! Governor Herbert, several senators and deans from different colleges have been in the President’s office, and Leslie has had the chance to network with them. Apart from great opportunities like meeting influential Utahans, Leslie feels her most important work is helping to make a difference at the U and working with other students.
All of the Presidential Interns work on individual special projects to improve the U, as well as completing a collaborative project, assisting with work in various offices and attending and hosting events. Leslie’s favorite so far? Co-hosting guests in the Presidential Suite at Rice-Eccles Stadium! She loves watching the football games from the Presidential Suite. “Even though I don’t understand football I have a lot of fun,” said Leslie.
Leslie is one hard-working lady! And she does all of her work with her full effort and passion. When that’s what you’re putting in, success is all you can receive. She may have less time for herself, but her work is for herself. She betters her persona through helping others. Go Leslie!