Leader is one word that comes to mind when thinking of Franklin & Marshall freshmen Andre Akeem Simon. As president of the freshman class, AfroCaribe club president, National Society of Leadership & Success F&M Chapter president, director of Mock Trial, mentor to Project Launch, among multiple other clubs, Andre has built himself quite the impressive resume. Between all of his amazing accomplishments thus far, I was surprised that he had time for an interview with me!
MS: What are some of the changes you feel you have made on campus?
AAS: During my role as the freshmen class president, my caucus and I hosted the freshmen event of the year. This event allowed students to interact with some of the most powerful men on campus. Students not only got the opportunity of getting to personally know these men but in addition their view of administrators role within the college has changed. It has been positively broadened.
I believe during my term, I have changed the way the student government body at F&M perceived a freshmen class president. As freshmen we are perceived as being inexperienced, unorganized and lost. None of these were the case this year, my caucus and I were on point, knowledgeable, skillful and united.
MS: How do you feel you are following the mission of F&M? What specifically have you done that shows this?
AAS: I believe I am carrying out the mission of Franklin & Marshall College to the fullest. I am embracing a through liberal arts education, both in and out of the classroom environment. Through leadership positions on clubs and student government, I am working with my peers and authority figures; planning events, doing community service and giving back to the world. I am a proud mentor to a local Lancaster high school freshman. We go through the obstacles life throws at us and learn from them together. All of these activities and experiences are providing me with the F&M promise. The promise of equipping their students with the education and skills they need to succeed and thrive in the outside world…the world away from this beautiful campus located in Lancaster, PA. Where our tradition of excellence stems from great teaching and great learning.
While Andre may be well respected for his accomplishments, he makes a point never to put himself on a pedestal above his peers. At the event he referenced, Andre was right there with us, mixing and mingling with F&M’s most important men. With a freshman year as great as this, I can’t wait to see what big changes Andre has in store for years to come!