Student leaders from the Sr. Thea Bowman Center for Women with director Dr. Shannon O’Neill at last February’s One Billion Rising event.
For many, the idea of becoming a student leader on campus may seem like a daunting or unattainable goal. One of the (many) wonderful aspects of Siena, however, is that, while we’re a large enough school to have a variety of opportunities for you to get involved on campus, we’re small enough that you can have an impact and become a campus leader.
1. Become a more active member of the clubs you are in.
If you’re hoping to one day be on the e-board of your favorite club, start the process by being active and engaged. It’ll make you a much better leader in the future, and will ensure that you pick a leadership position that you love and are passionate about.
2. Look for ways to get involved with offices you’re passionate about.
We have a TON of really cool offices on campus that offer leadership positions. Whether it’s the Women’s Center, the Damietta Cross Cultural Center, the Chaplain’s Office or the Office of Academic and Community Engagement, finding an office that fits your passions and interests may lead you to a leadership position that will shape the type of person you become in college.
3. Get more leadership training.
If you’re a first or second year student, consider joining First Year Leadership Institute or EXCEL, a leadership program for sophomores. Both programs offer support in figuring out what kind of leader you are and how to better serve the organizations that you’re working with.
4. Ask questions.
If you’re not sure about something, ask! People love to hear that others are interested in becoming involved in their organizations. Sending a quick email or asking a friend to talk to your about their leadership position can’t hurt, and can only help you narrow down what you are interested in.
5. Keep informed.
Many leadership positions are fairly well publicized, so read the Student Digest, check your email every day, and keep an eye on campus flyers. If there are any new opportunities that you may be interested in, these are some of the ways you might find out about them.
6. Embrace servant leadership.
As a part of Siena’s Franciscan heritage, we put a lot of emphasis on the idea and practice of servant leadership, or leadership that isn’t just for our own benefit, but on how we can use our strengths to best serve our peers. By putting the community’s needs at the forefront of your mind, you can best serve in a way that speaks to both your needs and areas of growth and those of organization you’ll be working with!