Leadership Student Profiles

Name: Jackie Nguyen
Grade: Junior
Major: Environmental Health
Hometown: OKC

Why did you get involved with the Drury Leadership Certificate Program?
I wanted to get involved with this program to acquire leadership skills before entering the work force. I also thought it was a good way to meet people on campus with the same interests.

What kinds of skills have you gained/things you have learned being in this program that will benefit you in the future?
Through this program, I have learned that being a leader is not just a set of skills. A leader is a person who learns to adapt to their surroundings and strive to reach individuals, communities all over.

What do you feel this program has offered to you that others peers don’t get at Drury?
This program has showed me insight on the differences between ineffective and effective leadership. The success on an organization or committee of people relies on the leader: how they carry themselves and the way they treat others. An effective leader can lead by example, not just have a set of skills.

How have you used your time at Drury to get engaged in community activities?
Here at Drury, I have joined any organization that I am interested in and that makes a profound impact on the community. I've enjoyed getting to know all the people around me in each organization and the different dynamics between all organizations I am a part of today.

What organizations on campus have you been a part of that offered you the opportunity to serve and/or have leadership opportunities, what projects have you been involved within this organization?
Delta Delta Delta - Academic Development Chair: serving on Tri Delta's disciplinary board (Standards), encouraging the importance of academics in the sorority, and supporting those in need of academic help. Student Union Board VP of Student Experience - Directing a committee of SUB members in planning the Friday After-Dark program. This program offers alternative events every Friday night to attend that are alcohol-free. Enactus - The two projects I have been a part of since joining this organization includes volunteering at Harmony House and finding ways for kids with special needs to attend art classes.

How has being a leader and/or serving shaped you as a young adult?
Being a part of these organizations, I have learned that there is more to the world than what I just see. I am made aware  of new problems every day and have learned that I can change this by simply stepping forward and taking action. Through the leadership program and my leadership positions, I have gained confidence in myself and am ready to take on any project that will positively affect the community.

Name: Sara Schupbach
Grade: Junior
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Clever, MO

Why did you get involved with the Drury Leadership Certificate Program?
I was offered a Drury Leadership Scholarship, and I felt entering the program would be beneficial, as well as a way to “thank” Drury for the scholarship.

What kinds of skills have you gained/things you have learned being in this program that will benefit you in the future?
I have learned many things that have reaffirmed how I see myself and the person that I am and want to be. Also, I recognize my weaknesses in more detail, which will serve as the starting point for transforming those areas where I lack into future strengths. In general, the Leadership Certificate Program is awesome for heightening introspection.

What do you feel this program has offered to you that others peers don’t get at Drury?
I have learned so many things about Springfield and the surrounding area that I didn’t know, and I’m really grateful for this! I have been able to be a part of so many organizations through the Leadership Program, and certainly wouldn’t be as involved in the community if I hadn’t participated in these classes and activities.

How have you used your time at Drury to get engaged in community activities? 
I love to volunteer, and I will definitely be utilizing what I learned about community. I participate in more service activities because of the program, and I am more extroverted, as I’ve been taught how to communicate and relate to others better.

What organizations on campus have you been a part of that offered you the opportunity to serve and/or have leadership opportunities, what projects have you been involved within this organization?
I have had the privilege of helping pioneer Drury Dance Marathon, which raises money for kids reliant upon Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. We have an amazing time, and get to see some of the kids we are helping directly. I’ve gained invaluable experience from being a part of this organization.
I’m an officer in Psi Chi, the psychology honor society, and we are excited to begin our service project soon.
The Student Recruitment Team has been a really fun organization, and I love being able to see the difference we make in prospective students’ decisions. Representing Drury is a big responsibility, but I really enjoy giving tours and meeting new people!

Drury’s Alpha Lambda Delta honor society has presented great ways to make a big difference in the life of another. It was awesome being able to meet the little girl we granted a wish to. She wanted her room redone, and we made this possible by creating and selling Drury cookbooks to the Springfield community.

How has being a leader and/or serving shaped you as a young adult?
Volunteering has always been a part of my life, and it has helped me in so many ways. One of the biggest differences it has made is just serving as a reminder that we don’t always find happiness from trying to better ourselves, but by opening up to others we can find joy, and in turn contentment comes naturally. Leadership has helped me gain confidence, which translates to helpfulness. You can do a lot with those two qualities, and the Leadership Program has helped me refine them.

Name: Micha Willis
Grade: Sophomore
Major: Design Art and Fine Art
Hometown: Mexico, MO

Why did you get involved with the Drury Leadership Certificate Program?
Initially, I became involved with the Drury Leadership Certificate Program because I was accepted into the Summit Leadership Community. The Summit Leadership Community covers a large requirement on the Leadership Certificate. After looking over the other criteria for the certificate, I realized that achieving the Leadership Certificate wouldn't be that difficult, but would still provide leadership essentials that could help me make a positive impact at Drury and in my future. 

What kinds of skills have you gained/things you have learned being in this program that will benefit you in the future?
The biggest and most helpful thing I've gained from the program so far is my personal definition of an ideal leader. This definition is something that I can always return to, to see what leadership skills that I'm lacking and what leadership skills I have, but can always improve on. I think this definition is what is going to shape me into the leader that I want to be.

What do you feel this program has offered to you that others peers don’t get at Drury?
I believe anyone has the capability of being a leader, but not everyone knows how to get to that point successfully or maybe not even at all. Through the leadership program, I'm given the essentials and experience of a young leader that my peers may struggle with gaining.

How have you used your time at Drury to get engaged in community activities?
Drury and Springfield are great places to become involved because it's so easy to do. Many times Drury will even set up community activities for individuals to participate in, all you have to do is sign up! My freshman year I did community service with my LLC in Sunderland Hall. This year I've volunteered with LemonDrop, I participated in a Million Meals.  The honor society I'm involved with (Alpha Lambda Delta) participates in a community service project in the winter season, and I'm currently involved with the organization Art Feeds for a year long commitment through the Summit Leadership Community.

What organizations on campus have you been a part of that offered you the opportunity to serve and/or have leadership opportunities, what projects have you been involved within this organization?
 The Summit Leadership community has given me an abundance of opportunities to serve and be a leader. Through this program I volunteer for a non-profit organization (Art Feeds), with seven others, for a year. We consider the year an ongoing "project" for the organization. First semester we planned and set up a booth at the student activities fair to spread the word about Art Feeds and talked about upcoming projects to benefit the organization. We're currently in the process of planning a benefit concert for Art Feeds. Through the planning of the event we've teamed up with another university, booked a venue, contacted/gained sponsors for the event, designed/placed flyers, booked musicians, agreed on ticket prices and a date, held countless meetings and the list goes on! Next semester, we'll actually be traveling to the organization to volunteer on site. We'll then present our "project" to Drury and the community at the end of the year.

How has being a leader and/or serving shaped you as a young adult?
I believe part of being a young adult is gaining the skill to have an open mind, and what better way to achieve this skill than through community service. Through serving the community, I'm put in situations that I wouldn't normally be in or I'm around people that I wouldn't normally communicate with. I guess you could say I'm out of my "comfort zone." This helps me put myself in other people's shoes which in return gives me an open mind about a lot of different issues, situations and people. 

Name: Eric Hines
Grade: Sophomore
Major: Biology for Pre-Med
Hometown: Bolivar, MO

Why did you get involved with the Drury Leadership Certificate Program?
 I got involved because it is a great program that helps students become more than just a graduate upon graduation. I wanted to be a part of the number of leaders that came out of Drury University

What kinds of skills have you gained/things you have learned being in this program that will benefit you in the future?
 I’ve learned skills that can help make me a better leader within a community and as part of a team. This benefits me in the future because if I get accepted into medical school I will be working with other students to complete the tasks given to us and through this program I can take charge of it and show my leadership capability.

What do you feel this program has offered to you that others peers don’t get at Drury?
This program has offered me a way of thinking that I wouldn’t get in other classes. Through this program I have more confidence in myself, which will help me on my pursuit of my professional career.

How have you used your time at Drury to get engaged in community activities?
While at Drury I have volunteered for the Convoy of Hope through the leadership program, as well as the Boys and Girls Town. I have been involved with the community in a number of ways that students can gain a better appreciation for through this program.

What organizations on campus have you been a part of that offered you the opportunity to serve and/or have leadership opportunities, what projects have you been involved within this organization?
I became the Community Service chair of Sigma Pi Fraternity my freshman year, which has allowed me to organize multiple community service opportunities such as cleaning up streets, giving back to the campus by improving its appearance, working the MS 150 in Clever, MO, and more.

How has being a leader and/or serving shaped you as a young adult?
Leadership has shaped me as a young adult by giving me more personal responsibility. I have a better appreciation for others’ efforts and understand the critical need for time commitment. Through this program I have gained more confidence and knowledge in my decision making that will always benefit me.

Name: Erica Ramsey
Grade: Junior
Major: Biology and Chemistry, Pre-medicine
Hometown: Springfield, MO

Why did you get involved with the Drury Leadership Certificate Program?
 I have always enjoyed volunteering and being involved in the community.  I also think that it is very important to spend time developing leadership skills.  I think that the Drury Leadership Certificate Program is a great way to become a more well-rounded leader and individual as well as experience some of the amazing opportunities offered at Drury! 

What kinds of skills have you gained/things you have learned being in this program that will benefit you in the future?
Being in the program has taught me to be confident in my leadership abilities.  I have also gained experience with working and communicating efficiently with a team. 

What do you feel this program has offered to you that others peers don’t get at Drury?
I think the Drury Leadership Certificate Program offers variety in leadership activities and programs that my peers do not get to experience.  I feel like I am able to develop in all aspects of being a leader because of the wide variety of experiences that I am able to participate in. 

How have you used your time at Drury to get engaged in community activities? 
I have spent a good portion of my time at Drury engaged in community activities.  I volunteered at the Salvation Army for a year long service project through Summit Park.  I have also signed up for many different volunteer activities such as Pack a Million Meals, St. Jude Walk, and volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club.  If I have free time, I love to spend it by engaging in the community!

What organizations on campus have you been a part of that offered you the opportunity to serve and/or have leadership opportunities, what projects have you been involved within this organization?
I have been the President of the Student Union Board for a year, and am getting ready to start my second term.  This has been the activity that has been the most influential on my leadership skills.  I have grown confident in my abilities, and have also learned more about my strengths and weaknesses.  I am also on the Student Advisory Board for the City of Springfield.  I meet with City Council twice a semester to give student input on community issues.  I have recently joined the Delta Delta Delta sorority which gives me the opportunity to step up and be a leader when planning philanthropy events.  We spend many hours planning and running the event Write to Fight which helps raise money for St. Jude Research Hospital.    

How has being a leader and/or serving shaped you as a young adult?
Being a leader has given me the opportunity for my voice to be heard.  It has also made me a better listener, team player, and forced me to be more organized.  I have come to realize that being a leader is about inspiring people to work towards a common goal.  The little details, and planning are important as well, but it is more important to make sure that the group is inspired to move as a unified group towards a common goal.  Serving in the community has allowed me to play a role in making the community a better place.  I feel like I am more connected to Springfield, and the people that live in it.