School and Year: University of Texas at El Paso, ’16
Major: Computer Science
Leadership position: Treasurer of National Society of Leadership and Success
How do you define leadership?
Leadership is being able to motivate and inspire others to give the best version of themselves and present it to the world. Leadership is having the ability to guide others and keep up that drive that makes things happen with the help of other people. It is not so much about one person leading others around, but about many people motivating each other to better themselves, and each person taking on the leadership mentality to really make a difference.
When things in your leadership position get particularly stressful, what helps you through it?
I’ve learned many things being in the National Society of Leadership and Success, and one of the things I learned that has helped me become better at my leadership position is how to approach and handle particularly stressful situations. I learned I can do one of three things to get through it. I can pick my battles and become accepting of results I wasn’t really hoping for; I can try to compromise and chose another alternative; or I can take action and approach the problem head on to really make a difference and make a change. Whatever path I take, I keep in mind that ultimately, handling that stressful situation is what is best for my organization as a whole.
What is one experience (any kind) you think everyone should have?
I think everybody should get themselves out there, whether it be on campus or outside of campus, and join organizations and meet new people to enrich their college and life experience. But I also believe that everybody needs time to relax and think. I love going hiking, and for me, nothing is better than climbing to the top of a tall mountain and take a few minutes to think and reflect about anything I want to. Plus, it is extremely beautiful. I think everybody should experience that.
What was your number one take-away from DFT?
Number one?? More like NUMBER 5 !! I loved the way Tom explained his dance floor theory, and what I got out of it was that it is key to get more involved in anything that I do in my life. From now on, I think I will always strive to get my 5 on anywhere I go!
What is your go-to happy song?
Oh, gosh haha. Well I love music, and I’m constantly changing on what my favorite song is, or in this case, what my go-to happy song is. And currently, I would have to say that Pharrell’s “Happy” is a pretty good choice for a go-to happy song. Pharrell is a music genius and his music speaks for itself.
