Melody Rodriguez-Capellan

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their place on campus?
I got involved in campus life at Club Kickoff my freshman year. I joined the Cheer Team alongside other clubs on campus. Into my second semester as a first-year student, my professor extended the invitation to become an Orientation Leader. This was the start to many of my leadership roles on and off campus. From that role, I have been a tour guide, a Zeemee Influencer, a peer mentor with the first-year seminar program, and volunteer for campus events.

My advice to students who have yet found their “people/place” is do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Whether that means asking someone to join them eating lunch, joining a club’s weekly meeting, or apply for a role on campus, all of these actions open doors to endless opportunities.

How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
When I first came to 91´«Ă˝, I believed that leadership meant having the right answers and doing everything well. Starting college at sixteen made me feel as if I had something to prove, and I focused on being prepared. However, this mindset made me realize that leadership is not about standing out; it is about standing with others. I learned quickly that instead of leading by control, I lead by example and encouragement. It is not about being the strongest voice in the room; it is all about making sure everyone else feels confident using their voice.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
The biggest lesson I have learned about leadership is that is leadership is not always the definition you find in the dictionary. Leadership is truly about how you show up in different roles and for different people. It is not about the highest position you hold, or the authority you have over others, but about supporting those around you, creating spaces where people feel welcomed and heard, and being a meaningful part of a team.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
One of my best experiences at 91´«Ă˝ so far has been speaking up at the Fall 2025 Open House, not once, but twice. Both times, I was able to show my involvement across campus, my personal journey, and how 91´«Ă˝ has positively impacted my growth in both my professional and personal life. This was meaningful to me, as not only was I able to represent the university but also inspire prospective students the endless opportunities each student can have across campus.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
My advice to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader/ person they want to become is to get involved and say yes to the opportunities offered on campus. Apply for leadership programs, attend workshops and step into the leadership roles, even when you do not feel 100% ready. Every opportunity is an open door to experiences that shape your growth and impact on and off campus.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
My plans after graduation are to launch a brick-and-mortar location for Mel’s Bakery, a fast-casual dessert concept designed for customers looking to grab high-quality sweet treats late at night. The first location will serve as the foundation for building a both recognizable and trusted brand. As Mel’s Bakery grows, I plan to expand into multiple locations and eventually franchise the business, allowing the brand to reach new communities and develop into a global dessert destination for all to enjoy.

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Student Trustee Kaitlin Schott

Class of 2024, Business Administration with a concentration in management and a minor in economics
Hometown | Southampton, MA
Campus Involvement | Student Government Association, Asian Cultural “Boba” Club, Academic Judicial Board, Conference and Event Services Office employee

Can you describe the role of the Student Trustee? What do they do for the student body?
The Student Trustee brings a student perspective to the Board of Trustees. This way, the board has an understanding of what Worcester State is like from a student point of view, not an administrative one.

What are some of the goals you hope to accomplish while in this position?
My goal is to attend more major organization and special interest group events and general meetings. I want to be able to interact with more students. I think it’s important to get any type of feedback from my peers that I can, so I can be as informative at board meetings as possible.

What do you foresee as some of the challenges you could face in this position?
Some of the challenges that I foresee in this position is not being able to attend as many events and meetings as I would like. Going into my senior year, I have a lot coming up between classes, homework, work, SGA, and board meetings. However, I am optimistic that between two semesters, I’ll be able to accomplish my goals!

At the end of the year, looking back, what do you hope your fellow students remember about you?
I hope fellow students remember that I did my best to represent the student body. I also hope that students remember that I really cared about this position and helping the Worcester State community.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader or the type of person they hope to become?
Be open to new experiences and don’t shy away from opportunities that are presented to you. This is the time to explore the type of person you want to be and take advantage of it while you can.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I want to find somewhere to work in the business management field. I’ve been considering hospitality as well as event planning, but nothing is set in stone.

The post Meet Kaitlin Schott, Student Trustee appeared first on Campus Life.

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their place on campus?
I got involved on campus when I was looking to make more friends. Working for OSILD and learning more about student organizations made me realize how fun it is to be involved in clubs!

Elias Nelson

How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
Throughout my time at WSU, I have learned how to adapt and work with different types of people, and create meaningful experiences with E-board members and students. Being able to work with other LGBTQ+ students has completely influenced my leadership development and has taught me so much as a student leader that I will bring to my future job.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
Listen closely to everyone, and don’t be afraid to try new things that seem scary.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
The best experience I have had at WSU would be having the opportunity to hear the heartfelt stories told to me by other members of the LGBTQ+ Alliance. Being able to hear their perspectives on life and form relationships with them through our similar struggles has been life changing.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
I would tell students to start slow and don’t expect to be the perfect leader immediately. It takes time to adapt to different positions, and the best way to learn is to listen.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I plan on going into Digital Marketing Management when I graduate and using the leadership skills I have learned at WSU!

Eli (center) and members of the LGBTQ+ Association and Drag Club at the spring 2022 Drag Show.

The post Student Spotlight | Elias Nelson appeared first on Campus Life.

Written by Jess Evora, Assistant Director, OSILD
Photos provided by S. Page & Worcester State

Scott Page, a native of Winchendon, MA., is the captain of the Men’s and Track teams.  He is a former treasurer and project manager for the student organization Enactus.  If that wasn’t enough, Scott also works part-time at the Wellness Center.

We asked Scott how he does it all.  He said he said he has been able to grow as a leader with the support of his Worcester State family.

Personal Growth through his Student Athlete Experience

Scott strongly feels that his experience on the track team has contributed immensely to his personal growth.

“I love the community of all the athletes,” Scott said. “Everyone meets up and talks to each other.”

Scott explained that he is extremely grateful for the resources provided to student-athletes, which ensure that they are able to perform well both in the classroom and in their respective sports.  These resources include Study Hall and assistance with class scheduling, among many other support services.

Scott also appreciates the opportunity to engage with his teammates.

Scott earned the top spot as  MASCAC (Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference) champion twice during his time at WSU.  He is pictured here with his teammates Justin Lewis (left) and Marcus Vieira (right).

“I love competing and practicing with my team.  I love being a team player,”  Scott said.  “When I wake up, I’m excited to go out there and have fun with my teammates.”

“Working with my teammates has definitely made me a better leader,” Scott said.  “I spend a lot of time with the guys I compete with on and off the track, just hanging out.  We are very family-orientated.  They’ve had such a positive impact on my last four years.”

Scott’s leadership has not gone unnoticed in the Athletics department.

“Scott is a great leader, on and off the track, not only for his teammates but the entire athletic department,” said Kelly Downs, Coordinator of Student-Athlete Support Services and Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach.

“Scott is actively involved in the Athlete Mentor Program and Student Athlete Advisory committee where he leads by example,” Kelly said. “He takes his academics seriously, and he does whatever he can on the track to be the best athlete he can.”

Scott credits his friend Tyler Nims (left, pictured here with Scott) for getting him involved in Enactus.

Stepping Outside of his Comfort Zone

In addition to his responsibilities on the field, Scott became involved with the community service-based student organization, .  He feels that Enactus created for him a second family outside of Athletics.

“My best friend Tyler Nims encouraged me to join Enactus my freshman year, and I immediately fell in love with the people I met and the things that they were doing.  It was very community service-based.  The Enactus members were my family outside of Athletics.”

Scott decided in his first year at Worcester State that he would run for an elected Executive Board position with Enactus.  He was encouraged to do so by his peers.  However, he shared that he was definitely hesitant at first.

“I was anxious to run for E-Board.  It was my first year in college,” Scott said.  “But I wanted to get more involved, and so I ran for treasurer of Enactus. And I ended up gaining so much from holding this leadership position.”

Developing a Support Network at WSU

Scott explained that he experienced many challenges that come with being a student-athlete, including finding time for things outside of athletics.

Scott at the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference.

“I’m taking five classes, and I have meets, practice, lifting, and sometimes a second practice that same day,” Scott said.  “Then carving out time for hanging out with friends who are not athletes.  And then, of course, finding time for myself and being able to relax a bit.”

However, Scott was able to overcome his challenges by building a strong community of support here at WSU, which includes his teammates and his friends on campus.

His support network also includes faculty and staff, many of whom he acknowledges for playing a large role in helping Scott manage the demands of a student-athlete.

“Dr. Mahoney [Joan “Jay” Mahoney, Professor, Business Administration and Economics, and Advisor for Enactus] has helped me so much, with classes and everything,” Scott said. “She’s been there for me, and I know she’s also been there for countless other people. Having her help me figure out my degree plan, and having her as a professor in my business classes was great too.”

“Scott is a true scholar and gentleman,” Dr. Mahoney said.  “He is a caring, people-centered servant leader always willing to put others before himself.  He did a fabulous job as Treasurer for Enactus.”

Scott also wanted to acknowledge Dr. Mary Clay [Assistant Professor, Business Administration and Economics] with whom he took his first accounting class.  “She’s the reason I chose accounting,” Scott said.

“And of course my coaches,” Scott said. “They have helped me a lot through everything. They have had such a big impact on my time here at WSU. We’ve spent so much time together.”

Taking Care of Business

Despite all of his accomplishments, Scott understands that he is a student first.  He takes his academics very seriously.  Scott will graduate an Honors student with a Business Administration degree (concentration in Accounting and Finance; minor in Economics). He plans to put that hard-earned degree to good use, and we have no doubt that he will do just that.

We wish you the best of luck Scott in your final semester here at WSU.  Please remember that we will always consider you a member of the WSU Lancer Family.

Sincerely,

The Office of Student Involvement & Leadership Development

Go Lancers!

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