The final tier in the three-tier Circles of Leadership program, Excel provides a culminating leadership experience for those students who have completed both Emerge and Engage. Throughout the fall semester, students met weekly with Sarah Potrikus and Linzy Martinez to broaden their understanding of their strengths and those of others, think critically about current social justice issues nationwide, and reflect on their leadership journeys. The program culminated in each student sharing their personal leadership story.

Claire Rondeau
Psychology, Class of 2026
Student Manager for Conference & Events Services

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
These leadership programs have been very helpful in helping me realize my leadership potential and strengths, and how I can use those strengths in my leadership roles.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
Hangout in the student center more. It’s a lot of socializing, but it’s also going to help you form connections, make friends, and get to know people better.

Read Claire’s Emerge philosophy
Read Claire’s Engage philosophy

John Beford
Public Health, Class of 2027
Dance Company officer and choreographer, Resident Assistant, Student Center Manager

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
I’ve learned how to compensate for my weaknesses with my strengths

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
I would tell me first semester self “keep pushing! step out of your comfort zone, but also take time for yourself. life is a balancing act, don’t tip too far on either end.

Read John’s Emerge philosophy
Read John’s Engage philosophy

Maria Delia
Computer Science & Business Administration, Class of 2026
Math tutor, Honors Program, IT support technician and Help Desk assistant, Orientation Leader, PAL Mentor, AAFCPAs Intern

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
Each leadership program has offered a unique and meaningful experience, helping me discover more about what I’m capable of. I’ve learned that I can accomplish far more than I initially believed by trusting myself and gradually taking on more responsibility. These programs strengthened my ability to organize my schedule, improved my communication skills through collaboration, and helped me build genuine, long-lasting relationships. Facing challenges and working through difficult moments has shown me how resilient I am, and I’m proud of everything I’ve overcome.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
Be fully present in everything you do. Take every opportunity that comes your way, and approach each one with intention, to learn more about yourself and to see just how much you’re capable of achieving. Move through things with ease and trust your journey. Your reality becomes what you choose to create.

Read Maria’s Emerge philosophy
Read Maria’s Engage philosophy

Max Passarelli
Political Science & Geography, Class of 2026
Honors program, independent research projects, Delta Alpha Pi officer, Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice, professional driving instructor

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
I think I have become a more confident person through these leadership programs.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
During your time at Worcester State you will have numerous opportunities for growth. I suggest you take advantage of these opportunities, as they will not be available forever.

Read Max’s Emerge philosophy
Read Max’s Engage philosophy

The post Congratulations Fall 2025 Excel Graduates! appeared first on Campus Life.

The final tier in the three-tier Circles of Leadership program, Excel provides a culminating leadership experience for those students who have completed both Emerge and Engage. Throughout the fall semester, students met weekly with Sarah Potrikus and Linzy Martinez to broaden their understanding of their strengths and those of others, think critically about current social justice issues nationwide, and reflect on their journeys through leadership. The program culminated in each student sharing their personal leadership story.

Allana Richardson
Computer Science, Class of 2026
Intern with the Worcester Public Schools Nutrition and IT departments

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
What I learned during my time in the leadership programs is that it’s okay to take a step back and listen to another’s suggestions; that it’s okay to ask for help and take a step back.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
One piece of advice I’d give my first-semester self would be to don’t break your back over things. Some things are out of our control and it’s okay to ask for help, even if you’re independent and want to deal with things yourself.

Read Allana’s Emerge philosophy

Hannah Rose
Occupational Therapy, Class of 2024; MS Class of 2026
Resident Assistant, Residential Life Desk Assistant, Orientation Leader, Honors Program, Student Occupational Therapy Association, Best Buddies

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
I am often capable of more than I originally believe!

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
Trust the process and don’t be afraid to try new things because you never know what might come out of it. Everything tends to work out in the end.

Read Hannah’s Emerge philosophy

Isabelle Taylor
Criminal Justice, Class of 2025
Student Center Employee, Athletic Department Study Hall Monitor, Vice President of the Criminal Justice Club, Resident Senator, Campus Climate Committee, Academic Judicial Board, University Curriculum Committee
Youth basketball coach, realtor

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
One thing I learned throughout my time in these leadership programs is that my value as a leader is not dependent on how many titles and positions I can accumulate. Instead, my value as a leader comes from my everyday actions and interactions with the people, and world, around me.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
One piece of advice I would give my freshman self is to get involved on campus, but only in a manner you truly enjoy. There are hundreds of ways to get involved on campus, so pick the ones that align with your personal passions or goals.

Read Bella’s Emerge philosophy
Read Bella’s Engage philosophy

Lily Morgan
Criminal Justice & Psychology, Class of 2025
SGA President, Criminal Justice Club, 2025 Class Committee, LGBTQ+ Alliance, Tour Guide, Presidential Student Ambassador, Honors Program, Orientation Leader

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
I have learned my style of leading. When you think about leaders, you usually think of the loud people always at the front of the group. You do not need to be loud or love attention to be a leader. You can still be yourself and use your own strengths to benefit you as a leader.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
College may seem scary, but it will become the best years of your life. College is an adventure and I am happy to have met so many people at WSU, and made so many life-long friends

Read Lily’s Emerge philosophy

Mario Lopez
Business Administration, Class of 2026

“‘I’ve seen many aspects in both Emerge and Engage play out in my leadership roles. Specifically, team leadership and how we play out roles within a team! Leadership is arguably a great resource in every field. There hasn’t been a project or idea that has succeeded without there being a good foundation of leadership displayed. Communication is a great basic tool used in most situations, I consider it to be my most used tool as of recently”!

Read Mario’s Emerge philosophy

Michel Salazar
Liberal Studies, Class of 2025

“I’ve noticed a boost of confidence in my ability to rise to leadership positions both on and off campus. I’ve taken up more responsibilities this year in my areas of work, and have mastered most things within my skill set. My bosses have also noticed this positive change and can count on me to get things done! Leadership development is important because, with the proper resources, anyone can rise to greatness. I have seen how these trainings have turned me into someone well-respected and well-balanced. I am now someone people can admire and go to for help. I care very deeply about enriching myself in the most immersive leadership experiences college has to offer!”

Read Michel’s Emerge philosophy

The post Congratulations Fall 2024 Excel Graduates! appeared first on Campus Life.

The final tier in the three-tier Circles of Leadership program, Excel provides a culminating leadership experience for those students who have completed both Emerge and Engage. Throughout the fall semester, five students met weekly with Sarah Potrikus and Linzy Martinez to broaden their understanding of their personal strengths and those of others, think critically about current social justice issues across the nation, and reflect on their own journeys through leadership. The program culminated in each student sharing their personal leadership story.

Avery LeBlanc, Class of 2024

Avery LeBlanc
Psychology, Class of 2024
Student Events Committee President, Honors Program, Psi Chi member

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
Through these leadership programs, I have learned ways I can use my personal strengths to be a better leader not just for myself but for others.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
I would tell my first-semester self to not be afraid to put myself out there. I would tell myself to not try and be perfect.

Read Avery’s Engage philosophy

Michael Letendre, Class of 2023

Michael Letendre
Communication, Class of 2023
Orientation Leader, Resident Assistant, Men’s 91´«Ă˝ Team/Manager, Sports Club Founder, New Worcester Spy, Center for Community Media, Sports Information Intern

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
These leadership programs helped me understand who I am as a person & as a leader, what my strengths are & how they play a part in my role in this world.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
Do what you want to do & what makes you happy. Don’t wait for someone else to do it with you. Branching out has led me to a number of opportunities to grow & meet new people.

Read Mikie’s Emerge philosophy
Read Mikie’s Engage philosophy

Devin Lyden, Class of 2023

Devin Lyden
Business Administration, Class of 2023
Orientation Leader, Resident Assistant, Chess Club, Hiking Club

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
I have learned more about the little nitty-gritty details about how I like to lead and how to play to my strengths

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
The next few years are gonna be filled with the best and worst of times. Surround yourself with people who are going to elevate you to a higher standard always

Read Devin’s Emerge philosophy
Read Devin’s Engage philosophy

The post Congratulations Spring 2023 Excel Graduates! appeared first on Campus Life.

The final tier in the three-tier Circles of Leadership program, Excel provides a culminating leadership experience for those students who have completed both Emerge and Engage. Throughout the fall semester, five students met weekly with Sarah Potrikus and Linzy Martinez to broaden their understanding of their personal strengths and those of others, think critically about current social justice issues across the nation, and reflect on their own journeys through leadership. The program culminated in each student sharing their personal leadership story.

Briana Chang, Class of 2022

Briana Chang
Environmental Science & Biology, Class of 2023
Orientation Leader, LGBTQ+ Alliance treasurer, Class of 2023 Senator, Freshman Peer Mentor, Peer-Assistant Learning (PAL) Mentor, Asian Cultural Boba Club, Hiking Club, Pre-Med Club, various interdisciplinary research projects
Old Sturbridge Charter Public School volunteer, Special Olympics volunteer

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
The one thing I learned about myself through the leadership program is to believe in myself. I have all the necessary tools to be a leader, I just needed to believe in myself.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first semester self?
One piece of advice I would give to the first-semester self is to get involved. Get out of my room and join a club because there are so many amazing people out there to be met!

Read Briana’s Emerge philosophy
Read Briana’s Engage philosophy

Caitlin Kincaid, Class of 2023

Caitlin Kincaid
Psychology & Political Science, Class of 2023
Class of 2023 Senator, Political Science Club president, Orientation Leader, Tour Guide lead, Conference & Events Services Office student employee
Special Olympics volunteer

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
One thing I have learned about myself during these programs is how to effectively use my individual strengths, and how to find balance between taking action as a leader, and also taking a step back to encourage others to take the lead.  

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first semester self?
One piece of advice I would give to my first-semester self is to not be afraid to step outside of my comfort zone and try new things. If you never try something you will never know what it could result in. I think that one of my favorite quotes encompasses this,  “Confidence is a byproduct of action”, you have to essentially take action, even if it’s is messy action to build up confidence in any aspect of life. (Quote from For the Girls podcast by Victoria Alario.

Read Caitlin’s Emerge philosophy
Read Caitlin’s Engage philosophy

Tyler LaComfora, Class of 2023

Tyler LaComfora
Business Administration, Class of 2023
Career Services student employee
Youth basketball coach, realtor

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
One thing I learned about myself throughout these programs is that people value my opinion a lot more than I had thought previously. It boosted my confidence a lot. I think setting the strength related goals has helped me in my relationships, business, and with my overall health since the program began. I am in an excellent place.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first semester self?
My piece of advice I would give my first semester self is to stand on your beliefs more. I let far too many influences change who I was in a negative way. If I had the awareness I do now, I could have saved myself a lot of time and energy that could be spent elsewhere.

Read Tyler’s Engage philosophy

Audra Miller, Class of 2025

Audra Miller
Elementary Education, Class of 2025
CLEWs, Mote Marine Laboratory Trip participant

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
One thing I have learned about through these leadership programs is that I adore working with children and being able to impact their lives is the most rewarding feeling. I have also realized how much I want to make a difference in our community and environment, and that I do have the strength, being one person, to make a difference.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first semester self?
A piece of advice I would give my first-semester self is to relax more because there are more opportunities that lie ahead than I think. I would also tell myself to make the most of every leadership opportunity I get because every single one is unique in its own way, they should be cherished and appreciated to the fullest.

Read Audra’s Emerge philosophy

Mikah Williams
Psychology, Class of 2023
Chess Club, QCC Mentorship Program

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
I learned that I tend to idolize and later mimic traits of people who I highly regard. Through these programs not only did I learn my strengths, I also learned how to lead with them effective and efficiently.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first semester self?
I would remind myself that this to shall pass.

The post Congratulations Fall 2022 Excel Graduates! appeared first on Campus Life.

Class of 2023, Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health Services, minor in Public Health
Hometown | Shrewsbury, MA
Campus Involvement | Student Senate, Women’s Cross Country Team, Women’s Track Team, 2023 Class Committee, Resident Assistant, Circles of Leadership, Orientation Leader

Erica Hanlon, SGA President

Can you describe the role of the SGA President? What do they do for the student body
The SGA President collaborates with the student senate and the rest of the student body to represent our student population and advocate for student needs. The SGA President attends various meetings with administration, alumni, and students to be a voice for the student body.

What are some of the goals you hope to accomplish while in this position?
One of my goals is to add a new aspect to the student senate in which each senator will have a focus group on campus to receive feedback from and offer support to. Another goal I have is to increase community outreach through creating opportunities for students to donate to and support the greater Worcester area. Overall, I aim to be an approachable and helpful person for all WSU students.

What do you foresee as some of the challenges you could face in this position?
A challenge I foresee in this position is not being able to please everyone, as there will be many different opinions among our student body, and I will need to do my best to represent as many students as possible as well as my own beliefs.

At the end of the year, looking back, what do you hope your fellow students remember about you?
At the end of the year, I hope my fellow students will remember me as someone who was genuine, welcoming, helpful, and action-oriented.

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 key piece of advice is to push yourself to follow what interests you regardless of anyone else’s opinion. If you are thinking about trying something new or stepping up to be in a leadership position, just try for it! No one is judging you and any endeavor for your own personal growth is well worth any potential nerves.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
After graduation, I hope to work as a Resident Director at a university while taking graduate classes for my Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. I also hope to adopt a dog and travel

The post Meet Erica Hanlon, SGA President appeared first on Campus Life.

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?
At WSU, I have definitely become a  more active, involved, and confident leader. When I started, I was really quiet and super nervous! Meeting new people, student leaders, and staff here has really made me come out of my shell. The people around me have shown me what it takes to be a leader, and most importantly, they showed me that I have what it takes. I have been met with kindness and open minds who want to hear what I have to say and help me to reach my goals. 

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership? 
The biggest lesson I have learned when it comes to leadership is that it’s okay to ask for help! I wouldn’t be the person I am if it weren’t for the help of the people around me. I used to be really afraid to ask for help but through being involved on campus I have gotten so much better at this.

We really want to highlight the intersection of identity, culture, and leadership development. Can you share how your identity has shaped your leadership style throughout the years?
As I’ve gotten more involved on campus I have felt so much more comfortable being myself. Coming out was a huge part of this. It was so scary, but in the end I felt so accepted by the community around me and found that it was just another thing that I can use to help make me a better leader. Since I have come out, I have become a part of the team behind the LGBTQ+ Alliance on campus. I found that I can contribute to the wonderful safe space that they create. I have even become a safe space for others who need someone to talk to when it is too scary to talk to anyone else. I have come to appreciate the unique experience I have as someone in he LGBTQ+ community, especially since I can use it to help others who are working through it. 

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
My best experience has been working with OSILD through the leadership programs. And I’m not just saying this because they gave me the opportunity to talk about myself! They really do give so many opportunities. They have really helped me to work on myself and my leadership. They gave me opportunities to meet leaders like myself to share and hear ideas. They also stick with you- checking in, and helping out.

What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU?
When I was in freshman seminar my first year, it was required for us to participate in a “mock interview.” I didn’t think much of it- it was just an assignment that I needed to get done. However, I actually met some really amazing people in my interview, and since it wasn’t real, I felt really calm, and every interview since then has been a breeze. I really recommend this program.

However, the people I met were the most important part.  They opened up a door I didn’t even know existed. Before I knew it, I had a real interview for a summer job. I worked with individuals with disabilities and I learned so much that summer. I even learned that this is a population that I want to work with in the future as a therapist. It’s a really great feeling. And this job opened up so many other opportunities for me. 

What has been your biggest accomplishment since beginning your journey at WSU?
Honestly, I think my biggest accomplishment has been becoming more me. As a teenager I was really shy and hid who I was. The community at WSU has shown me that there is a place for me- a lot of them actually. After coming out I have made so many connections with people and learned to embrace who I am.

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?
Don’t doubt yourself! This was something that was really hard to learn. I used to be really focused on my mistakes and setbacks, but you can’t do that to yourself. You have to learn from these and move on. Don’t let yourself be your biggest barrier. When in doubt- ask for help. An outside perspective can change your own

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I hope to study and receive my masters after graduation. I want to continue working with others and helping people.

Ari is a graduate of the Circles of Leadership program.

The post Student Spotlight | Ari Giasson appeared first on Campus Life.

This past fall, the OSILD was able to host their inaugural Excel Leadership program. The third tier in the three-tier Circles of Leadership program, Excel provides a culminating leadership experience for those students who have completed both Emerge and Engage. Throughout the fall semester, five students met weekly with Sarah Potrikus and Linzy Martinez to broaden their understanding of their personal strengths and those of others, think critically about current social justice issues across the nation, and reflect on their own journeys through leaders. The program culminated in each student sharing a PechaKucha style presentation centered on their leadership story.

Arianna Giasson
Somerset, MA
Occupational Therapy, Class of 2022
Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) president, LGBTQ+ Alliance secretary

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
Through the Emerge, Engage, and Excel programs, I learned that I’m a really good communicator and a strong strategist when it comes to teamwork.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first semester self?
I would tell my first-year self to stop being afraid to be myself! It really held me back from some great opportunities.

Read Ari’s Engage philosophy

Erica Hanlon
Shrewsbury. MA
Psychology, Class of 2023
Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track teams, Student Senate, Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, Active Minds

What is one thing you have leaned about yourself through these programs?
Through participating in these programs, I have learned about my leadership strengths and how to apply them in my everyday life.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first semester self?
One piece of advice I would give to my first semester self is to be bolder in asking questions to people who inspire me and jump out of my comfort zone to make connections with them.

Read Erica’s Emerge philosophy
Read Erica’s Engage philosophy

Lea Markham
Lancaster, MA
Communications, Class of 2021
Student Center Employee, Student Photographer, Orientation Leader

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
These fantastic workshops taught me how to look at myself from an introspective lens that opened up a brand new sense of self-identity. Understanding my leadership style and how to utilize my strengths in various leadership positions as well as my everyday life has brought me loads of confidence!

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first semester self?
Everything happens for a reason and sometimes things don’t always work out as expected, but stay positive, flexible and find the blessings in disguise!

Read Lea’s Emerge philosophy

Keara Vangel
Dudley, MA
Communications, Class of 2021
Emerge, Engage, and Excel Programs

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
I’ve learned that even though I am a fairly quiet person, I can still be a leader. I thought that I had to be this loud, outspoken, outgoing person in order to fit in with my peers in this program. I have learned that everyone has their own leadership style, and just because you feel like it was a little different, that’s okay!

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first semester self?
If I had to go back and give my first semester self advice, it would be to make sure I pass/failed that stats class…. Just kidding. I would tell myself to remember that it’s okay if it takes a while to feel comfortable in this new college environment, and that I had such wonderful things ahead. Reminding my freshman self to branch out and enjoy myself in everything I do would’ve helped a lot.

Read Keara’s Emerge

The post Congratulations Fall 2020 Excel Graduates! appeared first on Campus Life.