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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Orientation Leaders consistently make great memories! Hear what they have to say!

Rylie Flipp
Being an OL helped me connect with other people and on top of being a fun job it really helped me to feel a part of the campus community. I learned so much and am proud to help let others know how awesome Worcester State is!

Nikola Shule
I can confidently say that being an OL was one of the best jobs I have done. There was so much to learn and experience throughout the month of June and the many great people you can meet during this experience whether they are your partner, roommate or the first year students. Being an orientation leader is a unique experience for everyone!

Johnathon Beford
The things I enjoyed most about the orientation leader position were the community and the responsibility. The community I found through pro-staff and my peers was truly incredible and inspiring. Everyone there was so unique, interesting, and inspiring; I felt pushed to be my best self when around them. The responsibility pushed me just far enough out of my comfort zone. I learned valuable stress management skills, but never felt too overwhelmed. I woke up every day ready to see what we’d accomplish as a team.

Learn more about being an Orientation Leader and apply now at !

You can hear from former OLs here: 2024, 2023, 2022

The post Orientation Leader Reflections | 2025 appeared first on Campus Life.

Alyson Archambault

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 with campus life by starting a club I wanted to see on campus and through being a part of Res Life. The advice I would give to students who have not found their place on campus is to go to different events to explore their interests and to be open to learning new things. If you do not find what you like, start it, people who enjoy the same will join you.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
Over time I have learned how to ask for help and advocate for myself and for others. I have learned that most people are willing to help or give you resources, you just need to reach out. People have access to solutions that you don’t know exist and will give you access if they know you need it. Just ask!

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
Living on campus the last few years, I have made numerous memories that are incredibly meaningful. My favorite moments have been in my dorm or out and about where I have been able to have many conversations and build connections. From puzzle nights with my suitemates, to staff meetings with my fellow RAs, positive experiences occur on a daily basis.

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?
Surround yourself with people who you can learn from. You are never going to know it all, hold yourself accountable but also take the time to learn, by forming these relationships you can learn and support each other.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
Surround yourself with people who you can learn from. You are never going to know it all, hold yourself accountable but also take the time to learn, by forming these relationships you can learn and support each other.

Alyson with other members of the Fiber Arts Circle.

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Class of 2026, Political Science with a minor in Spanish
Hometown | Worcester, MA
Campus Involvement | Intercultural Student Alliance, Student Senate Secretary of Diversity and Multiculturalism, Orientation Leader,

Brandol Ogando-Saladin

Can you describe the role of the Student Trustee? What do they do for the student body?
The Student Trustee serves as the voice of the student body on the Board of Trustees – bringing forward student concerns, perspectives, and ideas and ensuring decisions reflect student needs. It’s about being a bridge between students and university leadership so students have a seat at the table when important choices are made. The Student Trustee also attends SGA meetings as a guest and non-voting member, which provides another opportunity to stay connected and involved with student concerns at a more direct level.

What are some goals you hope to accomplish while in this position?
I want to strengthen communication between students and the administration so students feel informed and included in decisions. I aim to elevate underrepresented voices in campus conversations and support initiatives that improve student life and success through resources, support systems, and meaningful opportunities for engagement.

What are some of the challenges you could face in this position?
Balancing the diverse needs of our student body can be challenging because priorities do not always align. Students come from many different backgrounds, with unique goals and concerns, and it is not always easy to represent everyone equally at the same time. Another challenge is making sure students feel heard and that their input is valued in decision-making. It takes time and effort to build trust between students and leadership, and part of this role is making sure those conversations remain open and meaningful.

What do you hope your fellow students remember about you?
I hope students remember me as someone who listened, was approachable, and worked hard to represent them. I also hope to be remembered as a leader who helped make the campus more inclusive and connected.

What advice would you give to students just beginning to explore the type of leader they hope to become?
Say yes to opportunities, even small ones, because every experience helps you grow. The kind of leader you become is shaped by the relationships you build, the challenges you face, and the values you choose to stand by. My advice is to stay open to growth, seek out mentors and peers who inspire you, and remember that leadership is ultimately about service and making a positive impact on the people around you.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I plan on pursuing a master’s degree to continue building my knowledge and skills, and then I want to pursue a career in diplomacy and international relations. My goal is to work on issues that affect both our country and the broader global community, such as security, human rights, and sustainable development.

The post Meet Brandol Ogando-Saladin, Student Trustee appeared first on Campus Life.

Abby St. Martin

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 first got involved with campus life by going to the Club Kickoff outside the Student Center. This gave me the opportunity to explore all the different areas in which I could get involved. Having the chance to talk to current students allowed me to ask questions and find my passion. If you haven’t found your “people/place” on campus, continue to join other clubs or organizations because you never know where your passion lies until you try it.

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?
Being heavily involved as a leader on campus allowed me to grow in many different aspects. Through being a captain of the , I learned how to better communicate and work as a team. As an Orientation Leader, I grew my public speaking skills and collaborated with many different students. These are just a few examples of how my leadership grew throughout my time at WSU. Collaborating with my peers and team leaders significantly shaped my leadership style by teaching me the value of active listening, open communication, and diverse perspectives. Through teamwork and mentorship, I learned to delegate effectively, adapt to changes, and foster a positive, inclusive environment. These experiences helped me develop a more empathetic and collaborative leadership approach.

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 the importance of adaptability and active listening. Being open to feedback and different perspectives has helped me make more informed decisions and better support my team/organizations/clubs. I’ve realized that effective leadership is not just about guiding others but also about fostering collaboration and continuous learning. 

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
It is hard for me to pick a singular experience at WSU. I have found that one experience has led me to another experience that I have taken the opportunity to be a part of. Coming in as a freshman playing basketball was the beginning of my entire involvement at WSU. Having teammates and coaches encouraging me to try new opportunities gave me the confidence to join other leadership positions on 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 they hope to become is that you have to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and try new experiences. Take every opportunity as a way to explore how you want to collaborate with others, listen to diverse perspectives, and learn from successes and failures/challenges. However, it is important to lead how you feel most comfortable and be authentic to yourself. Everyone leads differently so do not compare.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
After graduation in May, I intend to go to another university for an accelerated nursing program which takes about 16 months to complete. After completing that I plan on becoming a travel nurse and begin my healthcare journey!

The post Student Spotlight | Abby St. Martin appeared first on Campus Life.

Lily Morgan
Summer 2023; Summer and Fall 2024

I enjoyed getting to know many others. Now doing this two years, I have developed so many friendships from being an Orientation Leader. Being able to get to know the first-years is also great, as I still talk to some of mine from two years ago now. Orientation is a great experience overall. I enjoyed the ability to live in the dorms for a bit as a commuter. I was never going to be able to have that opportunity without Orientation, and now I can say I have lived in the dorms. You can learn skills like talking in front of others and stepping out of your comfort zone. I have grown as a person so much since being an OL, and I credit Orientation for my involvement on campus.

Johnathon Beford
Summer and Fall 2024

The things I enjoyed most about the orientation leader position were the community and the responsibility. The community I found through pro-staff and my peers was truly incredible and inspiring. Everyone there was so unique, interesting, and inspiring; I felt pushed to be my best self when around them. The responsibility pushed me just far enough out of my comfort zone. I learned valuable stress management skills, but never felt too overwhelmed. I woke up every day ready to see what we’d accomplish as a team.

Fayez Alshammaa
Summer 2024

I enjoyed working with other students and making more friends. I also liked the fact I went into the new school year knowing a good amount of the new first-years. Saying hi to them and being a familiar face makes them feel more comfortable, and that makes me feel good.

Being an Orientation Leader was such a cool experience for me. I got to help new students adjust to college life and made some awesome connections along the way.

Keila Carmona
Summer 2023 & 2024

Here are some things I enjoyed and learned:
– Making Friends: I loved meeting new students and helping them feel at home.
– Being a Leader: Being in charge and helping plan events was cool and boosted my leadership skills.
– Teamwork: Working with my fellow leaders taught me a lot about teamwork and communication.
– Problem-Solving: Dealing with unexpected issues during events taught me how to think on my feet.
– Public Speaking: I had to talk in front of big groups, which improved my public speaking skills.
– Event Planning: Organizing events sharpened my planning and organizational skills.
– Helping Hand: Guiding new students showed me how to be supportive and understanding.
– Time Management: Balancing everything as an Orientation Leader taught me to manage my time more efficiently.

It was a game-changer for me, giving me skills I can use in many situations!

5 Reasons to Apply to be an Orientation Leader

Get a Great Job – Orientation Leaders make $2,000 for the June programs and are also paid to work New Student Fall Welcome! Live on campus for free in June with some meals included.
Make New Friends – Being an Orientation Leader allows you to connect with other student leaders! Many students take this opportunity to make new friendships that last!
Make Connections – Orientation Leaders learn all about campus resources and make connections with Worcester State staff and other students!
Build Skills – Learn about your leadership style and strengths and build skills for your resume. Orientation Leaders go on to have great careers!
Support the WSU Community – Orientation Leaders are the first students to connect with our new Lancers by helping them learn and feel at home!

Learn more about being an Orientation Leader and apply now!

The post Orientation Leader Reflections | 2024 appeared first on Campus Life.

Class of 2025, Communications major with a concentration in Digital Media Production
Hometown | Worcester, MA
Campus Involvement | Student Senate, 2025 Class Committee, Photography Club

Kyram Pou, Student Trustee

Can you describe the role of the SGA President? What do they do for the student body?
The Student Trustee is a representative elected by the student body to act as a liaison for both the students and the Board of Trustees. The Student Trustee ensures that a collective voice from the students is heard at the Board of Trustee Meetings, and also engages in rigorous conversations that determine the future of the university as a whole.

What are some goals you hope to accomplish while in this position?
Firstly, my biggest goal is to make sure our students are seen, heard, comfortable, and can thrive in our Worcester State environment without worrying about barriers that other students typically face during their four years of college, like food insecurity and representation. I want to create a space where students can feel like their voices are heard. I have high hopes of doing some civic engagement events in collaboration with the Worcester Student Government Association to motivate our students to put their voices out there, beyond Worcester State!

What are some of the challenges you could face in this position?
A challenge for myself (and for anyone, really) is definitely getting students together to create change. In one of my classes I took this past semester, Independent Media and Society, I learned that one of the biggest outlets for change begins with bringing a group of people together, to become more seen and heard. This is a challenge I hope to overcome this year.

What do you hope your fellow students remember about you?
I hope my fellow students remember me as one of the many Student Trustees who put students before themselves. Each elected Student Trustee makes sure that the students of Worcester State feel like they can thrive in their space, which is what will make me feel accomplished at the end of the year when I look back. 

What advice would you give to students just beginning to explore the type of leader they hope to become?
My biggest piece of advice to students who want to make in impact on Worcester State is to always “just do it,” even if you don’t really get as far as you want to. It’s normal to always start small, it’s just a matter of starting.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
After graduation, I want to get a Master’s Degree in Digital Media Management. I hope to work in the media industry since that has always been my passion. Aside from the media industry, I have always had an interest in Urban Planning and Accounting. Although these are very different career paths, Digital Media Management is definitely my go-to.

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Class of 2025, Criminal Justice & Psychology, minor in Philosophy
Hometown | Paxton, MA
Campus Involvement | Student Senate, Criminal Justice Club, Tour Guide, CJ Department clerical assistant, Orientation Leader, Presidential Student Ambassador, 2025 Class Committee, Honors Program

Lily Morgan, SGA President

Can you describe the role of the SGA President? What do they do for the student body?
The SGA President is the face of the Senate and oversees its operation. The SGA President is often the voice of the student body to the administration as well, sharing concerns and ideas that they gathered from the Senate meetings. The SGA President is there for the students. 

What are some goals you hope to accomplish while in this position?
I hope to increase student engagement on campus, both with our student organizations and within our administration. Through this, I hope to increase the student voice within important conversations on our campus.

What are some of the challenges you could face in this position?
I foresee that recruitment will be a challenge, as it has been a recurring challenge in all student organizations post-pandemic. 

What do you hope your fellow students remember about you?
I hope my fellow students will remember me being a friendly face on campus. Someone that they were not afraid to share their concerns with and that I helped them with their issues. As a student leader on campus, I want to be able to help the students to the best of my ability and hope to be remembered for this. 

What advice would you give to students just beginning to explore the type of leader they hope to become?
Get involved on campus. Go to a club meeting or an event, get to know other students there. You do not need to be involved in everything to make an impact on campus. Just going to a club meeting and participating is impacting that club for the better.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I am attending law school. I am not exactly sure where yet, but I am currently in my application process, so we will see during the year where I end up going.

The post Meet Lily Morgan, SGA President appeared first on Campus Life.

Aliza Solivan
I learned to be able to stop and listen to the ideas that my fellow OLs had. Being able to be learn and grow together was an awesome experience. When I had my tough moments I could rely on my team to encourage me and help me push through. 

Hannah Rose
I loved getting to be a part of a team and working towards goals that would benefit a large number of people. I learned more about myself in terms of how I work with others and I gained really valuable leadership experience. In addition to the actual programs, I especially liked the month leading up to Orientation when we were in training while also living together and going on group trips. I’ve never experienced anything quite like that where connections were developed and friendships were built so quickly.   

Holly Eppenstein
I loved being an orientation leader because of the relationships I was able to build and the experiences I was able to gain through this program , I loved learning about myself as an orientation leader and definitely was able to build communication skills and relationship skills when it came to the Ol’s and the students 

Jazlyn Mejia-Palomino
I really enjoyed being able to give incoming first-years as positive of an impression as possible and also being able to form connections and friendships with my fellow Orientation Leaders. From my experience, I was able to build a lot on my social, public speaking, and leadership skills. Working with so many people helped me learn more about working with people who have different strengths and values. Acting as a leader and guide for groups of first-years helped me become more comfortable with speaking in front of larger groups of people and also helped build my confidence in myself and my ability to be a good leader.

Keila Carmona
Being an Orientation Leader was such a cool experience for me. I got to help new students adjust to college life and made some awesome connections along the way. Below are some things I enjoyed and learned:

– Making Friends: I loved meeting new students and helping them feel at home.
– Being a Leader: Being in charge and helping plan events was cool. Boosted my leadership skills.
– Teamwork: Working with my fellow leaders taught me a lot about teamwork and communication.
– Problem-Solving: Dealing with unexpected issues during events taught me how to think on my feet.
– Speaking in front of a big crowd: I had to talk in front of big groups, which improved my public speaking skills.
– Event Planning: Organizing events sharpened my planning and organizational skills.
– Helping Hand: Guiding new students showed me how to be supportive and understanding.
– Time management: Balancing everything as an orientation leader taught me to manage my time more efficiently.

It was a game-changer for me, giving me skills I can use in many situations!

Kyram Pou
I really enjoyed getting to make new friends and deepen my connections with friends I already knew prior to Orientation. I learned more about who I am along with leadership strengths I have. Being an Orientation Leader has been an amazing opportunity to network with other students and faculty and has opened many doors at WSU.

Lily Morgan
I loved being an Orientation Leader and meeting some of my best friends due to this program. Doing Orientation allowed me to meet others that I would not have otherwise. I applied on a whim and I am glad that I did. I learned to be a better leader, and it started my involvement around campus. It was a fun month and I am excited to do it again next summer. It is a great opportunity to represent the college to incoming first-years. 

Makayla Davenport
Being an Orientation Leader instilled a great amount of confidence in my leadership abilities that I would not have received anywhere else. Having an experience where I could help incoming students grow while also growing myself was great. Through being an Orientation Leader, I grew my skills in confidence, leadership, and work experience, while making many great friends along the way!

Pedro Hidalgo
Being an Orientation Leader not only allowed me to understand myself more as a human being but it also allowed me to understand that I’m more capable of things I didn’t think I was capable of before. The Orientation program is great for anyone who might want to explore their sense of individuality but also have a greater understanding and experience of what you could be capable of and how to unravel these traits. 

The post Orientation Leader Reflections | 2023 appeared first on Campus Life.

Kyram Pou

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their place on campus?
When I transferred to Worcester State as a sophomore, I immediately knew what I wanted to be a part of. I always seek to be a change in my community, so I immediately joined the Intercultural Student Alliance (formerly known as Third World Alliance) to bring a sense of community and belonging to underrepresented students who don’t have much of a voice for themselves in their community. A piece of advice I would give to students who haven’t yet found their “people/place” on campus is: make your own place if you don’t see it. Don’t be afraid to mark your territory on what you are standing on. If you do not feel comfortable, make yourself comfortable. Make connections with current student leaders to see how you can help bring the change you want to see within your community.

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?
I began looking at Worcester State as a whole and realized I would like to help be the voice for all students, so I ended up joining the Student Senate. I immediately became a class of 2025 Senator, and was recommended to obtain the role of Treasurer. Over the course of my sophomore year, I began to make lots of friends which resulted in me wanting to pursue more leadership roles, like being an Orientation Leader. While being an Orientation Leader, I made more friends like myself who are leaders, which opened more doors for student networking opportunities at Worcester State. Making friends definitely plays a role in leadership change because more opportunities open and you begin to have more of a bird’s eye view of life at Worcester State.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
When it comes to leadership, I have been surrounded by different people. I’ve learned how to blend myself in with people of different backgrounds, cultures, preferences, and so on, and there’s so much more to learn. It’s important to take into consideration that not everyone will be the same as you so it’s important for you to take those first steps and make those connections because no one will do it for you. Each leader has different leadership styles and traits which makes them who they are, which is something I have been able to adapt to.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
My best experience at Worcester State is definitely being a student leader. There are so many different clubs I have been a part of, and there are more that I would like to be involved in. Each club has a different focus so I am always learning something new from each club, whether that is the Intercultural Student Alliance, Student Government Association, Photography Club, and so on. I have learned how to expand my leadership skills as well as my interpersonal skills beyond my typical lecture-style classroom, and I have been able to exert the skills I have accumulated throughout my time at Worcester State to real-world situations which I am more than appreciative of.

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?
Never be afraid to make your mark. College is about YOU so you need to take those first steps to see the change you want to see in your community!

What are your current plans for the next few years?
For the next few years, I plan to obtain a Master’s Degree in Communication. Currently, there have been lots of schools I have been eyeing and I have faith that I will get into the school I really want to get into!

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