Students challenged to stay motivated and lead

The third annual Student Leadership Conference took place on Feb. 6 in the Student Union at the University. This year's theme for the conference was "Overcoming Adversity & Challenges." Sean Curran, Senior Account Officer/VP at J.P. Morgan Chase, was the keynote motivational speaker. His remarkable life story served as a great example of overcoming adversity and challenges.

"Optimism is not merely beneficial, it is absolutely essential," Curran said. He talked about being paralyzed at the early age of 14 and how it drastically changed his life both physically and mentally. His messages focused on how goals, work ethic, perspective and attitude ultimately aid in success. He shared countless tips on staying positive and motivated in the face of adversity.

Participants of the conference choose three out of 21 possible presentations to attend. The presentations varied from subjects such as "Leading From Within" which was presented by Dean for Students Dr. Marijo O'Grady, to "Do's and Don'ts of Starting a Business" which was presented by founder of Summary Mill Incorporated Dillon Freed.

"Dean O'Grady's presentation really made me realize my strengths and weaknesses as a leader. She opened up my mind about how I can improve my own leadership skills and apply them to the clubs I'm in," public relations coordinator for both P.A.C.E. Board and POP-TV Eleni Efstratiades said. "She informed us all of our potential and kept the event very entertaining."

The conference was organized and run by student volunteers on the Leadership Conference Committee and the Student Development and Campus Activities (SDACA). The student feedback on the conference appeared mostly positive.

"We learned how to interact with your club members, how to keep them coming back and how to form really good friendships," a sister of sorority Sigma Iota Alpha Bianka Guzman said, about attending the "Extraordinary Club Meetings" workshop hosted by Assistant Director of the Office of Housing and Residential Life (OHRL) Jeff Blaisdell.

At the end of the conference, attendees received the book, "Road Trip Nation: A Guide to Discovering our Path in Life" by Nathan Geghard, Mike Marriner and Joanne Gordon.

The book, which is about the PBS television series, encompasses the reoccurring theme of this year's conference. Students seemed to take away a lot of new information and skills from their presentations. Overall the conference proved to be a great success and resource for the attendees.