Kyram Pou

How did you get involved in campus life? What adviceĀ would you give to students who havenā€™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 donā€™t have much of a voice for themselves in their community. A piece of advice I would give to students who havenā€™t yet found their ā€œpeople/placeā€ on campus is: make your own place if you donā€™t see it. Donā€™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 youā€™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 birdā€™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. Iā€™ve learned how to blend myself in with people of different backgrounds, cultures, preferences, and so on, and thereā€™s so much more to learn. Itā€™s important to take into consideration that not everyone will be the same as you so itā€™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 Masterā€™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!

The post Student Spotlight | Kyram Pou appeared first on Campus Life.

Class of 2022, Visual & Performing Arts and Communication, Honors Program
Hometown | Worcester, MA
Campus Involvement | Presidential Student Ambassador, Chabad on Campus, Delta Alpha Pi, Alpha Mu Gamma, 2022 Class Committee, Lambda Pi Eta, Omicron Delta Kappa, VPA Stage Manager
Community Involvement | Rest home volunteer, Sunday school teacher, New England Campus Coordinator

Can you describe the role of the SGA President? What do they do for the student body?
The role of the SGA President is to be the representative of the student body. It is a position that advocates for students at all levels of the University and ensures that the voice of the students is heard, whether by representing our student body or uplifting student voices.

In that capacity, my role involves reaching out to students to keep updated on what is happening around campus. I want to hear from students what are the issues affecting our student body and work together to solve them. Because of that, the SGA President is a role that relies heavily on relationships with undergraduate matriculated students throughout our various areas on campus.Ā 

As much as I listen, I also need to keep students informed on what is going on so my fellow students remain an informed public. One of the best ways to stay informed on our campus is by being involved. The SGA President is the person who connects students to involvement opportunities on campus, such as appointments to University governance committees and the Student Senate.

What are some of the goals you hope to accomplish while in this position?
I am extremely excited for what I know is going to be an amazing year. As SGA President, my role is to listen to my fellow students and ensure that the voice of the students is heard.Ā 

To that end, it is my goal this year that any undergraduate matriculated student who wants to get involved on campus has the opportunity to do so. In order to get involved, my fellow students need to know what options are available for them, so my goal is to keep open, transparent lines of communication with our entire student body. I am here to be a resource for my fellow students so we can make our campus community the best it can be.

Equity is embedded within all of my goals. Equity encompasses everything and is as important to me as it is to our University. As such, it will reflect in the people I appoint, the positions I create, and the way I communicate. I have already started working with students, staff, and faculty to ensure equity in all things and would appreciate students reaching out to me at sga@worcester.edu so they can share with me their feedback.

What do your foresee as some of the challenges you could face in this position?
Itā€™s been a difficult time for everyone because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I also recognize that although we have all been in the same storm, we have not all had the same boat. Thanks to vaccination rates, we are incredibly lucky that we get to have an increased presence on campus compared to last semester, but there is a significant percentage of our student body who are still incredibly negatively impacted by the pandemic, whether they have lost family, are at higher risk themselves or live with/care for someone who is higher risk, or were negatively impacted financially. I also recognize that we are still living in uncertain times particularly because of the surge in the Delta variant. I am aware that these challenges will impact our entire year, yet I am confident that our WSU community will resiliently overcome these challenges to become strong, dedicated leaders who support not only our campus community but also their own communities.

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 that I am able to instill within my fellow students the inspiration the two previous SGA Presidents instilled in me to get involved on campus. I am working to ensure that every student who wants to get involved will have that opportunity and I hope our student leaders inspire future student leaders to stand up for what they believe in. I hope that our student leaders continue their leadership journey both here at WSU and after graduation. Most importantly, I hope my fellow students understand how important their voices are and are inspired to use their voice to enact the change they wish to see in our community and in our world.

What advice would you give to students who want to make an impact on Worcester State?
I would advise students to reach out! As SGA President, I am always here for you so please email sga@worcester.edu anytime with questions about how to start getting involved on campus or help finding the right leadership opportunity for you. Comments, concerns, and feedback about issues on campus are also always welcome. Your voice matters! As SGA President, I am here to be your resource.

What are your current plans for after graduation?
I will transition from part time to being the full time New England Campus Coordinator for upon graduation, which will allow me an amazing opportunity to expand my support of the New England community. I will also be continuing my studies for my MS in Communication at Clark University.Ā 

While I am sad to be reaching the end of my journey here at WSU, I am so thankful for the skills and experiences I have had here and will always cherish my years here. I plan to remain involved with WSU so that I can continue supporting our amazing campus that has given me so much.

The post Meet Karen Shalev, SGA President appeared first on Campus Life.

Many of the things that describe Memphis can also describe Jess, both as a leader and an individual. Her leadership style is positive, energetic, and motivating, welcoming to those around her. Coming to Worcester State has allowed her to break out of her shell and grow while learning to be the best leader she can be.

Leading with Soul

Jess credits the experience of working as an Orientation Leader between her freshman and sophomore year as the start of her leadership journey. The position allowed her to get to know campus faculty and staff members, interact with students, and learn everything she could about campus.Ā 

ā€œThat feeling I felt, being on stage, talking to people, and having someone look up to you in a way…Iā€™ve never had that feeling. I think my favorite thing was just being around people, and learning and growing; I just felt on top of the world for that summer. I had friends who were like ā€˜Jess, you were so different when you were an Orientation Leader.ā€™ I donā€™t know if thatā€™s a good thing or a bad thing, but to me itā€™s a good thing that I was on top of the world. I was doing something I loved and I made connections.ā€

Spending time talking with small groups of first-year students gave Jess the opportunity to build relationships with them, and some of her students later joined her in club meetings or became her residents. Theyā€™ve become friends, supporting one another through the ups and downs of college student life.

ā€œI love being around people, I love helping people, thatā€™s one thing about me. Just being around people is my ideal…being that friend for someone, has really helped me in my leadership style. Because yes, I’m here to lead and give you direction, but Iā€™m also here to build that friendship with you and really be that mentor, that peer for you, to help you grow.ā€

Relying on Energy & Spirit

Holding leadership positions on the Orientation and Residence Life require more than just practical skill; they require a type of energy and determination that helps during even the most difficult and demanding of times. These positions have taught Jess the importance of having a strong team around her, made up of people who can provide support and help.

ā€œYou donā€™t have to do it all. Itā€™s okay to do one thing, to have two things that youā€™re good at, you donā€™t have to take on like, ten things at a time. I feel like thatā€™s the best lesson that Iā€™ve learned. And I think just as a leader, do what you can handle. And just be the best you can at that.ā€

A spirit of determination to forge a new path has also followed Jess from back home. The first time she applied to work as a Resident Assistant, she wasnā€™t offered the position. But instead of becoming frustrated, she threw herself into her Orientation Leader role and opportunities rippled from there. To a student who isnā€™t sure about applying for a role or job they want? She recommends they just go for it.

ā€œJust do it. What do you have to lose? I applied for RA, but I didnā€™t get it that year, but you know, OL was the thing I got and I will forever be thankful for that because it was the start of something. Itā€™s a ripple effect. Different programs open up different opportunities. Just go for it, you wonā€™t regret it.ā€

Jess describes a great leader as someone who is open and honest, a good listener, and willing to take criticism and advice from others. But most importantly, they should be themselves.

ā€œDonā€™t try to be like any other type of leader that you see; I wouldnā€™t want anyone to try and be like me. Of course you can like some of my characteristics, but [you should] truly be yourself. I think a lot of leaders aim to be just like a certain person, but you kind of screw yourself over in the end. But if you truly be yourself and just be open and honest, then thatā€™s the best type of leader that you can be; thatā€™s what makes you unique.ā€

ā€œThe Life of the Two Landsā€

Ever since her first year, Jess has been a familiar face on campus. She is an Orientation Leader, Resident Assistant in Sheehan Hall, current secretary and former chair of Third World Alliance, and a member of the Circles of Leadership program and Student Support Network. She has naturally stepped into a variety of student leadership roles. Reflecting on this, Jess shared that one of her biggest accomplishments has been stepping out of her comfort zone and taking advantage of all the leadership opportunities that Worcester State has to offer.Ā 

ā€œBelieve it or not, in high school and middle school, I was never in a leadership role. I was just in class, I never did anything after school. My school life here [at Worcester State] and the way Iā€™m around other people is different. People back home in Memphis, if they see this type of Jess theyā€™re like ā€˜what, she does this?ā€™ They have the basics to know that Iā€™m very sweet, and Iā€™m very kind, and Iā€™m a people person, but my involvement and just seeing me really owning everything I do and being the best I can be, theyā€™re probably shocked. So itā€™s two different environments and the biggest accomplishment has been to step out of my comfort zone.ā€

Students coming to college and taking the opportunity to be someone different or try something new is not uncommon. Jess spoke about the realization that her college experience could be less about fitting the mold of how others saw her and more about trying different things.Ā 

ā€œComing here no one knew me, so if I fell on my face or whatever, oh well. Theyā€™re not going to remember that. Itā€™s a different environment from high school. I decided to come here because I wanted a change. And coming to Worcester State was the best choice. I was like, okay, Iā€™ll start new. Even though I didnā€™t know anyone, I was just like ā€˜hey, I gotta make the best of it.ā€˜ā€

Established & Everlasting

With the hope of someday becoming a motivational speaker or working behind the scenes on theater productions, Jess is studying communications with a concentration in media production, and minors in both art and theater.Ā 

ā€œI had a thing for arts, and all of this just came from being at Worcester State, all this interest in creating things, I was able to put things into words being here. Seeing the people and all, thatā€™s a great feeling. Thatā€™s why I love behind the scenes.ā€

Now entering the second semester of her junior year, Jess has only grown more confident in the leader she is becoming and the relationships she is building.

ā€œ[Every year] my friends do a Friendgiving. My group of friends, weā€™re all different, from different backgrounds, no one is the same, which is so crazy but I love it, because weā€™re all together. Just eating and laughing.ā€

And her final thoughts on her Worcester State experience and her leadership journey?Ā 

ā€œA lot of times when Iā€™m around a group of people, or with a lot of people, I go into a daze. You may think Iā€™m distracted. But what Iā€™m doing is taking in the moment because itā€™s almost too good of a moment, and Iā€™m trying to take a picture in my mind to remember it. Itā€™s like, Iā€™m living a dream in that moment, Iā€™m leading others. I wanted to come to Worcester State to start new, and I actually came to Worcester State to start new. Itā€™s a crazy feeling.ā€Ā 

The post Jess Wicks Brings Memphis to WSU 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?
I have gained many responsibilities over the course of my time at Worcester State. It has forced me to grow out of my childish tendencies and learn how to handle high maintenance responsibilities. One aspect is through my roles on campus, as I have many responsibilities and I dedicate my time to them. Another aspect for me is my career choice, as a sports writer fresh out of college I have to be professional.Ā 

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes toĀ leadership?Ā 
Since I just became the Club Lacrosse President, I have asked the previous President questions about how to go about my job. I ask these questions with the objective of doing my job to the best of my ability. I want what is best for the members of the organization. So, the biggest lesson I have learned when it comes to leadership is donā€™t be afraid to ask other leaders for any assistance.

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?
I am the youngest of three boys in my family, so I have always had people to look up to. Through my dad, who is a single father, I was able to see how one can care for his family. Another example is playing high school sports and watching the captains that came before me, I was able to see how they effectively led the team to win games with intensity. Through my father, Bruce Thorne, I have learned to persevere through anything. My father runs his own insurance company, and even a car ride with him is an example of his leadership. He shows such care and attention to his customers on a call. Treating people with respect and care is essential to being a leader. Through captaining a hockey in high-school I learned how to effectively lead a team, that is, to get every players motivation, determination, and drive to 100%. All throughout my life I have seen leaders lead very well and I have also been in leading positions and had to act with confidence in order to get the task at hand done. I have failed on occasions, but I take mistakes as learning experiences.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
My best experience here at Worcester State is being on the Club Lacrosse Team. They welcomed me into their club and it was a great start to something I would invest a lot of time into. The team has a great atmosphere and it has helped me develop some great relationships.

What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU?
My most meaningful experience at Worcester State was when I was accepted here. I have had several personal goal oriented accomplishments over my first two years here, but if I had not been accepted, none of these things could have occurred. Being welcomed into the Worcester State community was very meaningful. I love the sense of community and great people that surround this University.

What has been your biggest accomplishment since beginning your journey at WSU?
Personally, I am very eager to get started in my career, which is sports writing and reporting. My biggest accomplishment at Worcester State this far is everything that I do. I am so proud to be the President of the Club Lacrosse Team, host of The Beat, and an intern for the Sports Information Office. These roles and responsibilities I have are what I enjoy doing, some of which I will do in my career too.Ā 

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 confident in your decisions. Asking questions of members to ensure satisfaction is a great thing to do. Be a team player as well as the leader.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I will continue to intern with the Sports Information Office in preparation for an internship with a news station. This summer I plan on interning at a news station for their sports writing internship. My senior year, I will continue the internship with the Sports Information Office. I will still remain President of the Lacrosse Team my senior year, while training another player to take over. After college I plan to work at a news station sports writing, hopefully down the road I will be a sports writer/reporter. As of right now, all I know is that soon as I graduate, I will be getting a black Labrador Retriever. Most importantly, I plan to work hard.

The post Student Spotlight | Blake Thorne appeared first on Campus Life.