Meet the September 2017 Students of the Month
On-Campus Student: Jacob Korte
Jacob is a senior from Gem, Kansas. He is a General Studies Major with a dual focus on Leadership and Art. He is working toward a Certificate in Leadership Studies and Global Leadership. When he is not in class, he is usually at work. In his free time, Jacob enjoys photography, drawing, and traveling. He got involved with the department because his advisor suggested he take a couple of Leadership classes because they would be beneficial. After his first semester, he was hooked. Jacob says he has learned many skills in leadership courses, such as building relationships, conflict resolution, and being an effective leader and follower. Jacob's favorite Leadership class has been LDRS 670, Leadership and Personal Development. He enjoyed the books from the course; they helped him become more confident in his leadership skills and helped him find his voice.
Virtual Student: Rachel Coleman
Rachel is a junior General Studies major from Liberal, Kansas. She is excited to get back into the routine of school after a 30-year break. Rachel is working toward a Certificate in Leadership Studies. Besides completing her education, her goal is to model persistence for her three college-age children and the students at her workplace. As a virtual student, she has had to cut back on many outside commitments to focus on her job as the marketing and PR executive director at Seward County Community College and her education. Outside school and work, Rachel enjoys reading, gardening, sewing, drawing, writing poetry, baking, and spending time with her husband, two dogs, and parents. Rachel decided to get involved with the department because she was exposed to many kinds of leadership at her previous job as a newspaper reporter. Leadership classes appealed to her because it was a way to step to the side of a specific issue and think about how people interact and work together most effectively. Currently, she is in LDRS 300, Introduction to Leadership Concepts. She relishes the exposure to classmates from all walks of life, and the class has given her a renewed sense of optimism. Rachel says, "it's possible to be a change agent in my local community, starting at home, work, and in everyday interactions. I've found it energizing, and I want to learn more and do more."
International Student: Ma Lingpei (Nicole)
Nicole is a senior International Economy Trade major from Wugang, Pingdingshan, Henan province, China. She is going to school at SIAS International University. On campus, she is the founder of a student organization that helps the city's stray animals. The organization has grown to 140 members. They feed stray cats and dogs and help them find new homes. They work with local animal hospitals and pet shops to ensure enough resources for animals. The organization also aims to teach its members about many kinds of animals. Nicole has a passion for animals and studies them at a pet shop. One day she hopes to own a pet shop. Nicole also loves to read- especially about animal psychology and behavior. In her readings, she has been able to understand human behavior better. So far, Nicole has enjoyed Leadership and Team Dynamics (LDRS 306) the most. In the course, she learned about relationships important to leadership and that everyone is different and leaders need to be aware of followers' needs to ensure an effective, stable team.