Learning how to develop self is something that I work on daily, but what motivates me to do that is the impact that it will have on developing others. I associate developing others with an act of service. Service is one of my values that I truly care about so if I can not serve then I am not upholding one of my values.  It all goes full circle because I cannot serve if I am not doing well, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. My experience with developing others has been so fulfilling and I would love to live each day like that.

Working with the Mason LIFE program allowed me to help develop the confidence and skill levels of many students within the program. Using different skills I learned in LEAD made me a better support staff for the students. Whether it was pep talks that I gave the students (or the students gave me), assisting them with meal preparations, or just having fun, these students grew so much during the year. Many of the students are challenged with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and social disabilities, but none of those things stop them from reaching their goals. Students like Cameron, featured in the picture above, did not communicate well with others before his entry into the program but now after working with many staff members is able to communicate when something is effecting him and is learning how to be independent. He enjoys making his cup of coffee all by himself and helping others when he can.

Another key moment for me was helping plan The Godwin Conference along side Taylor and Sreehima. Seeing the middle schoolers really look up to the facilitators and gain something out of the day was really encouraging for me. Being a part of a plan to uplift, inspire, and share knowledge with the middle schoolers was a highlight of my experience. I remember when others did that for me and that is why I am the person I am today. Being able to reciprocate this action is what I live to do.

Outside of the LEAD Office I took on the role of Chairwoman of the Mr. and Miss Black GMU Pageant which was a challenge but a pleasure to have been able to be a part of. I am passionate about increasing the retention rate of freshman minority students on campus especially within the Black community. A lot of these students are future leaders in whatever capacity the choose to serve but many of them do not return to Mason because they were expecting a stronger sense of community, financial reasons, and grades. The Mr. and Miss Black role is to engage with this community of students to ensure that they are having a great experience here at Mason but also provide them with resources they may not feel comfortable approaching others with. Planning the pageant was only half the battle. Truly developing the incoming freshman to reach their full potential is the bulk of the work and one that the 2015 winners will be tasked with in the fall.