Congratulations to the six students who completed the Excel program this fall: Allana Richardson, Hannah Rose, Isabelle Taylor, Lily Morgan, Mario Lopez, and Michel Salazar! Read below to learn more about these amazing student leaders!
The final tier in the three-tier Circles of Leadership program, Excel provides a culminating leadership experience for those students who have completed both Emerge and Engage. Throughout the fall semester, students met weekly with Sarah Potrikus and Linzy Martinez to broaden their understanding of their strengths and those of others, think critically about current social justice issues nationwide, and reflect on their journeys through leadership. The program culminated in each student sharing their personal leadership story.
Allana Richardson Computer Science, Class of 2026 Intern with the Worcester Public Schools Nutrition and IT departments
What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs? What I learned during my time in the leadership programs is that it’s okay to take a step back and listen to another’s suggestions; that it’s okay to ask for help and take a step back.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self? One piece of advice I’d give my first-semester self would be to don’t break your back over things. Some things are out of our control and it’s okay to ask for help, even if you’re independent and want to deal with things yourself.
Read Allana’s Emerge philosophy
Hannah Rose Occupational Therapy, Class of 2024; MS Class of 2026 Resident Assistant, Residential Life Desk Assistant, Orientation Leader, Honors Program, Student Occupational Therapy Association, Best Buddies
What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs? I am often capable of more than I originally believe!
What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self? Trust the process and don’t be afraid to try new things because you never know what might come out of it. Everything tends to work out in the end.
Read Hannah’s Emerge philosophy
Isabelle Taylor Criminal Justice, Class of 2025 Student Center Employee, Athletic Department Study Hall Monitor, Vice President of the Criminal Justice Club, Resident Senator, Campus Climate Committee, Academic Judicial Board, University Curriculum Committee Youth basketball coach, realtor
What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs? One thing I learned throughout my time in these leadership programs is that my value as a leader is not dependent on how many titles and positions I can accumulate. Instead, my value as a leader comes from my everyday actions and interactions with the people, and world, around me.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self? One piece of advice I would give my freshman self is to get involved on campus, but only in a manner you truly enjoy. There are hundreds of ways to get involved on campus, so pick the ones that align with your personal passions or goals.
Read Bella’s Emerge philosophy Read Bella’s Engage philosophy
Lily Morgan Criminal Justice & Psychology, Class of 2025 SGA President, Criminal Justice Club, 2025 Class Committee, LGBTQ+ Alliance, Tour Guide, Presidential Student Ambassador, Honors Program, Orientation Leader
What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs? I have learned my style of leading. When you think about leaders, you usually think of the loud people always at the front of the group. You do not need to be loud or love attention to be a leader. You can still be yourself and use your own strengths to benefit you as a leader.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self? College may seem scary, but it will become the best years of your life. College is an adventure and I am happy to have met so many people at WSU, and made so many life-long friends
Read Lily’s Emerge philosophy
Mario Lopez Business Administration, Class of 2026
“‘I’ve seen many aspects in both Emerge and Engage play out in my leadership roles. Specifically, team leadership and how we play out roles within a team! Leadership is arguably a great resource in every field. There hasn’t been a project or idea that has succeeded without there being a good foundation of leadership displayed. Communication is a great basic tool used in most situations, I consider it to be my most used tool as of recently”!
Read Mario’s Emerge philosophy
Michel Salazar Liberal Studies, Class of 2025
“I’ve noticed a boost of confidence in my ability to rise to leadership positions both on and off campus. I’ve taken up more responsibilities this year in my areas of work, and have mastered most things within my skill set. My bosses have also noticed this positive change and can count on me to get things done! Leadership development is important because, with the proper resources, anyone can rise to greatness. I have seen how these trainings have turned me into someone well-respected and well-balanced. I am now someone people can admire and go to for help. I care very deeply about enriching myself in the most immersive leadership experiences college has to offer!”
Read Michel’s Emerge philosophy
