Student Spotlight

Amanda Hersey – Student Leader

Just the Facts:

Hometown: Harford, NY
Major: Liberal Arts and Sciences – Social Sciences
Involvement/Leadership: President of the Student Advisory Board, and student representative on the Sustainability Committee

Viewpoint:

What makes you a successful leader?

A successful leader has to realize that he or she cannot change everything, and that there are rarely tangible rewards for their hard work. Leading isn’t about being able to speak well in public; leading is about being able to represent and inspire people in your own way. I am a successful leader because I do not let my ego get in the way.

What word of advice would you give a new student about getting involved?

Most definitely get involved! Involvement keeps you from getting bored, and is a great way to have fun, meet new people, experience new things, and learn more about yourself. Involvement is the perfect way to enhance your college experience. You don’t have to spend a lot of time to make a difference.

What has been your best experience as a leader?

The best feeling by far is inspiring someone to do something. If I can inspire you to get involved or to do something you were conflicted about, that will be the best experience for me.

Can you tell us your leadership role model?

I don’t have an individual role model. I don’t agree entirely with any one person. I take bits and pieces of many different beliefs and fit them together to form my own opinion. My leadership technique is to kindly and respectfully lead, inspire, and encourage personal growth. I don’t tell people what to do. I employ each person’s strengths to help them accomplish everything they can do to the best of their abilities. I am less of a typical leader and more of a facilitator of self-improvement and accomplishment. My biggest goal is to inspire change.