The first person that came to mind when i heard student leader was D' Ontace Keyes. He plays a big role in the UArts community from coordinating events to helping others with their everyday problems. He is a loving and warm-hearted person that enjoys to give more to others than expect what he might receive in return. He dedicates his time here at UArts to study vocal performance in jazz studies and he educates his fellow peers with the organization he is President of. D' Ontace takes the lead with PSPE which stands for Peer, Support, Peer Education. D' Ontace said that his organization focuses on, "the education and well being of the student body primarily focusing on the subject of HIV/AIDS as it pertains to safe sex and knowing your status." Being a leader I wondered if it came natural to him and he replied with, "It does come natural, the feeling to lead individuals in a positive direction... It does take work to make sure you are keeping your community in line with your goals for whats best." Seeing as the message D' Ontace's organization is trying to promote and educate those who know little about their own status is a remarkable change, I asked him about the decision he has to make as a leader of an organization and he stated that, " Decisions are made around the development and implementation of events and projects that will educate and be a source for students in UArts." The changes he has made has been a continuous effect. As leader of PSPE, D' Ontace has pushed forward testing in the nurses office which would be available to anyone if needed. PSPE ensures that in order for the organization and activities are aligned with their values they keep word to their mission which is to protect and promote better sexual health.
Ever leader runs into challenges and obstacles even the most experienced, but i asked what might be D' Ontace's advice for those leaders facing challenges today his responds was, " Keeping the community that you're leading in mind and also taking care of yourself. It is natural to want to best for everyone else, but always tend to take care of yourself and your needs." His best advice for others was to listen to what people have to say and make decisions based off of what is best for the community one is leading while keeping in mind one's capacity to accomplish their duties. He also recommend that the more positive people one surrounds themselves with the more productive and open minded one can be with others.
D' Ontace is a strong leader and sees everything with wide eyes and an opened mind. He knows he has the ability and confidence to lead with a positive attitude. He is a beautiful person that cares for people with a heavy heart his sympathetic nature balances his reason. He is a prominent figure within and outside of the UArts community, I am proud to know him as a leader and a friend.
-Ashlee Espinal
Another great interview. I was just in a meeting with Suzanne Scott, Director of Health Services, and she was also so excited about offering STD and HIV testing in Health Office and was hopeful that students would benefit from it. I think this is a good example of how student leaders can collaborate with administrators and faculty to make positive changes in our community. With input and action from student leaders such as D'Ontace, a lot of positive changes can happen!
ReplyDeleteD'Ontace has continued to grow in this community. I appreciate his comment "Keeping the community you are helping in mind..." He has not aimed to affect the community because he just wanted to make change, he looked at the community needs and progressed in a way that would best suit the community. His involvement is thoughtful and collaborative.
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