Student Leadership

I recently held an interview with the Pine hall GRC, Laura Beyer. She was kind enough to find time in her busy schedule to discuss with me her duties, how her position affects the UARTs community, how the position has affected her as a leader, as well as other various questions.

 

 

Q: What are some of the duties of a UARTs GRC?

 

A: Well, I'm actually pretty busy. My duties consist of a lot of responsibilities. I mean, I'm kind of the go to for the residential assistance staff. So, if they have issues or concerns, I'm the person they'd answer to. Usually with critical crisis situations, things that can get out of hand. Like, psychological breakdowns, violent arguments, things like that. I also am looked to for insight of residential life, those above me need to be able to rely on me to relay to them how the dorm is operating. I manage, or help manage, community events. So I help create them in conjunction with the RA staff. I also have a lot of meeting and communication duties with the college community. For instance, I have bi-weekly meetings with each individual RA, just as a check up on their work and to address any problems her or she may be having. I work with the RAs to try and find ways to help may their efforts more effective. Then there are my GRC meetings, which are between the GRCs of each dorm. There we discuss methods of improving residential life and reiterate various codes of conduct in our guidelines and the like. There are also meetings between myself and my supervisor, in which I essentially report the dorm status. To top it off, I also advertise certain hours in which I am free to talk to residents about any issues they may have one on one. I don't generally get these meetings often, but it's still part of the job.

 

Q: So, do you get much free time to yourself?

 

A: Yeah, not really. My free time is pretty much devoted to school work. Unlike the RA position where you have multiple employees under one roof and the ability to interchange shifts, I am the only GRC in a dorm, so my duties can't be loaned out ya know?

 

Q: How do you feel the GRC position has altered your character?

 

A: I feel pretty lucky to have this job actually. First off, I had never held a position quite like this before, I started this job in December of 2010, midway through the year. But I've learned a lot through the job, time management is defiantly one of the main things I've gotten from it. It's a skill I know I'll use in the future. I would also say it has also be a great reward, because as a GRC I'm a mentor to residents and RAs. I've got some great, very strong relationships here. Plus, with the position, I mentor and interact with a lot of different majors. So I find I actually am exposed to more forms of art than I would have if I were otherwise unoccupied and hunkered into my studio. Um, also a I've gained a certain amount of self awareness. As a GRC, or leader in general, it's important to know your strengths and weaknesses. In the job, I've had to become aware of this in order to be a more efficient leader.

 

Q: So, what kind of changes, changes that can made under your jurisdiction, would you like made?

 

A: Well, I think for the most part the residential department runs pretty smoothly. I would like to see more residential community. I think the way to see this change would be to organize and hold more events that appeal to the residents. I think that these event plannings could even use a separate event staff, because the RAs and myself can only do so much. I'd also like to see these events go beyond the confines of the dorm, I'd like to see more vents that engage residents with Philly.

 

Q: Do you see the changes or effects you've made so far in the community?

 

A: Yes. I think so. I feel like my relationships with the RAs and residential staff as a whole have helped promote results. I'd say I give encouragement to the RAs, and as a result their work is more successful. I feel I give good work vibes if that makes sense.

 

Q: Since we are at an art school, do you feel this leadership position has in any way affected your art?

 

A: In a few ways, yes. I suppose first off, it helps me financially, which in turn gives me the ability to even produce my art in the first place. I'm also in very close proximity to the university, so the location is convenient for my work. More importantly though, the position helps me stay connected to the school. It's faculty and students. Also, this is just me personally, but the job keeps me busy and it kind of feeds my drive. Which is helpful, because without my drive I wouldn't operate the way I need to.

 

Q: Okay, and for my last question, what are your plans after college?

 

A: In the short term, I would like to start a literary art journal. A kind of creative publication magazine. I already have two publications out, and I'd like to do more. While also on the side creating art and contributing them to art galleries. In the long run, I would like to own a shop where I can write and sell my publications as well as art. It'd also be nice for it to be a place for other artists to come and display their work.

 

 

After my thanks and farewells, I took in some of the ideas Laura talked about. I was especially piqued to the apparent need to be self aware of your

abilities and flaws. Being able to use your abilities in your field as best as possible, while also knowing where your weaknesses are and how to avoid letting them get the best of you. Laura also had a short and long term goal already set in her head, which struck me because I used the same terminology to map out my college career in my meeting with Julie Woodard. After the meeting, I came away knowing that leadership takes an immense amount of management, patients, and work ethic in order to be good at what you're hired to do. Without these qualities, in a position like Laura's, one would crumble under the tasks of a GRC.

 

-Arlen

D'Ontace Keyes

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

JaLeesa Diggs, Student Leader

JaLeesa Diggs: senior dance major, Head Resident Assistant of Juniper Dorm, Treasurer of Ladies of Service, and employed in two University offices as work study. To me, she sounded like the perfect candidate. I certainly consider her a leader; does she consider her self one? Yes, she said after a moment, “I have a habit of taking control of things; but like any leader, I always self-reflect and know when I’m wrong.” When I asked her what are the most important qualities of leadership, she had several ready points. She talked about how she knows when not to lead, and how that is something a good leader is always aware of. The goal must always be to benefit the whole, and not just oneself, thus sometimes it is a leader’s duty to step down from a position of leadership to facilitate such a result. On the other side of the coin, a good leader always volunteers to take responsibility when appropriate. This sets an example for others. Lastly, a good leader has acute awareness of her team, both individually and as a whole. “That’s something that can slip under the cracks—it’s like making sure everyone is okay with their task and there is nothing going on with someone that is affecting the efforts of the group.”

So how did JaLeesa become such a leader? What was her inspiration and background that led her to take on leadership roles and ultimately gain such insight to leadership? “Helping others,” she said simply. “The fulfillment I get from being a mentor or role model for someone else is invaluable.” She went on to describe an instance of how she influenced another person and that the result was infinitely rewarding. “It’s a good feeling to be looked up to.” With her family, she was always the responsible one within the group of kids; she learned early on how to mediate conflict, and how to take on responsibility. Thus she was set up perfectly to lead as she grew and matured.

But she doesn’t always enjoy such responsibility. When asked what qualities she dislikes about the role, she mentioned that the responsibility can be overwhelming. “Because the nature of the job is that of benefitting others, you don’t always have time for yourself. It’s easy to become stressed out because you are so busy dealing with others’ issues that you have no time to think about your own.” But the worst part about the job, she said, is when you try to help someone, but your efforts are fruitless—like when you want to resolve something but you know it’s not in your power to do so. “That makes me sad.” So then I asked, what are her goals as a leader? Why does she withstand the bad parts of the job? “If I can make an impact on one person I’m happy. It doesn’t matter how hard the work was, the end result always makes up for it.”

Can leadership be learned? JaLeesa thinks so. To her, leadership is a “style, and you have to find your own way of doing it.” It’s more about confidence in yourself and your values than anything else—and that can be learned through experience and introspection. It’s also about having the courage to take risks, because good leaders are innovative. “But I feel like anyone can do that. You just have to be comfortable enough within yourself.” And does JaLeesa think leadership is lacking today? “Good leadership is lacking in some ways today.” She explained how too much is hidden: too many hidden motives, agendas of self-interest, and greed. Especially in politics, our leaders have often forgotten to uphold the qualities of good leadership—self-reflection, working for the whole, taking risks—in the face of money, power, and self-promotion. “If you are going to be a leader, be a leader, and don’t let other people manipulate you into doing things that are not good for the group.” So she hopes to make some changes in the future of leadership: leadership, to her, exists because people need nurturing; everyone needs help at some point in their life. Thus everyone needs leaders. Leadership should not be taken on for the leader’s own benefit. So the changes she hopes to see? “I want people to be more selfless and passionate about others and their community. And to help those that need it.”

In consideration of JaLeesa’s responses, I think her most prominent trait as a leader is her empathy. Everything that she said seemed to imply in one way or another that she has—and a good leader needs—an acute sense or awareness of others as well as oneself. If a leader has empathy, she can better understand the problems that she needs to resolve; she is less likely to indulge in self-interest at the expense of others’ well-being; and she can take risks that are necessary to make progress in the community as a whole. She made it clear that, while it is important to have your own strong beliefs and to stand by them, no one will allow you to lead if you don’t collaborate with those you hope will follow you.

Student Leader Interview featuring Sherika Wynter

I interviewed Sherika Wynter. She is a graduate student studying industrial design here at Uarts. She is the GRC in Spruce and happens to live right down the hall from me. We talked a little bit about her cultural background because in class I learned the significance of culture; I knew learning about Sherika’s culture would help me understand her values, and what is important to her as a leader. She is a first generation Jamaican, so Sherika has “a strong West Indian influence.” She said, “[my cultural foundation] pushed me to do a little more than necessary sometimes. My parents always said to me ‘I want you to be a little better than I was. I want you to be able to a little more than my kids than I was able to do for you.’ That was really a motivation for me.” Sherika also has an eighteen-year old brother. She feels more inclined to set an example and be a role model for him. She describes herself as a “third parent,” because she wants her brother to learn from her mistakes.

Right after college Sherika dove into corporate America; she was a project manager for an acoustical engineering company. When I asked her what it was like being a manager in a corporate setting she said, “it was hard. I had people who worked for me who were forty years my senior. [It was] a white male dominated environment, so not only did I have to deal with egos but I also had to earn my stripes due to my age and what they felt was a lack of experience.” She took a break from working to go back to school but continued to pursue leadership roles. She chose to be a GRC at Uarts because it’s similar to project managing people, while sort of reliving undergrad.

When I asked Sherika if she applied her leadership skills in social settings she said she uses different skills in different settings. She said, “I’m pretty chill. I’m more introverted than I am extroverted…If you’re undecided I’ll throw something out there.” She lets her guard down more in social settings than in the work force because she doesn’t feel the pressure of proving her abilities. She said, “At work being a minority, as a woman, and as an African-American…it’s hard. You always have to prove yourself, and that’s not to come off as being racist in any way shape or form. Traditionally you have to show up and prove [yourself].”

I asked Sherika if she thought it was important for minority children to have minority leaders. She said, “Leaders in general are important, leaders who understand what [the children’s] struggle will be. She said that it’s important for young kids to have mentors. Sherika also said that college in the traditional sense might not be for every student; there are other avenues to be explored such as, art school or trade school.

Sherika said the key to being a good leader is knowing her weaknesses. She said each person knows her strengths but very few truly know the weaknesses. Knowing both sides of the spectrum makes a more solid leader. As a student in the emerging leaders program, I hope to get to know myself better. I look forward to discovering new aspects about myself through discussions, and deep thinking. I thank Sherika for her words of wisdom. Learning about her was a great experience!

Micheal'O Bryan

I wasn't sure who I wanted to do an interview with, but after listening to this Uarts graduate speak at the African Diaspora meeting (At Uarts), I knew it would be him. I was overjoyed when he agreed to meet me at the Cosi coffee shop on 12th and walnut. He's going to make a huge difference on the Philadelphia community and I'm so glad that I met him and now call him friend. His name is Micheal O' Bryan. Micheal holds many job titles. He is the Music Department Coordinator at Freedom Theater in Philadelphia, where he created the infrastructure of the Department and created the curriculum. He is the Youth Service Coordinator at The Red Shield Family Residence of the Salvation Army. He also does many community outreach projects in Philadelphia. As I walked in Cosi, I gathered all of my questions I wanted to ask. He was already having a conversation with another Uarts graduate about the role of the artist in the context of community. I was amazed at the ideas he touched on. Prior to our interview, he took the time to explain why he decided to make an impact on the Philadelphia community. He shared with me information about how a lot of kids in Philadelphia are struggling to become productive human beings. Studies showed the percentage of children living in poverty in Philadelphia, is 30.3% in a population of more than 365,000 children under age 18 in 148,888 families. According to U.S. Census data released in September, more than 29 percent of residents in Philadelphia's 1st Congressional District (which is just a few miles from the historic Liberty Bell) live in poverty. Overall, census data found Philadelphia to be the poorest among the country's 10 largest cities, and the 1st district one of the hungriest, second only to the Bronx, New York. This information shook me up and my first question was "How are you going to help fix this mess?" This was the beginning of my interview.

Arik- How are you going to help fix this mess?
Micheal-Well my goal is to expand our current involvement with the Philadelphia community while promoting Positive Youth Development through the arts.
Arik- I've heard you talk about how art is important. Can you explain why?
Micheal-Art introduces the brain to diverse cognitive skills that help us unravel intricate problems. Art, in thought and through the creative processes, activates the imaginative and creative side, the spatial and intuitive side of our brain. Art jumps over the process of linear and logical thinking. It trains the brain to shift into thinking differently, of broaching old problems in new ways. This is what makes art so important.
Arik-You are a former graduate of Uarts, and I wanted to know how Uarts led you to become a leader?
Micheal- Uarts opened me up to experience the world in different ways. I grew up poor and that already gave me a unique frame of reference for the role of education. Uarts then expanded my perspective even more and opened me up to many unimagined possibilities. Also, I don't consider myself a leader.
Arik- Why not?
Micheal-I don't consider myself a leader because I'm uncomfortable with the term. It's a lot of responsibility. Leaders have people following them and if the leader messes up then everyone behind the leader is messed as well. I prefer the term Humanitarian Artist.
Arik-That's a more interesting title anyway. What do you like most about your job as a Humanitarian Artist?
Micheal-I am an artist. It's who I am. I like being myself. I enjoy expressing myself creatively everyday. I like helping people and engaging other people as well. I don't like to consider it a job, it's me.
Arik-What future changes do you see in this field?
Micheal-I see the ability for the artist to entirely redefine their role in the context of community. That doesn't mean every artist is doing community outreach like me, but that they are aware of the power they wield of their chosen art form to stimulate conversation on a variety of social issues.
Arik-Well thank you Micheal. I appreciate you taking the time with me.
Micheal- No problem good brother and I want to share a quote with you that describes what I feel a leader is. It's by Stephen Covey, the author of the book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Thinking. He states that "leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it in themselves."
Arik-Wow. Again thank you for your time and that's a perfect example of what a leader is.

After the interview ended and as I exited the Cosi, I thought about what he said and I really began to think about my role in my community. I realized that I want to make an impact on gay youth in this country. Micheal O'Bryan is a leader. Although he wouldn't classify himself as one. He's fighting for the underprivileged children in the Philadelphia area. A lot of these children are growing up in rough situations and need someone to reach out there hand and help them. Micheal is determined be that hand, and if it was possible, he would gladly grow another one.

Michelle Nichols

When I sat down with Michelle Nichols she explained to me a lot about what her job is like. Michelle is now a graduate student but she went to UArts and now works in the Student Tutoring office in Pine. When she was an Undergraduate she worked as an AAP mentor and as an academic tutor. As She held those roles as a student leader she was always engaging other students and helping others. She tries to inspire others and stay positive. She is a terrific listener and was always knowledgable of on campus resources. Her willingness to get involved on campus is what defines her as a student leader. She also says that her ambitious approach to her goals is what made her who she is today.

Michelle says that it is her work study job that set her up to become the leader she is today. Michelle is the eldest of her siblings. The oldest is always the most responsible naturally. She also says that her father was very hard working. That it self has helped her develop an ambitious attitude. Michelle is the first woman in her family to ever go to college and finish. All these things have made her a very strong willed person.

I asked Michelle what was her most favorite part of her work. She replied working with the students. She also enjoys collaborating with the students. She also told me that the most challenging part of her job is is managing sixty student tutors and their schedules. Michelle says that in the future in the art world the up and coming leaders will need to be more strategic and more well-rounded. The old leaders will step down and the youth will move up she says.

Brett Lockley Interview

When told I would have to interview a student leader, the first person that came to mind for me to interview was Brett Lockley. Now some of you may know who Brett is, but for those who don’t, Brett Lockley is a junior at UArts who is majoring in Ballet Education. He is also the founder and president of one of the student activities on campus: Cataclysmic. I met Brett at the beginning of the school year when he asked me to take some pictures of his club. So as I sipped my green tea frappuchino at Starbucks, I got the opportunity to ask Brett some questions about being a leader and some advice he could offer:

To start off, I had to ask Brett exactly what is Cataclysmic? Cataclysmic is a modeling group, which Brett created in the Fall of 2009 with one of his friends he went to high school. Brett had participated in fashion shows in his high school, which held fundraisers to raise money for scholarships... amongst other things. Brett wanted to bring a modeling group to college but expand it even further; Brett wanted to give more people the opportunity to be able to model. Brett’s responsibilities as a leader cover anything from running the rehearsals, emailing the models, making space reservations, putting together advertisements, making clothes, buying clothes, directing shows as well as planning the artistic vision for each semester.

When I asked Brett what prior experience and background had lead him to this leadership position, he answered by saying that observing the four people in charge of the fashion show back at his old high school helped him prepare for his role as president. He also said he has a natural ability and desire to lead others; he has never thought of himself as a follower. Brett described himself as always looking at ways things could be better or work more functionally. He also said that from the people he’s met in his life and the different environments they came from, has helped him communicate better with people overall. Brett’s leadership role has him working with teachers, administrators and peers. He says it can be hard to be a leader to people that are the same age as you, but you have to remember to be confident in what you do, so people know that you’re capable of being in charge.

What Brett likes most about being the president of Cataclysmic he said, while laughing, “I love having control.” When you have that kind of control, you have the ability for things to go well. If things go wrong, well the only person to blame is himself. Brett also loves the end product when Cataclysmic puts on their final show. He loves when his models are having fun and enjoying themselves. The negative side of being in control is getting a lot of the blame. Brett has learned that everyone isn’t always going to be happy with the decisions he makes; he has to make decisions that will help the majority of the group. Sometimes people will disagree with Brett when he changes a date or time for rehearsal, or someone will complain about a costume choice, and Brett tries his best to make adjustments to make others happy, but sometimes he can’t. Brett also says being in charge of a student group is a lot of pressure, filled with responsibilities that may get overwhelming at times. on As a full time student who is juggling 18 credits a semester, while also running a modeling group, can pose its challenges...but overall Brett loves what he does.

What Brett hopes will happen to Cataclysmic in the future? He says he hopes Cataclysmic will have more opportunities to do things in the community. He also hopes the club will expand and have a good mix of students from all different majors. From his leadership position at Cataclysmic and the skills he has learned, Brett hopes he one day be able to start his own dance company. His experiences with working, dealing and communicating with all different types of people will surely help him in the future. The last question I asked Brett was do you believe anyone can become a leader? His answer was yes. When asked to explain more he said for some, the way people are raised and the environment you grow up in makes it easier to become a leader. “You have to want to be a leader, to be a leader.” You have to take on the role of a leader, be active and want to lead others. And you also have to remember that there are people behind you who believe in you. Even if a leadership position doesn’t always turn out positively, the important thing is to learn from the mistakes you made in order to become an even better leader the next time around.

I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing Brett. He inspires me. The advice he offered along with his story makes me feel more at ease knowing I am slowly on the right track in becoming a successful leader. What I took most out of Brett’s interview is that you have to want to lead in order to be a leader, and with being a leader you aren’t always going to be able to please everyone. The important thing is to be ambitious, genuine, dedicated, organized, respectful and responsible…being a leader is a journey, not a destination.