To Be or Not to Be a Student Leader

By Dorothy J. Hill

To Be or Not to Be a Student Leader


Getting involved with a student organization is not necessarily for everyone. If you were ever not one of the selected few for a particular job or organization, don’t take it to heart. There are various factors that are included. You may have a lot going on already if you work one or multiple jobs and/or have children. No worries. If you’re like me (working four jobs), then you do what you can. You may attend an event sponsored by an organization or simply have an interest and just gather a little info about who they are and what they do.

There are 40+ student organizations here at Saint Xavier, which each fall into various categories, such as:

· Academic/Honorary
· Ethnic/Cultural
· Faith/Spiritual
· Social/Political/Special Interest
· Club Sports
· Student Media
· Government/Programming
· Leadership Groups

Many are sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs/Department of Campus Life with the exception of the Student Ambassador Program, which falls into the Social/Political/Special Interest category and is sponsored by the Office of Admission. Follow this link for more info on Student Organizations: http://www.sxu.edu/Administrative/Student_Affairs/organizations.asp or you can find many of them on Facebook.

Maybe you were involved in high school and/or at other schools (for transfer students). There are some who were involved in various activities and organizations in high school who eagerly continued when they entered college. Then, there are others, who, like me, didn’t eagerly continue.

By the time I reached my senior year of high school at Kenwood Academy, I was president of the Concert Choir, co-captain of the Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team, and a member of the Drama Club. In addition, I was actively involved with my church choir and various musical organizations.

When I entered college, I set my mind on a philosophy “I’m not here to get involved or make friends. I just want to get my degree and move on with my life.” I figured I already had friends and knew enough about organizations. Why get involved now? Freshman year I was just a Student Worker in the Office of Admission.

Flash forward...After some words of encouragement from a mentor/friend to “get involved and not have any regrets after graduating”, I have been actively involved with the Student Ambassador Program since my sophomore year. For two years, I served as a tour guide for prospective students and families. Currently, I am the Training Coordinator. Considering where I began you’d think I would have followed through with that philosophy I spoke of. Not in the least. Because of my involvement with the Student Ambassador Program, I have had some really remarkable opportunities. As a tour guide, I went the extra mile on a tour and received recognition as “Someone You Should Know” in the spring 2010 issue of the Saint Xavier magazine by a V.P. Kathleen Carlson, who also personally invited me to the President’s Scholarship Ball. On top of that, I have built some awesome networking relationships with many of SXU’s dignitaries, faculty, staff and students. These are just a few of the experiences I’ve had.

It wasn’t until recently that I realized I made a wonderful decision by getting involved. I have gained a greater appreciation for the University and my Student Ambassador Team.

It doesn’t matter what organization you become a part of, we all have a mission. Some may differ or share the same ideals. Plus, it looks great on your resume when you’re looking for a job after graduation. One central theme amongst us all is the eight core values of SXU. These core values are: Respect, Excellence, Compassion, Service, Hospitality, Integrity, Diversity, Learning for Life.

Now, you may say “who cares about a core value?” Everyone should! Why? They provide substance and support for life wholly. I implement them all, but one that resonates most is “Learning for Life”. Do any of them strike you? Try to see these values beyond the realms of SXU. They can be applied to much more than the academic aspect of your life. If you have the time or possess the necessary tools to be a leader, get involved in at least one thing and I guarantee it will be a wonderful learning and growing experience.

Dorothy J. Hill is a senior from Chicago, IL. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. Dorothy is a Student Ambassador and currently serves as the Training Coordinator at Saint Xavier.