Since my freshman year of college, I’ve been recognized as a student leader on campus. Â However, I learned quickly that it wasn’t easy. Â It takes a lot of time, dedication, and hard work, but I’ve learned that it is worth it. Â Every minute of it. Â And it has taught me so much. Â
First of all, you can’t please everyone.
Working with freshman or other students can be, how do I put it, daunting.  You either make them laugh or they stare at you for the entire time you’re working with them.
Some realize there is purpose to you being their facilitating discussion and relaying information, but some do not.  They do not see the value in what you’re doing or do not seem to want any of your help.
You learn that not everyone wants your help.
You can try and try and try some more but there are some people, regardless of your expertise in an area, who do not want your help at all.  They could be at the edge of a cliff or, in the context of college careers, failing all their class and they don’t want whatever help you’re willing to offer them.
But, you can make a difference.
Regardless, there are some who accept your help.  As a student leader I’ve helped students dig themselves out of academic holes and deal with crisis’ they were scared to face on their own.  I’ve walked students to counseling and advocated for them to their professors.
And it made a difference in their first year.
As a student leader you can help, even if it’s in the smallest way possible.  Your words and dedication do matter to other students.
Working with faculty and staff can make a major difference in your college career.
By working one on one with faculty and staff at your college or university you make lasting ties that can benefit you even after you’re a student.  Need a reference? Check.  Need job advice?  Check.  Need someone who has been in you desired field to introduce you to other experienced individuals? Check.  Need a little extra support or kind words of wisdom? Check.
You get a colleague, mentor, friend, and supporter all in one. Â
You learn so much from other student leaders.
Working with other student leaders gives you so much in life. Â You learn new ways of working with people and new ways to tackle problems. Â
If you are working with students on a difficult topic, other student leaders are there to help you out.  If something doesn’t work for you, they’re there to give you more ideas.  If you need a bomb powerpoint to wow students and get them to listen to you, another student leader probably has one and is ready to share it with you. Â
They have their ways of doing things and you have yours but together you can be great. Â
Representing your college or university can take you places you never thought you’d go before.
As a student leader I’ve had the opportunity to represent my college in Scotland and England as well as to prospective students and their parents and esteemed guests to our institution.  I never thought I’d have these opportunities, and I know I definitely wouldn’t have without being a student leader. Â
I wear my College of Charleston shirts with pride because I get to represent such an awesome institution, and you will feel the same way too. Â
You can find friends in the most unlikely of places.
By being a student leader, I’ve found friends in all modes and fields of study.  I have friends who are biology, neuroscience, political science, English, psychology and Jewish studies majors.  I have friends in almost every field that isn’t mine.  And that’s awesome. Â
Without being a student leader, I never would have met these kind, intelligent and amazing individuals. Â Now I have a whole office of friends to call mine. Â I get to work with them, hang out with them, indulge in candy with them and most of all spend my free time with them. Â
And together we get to make a difference in other students’ lives.  Â