By Jessy Diamba/reporter
NE students in the Leadership Academy learned the strategies of “Making Decisions” Feb. 17.
Student development associate Mishuna MacDonald discussed how to best approach situations that require tough decisions, from educational obligations to important tasks at work.
“Everyone has made important decisions,” she said. “During the Cold War, President Kennedy had to think thoroughly about his decision when dealing with Cuba. Had he not, we would’ve had World War III.”
Student Karimen Lucero was attending a leadership session for the first time.
“I’m in the (Student Leadership) program because I want to learn more about how to communicate better with other people, how to be a better leader and make better decisions and relationships,” she said. “Advisers referred me here, saying it would be a good group to join.”
MacDonald also delved into important decisions made on college campuses, including TCC.
“Our school administration had to make a stance on something growing in popularity: e-cigarettes. When dealing with an issue, it’s healthy to have advocacy for the matter and inquiry against,” she said. “Many students advocated that as taxpayers, they have the right to smoke e-cigarettes at TCC, which is a public school. On the other hand, faculty and staff concluded that smoking e-cigarettes around other students could be disruptive to learning and that secondhand smoking has great consequences.”
Sharing of ideas is normal and crucial to making better decisions, MacDonald said.
“Decision-making affects everyone, including yourself,” she said.
Student Manav Lamichhane is a regular attendee.
“I meet a lot of people [at these meetings], and the topics we talk about are very valuable to me,” she said.
After the session, MacDonald said any student can attend the sessions or join the group. Certification requires a one-year commitment, but students are recognized at graduation. Details are available at student activities.
“The Student Leadership Academy is an opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills and learn how to be effective and successful out in the workforce and within their communities,” she said.
The Student Leadership Academy meets twice a month with its presentations held two times that day: 12:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
