By Tabitha Redder/reporter
The skills learned throughout the leadership modules will help TCC students when they transfer to a university and when they go onto their careers, the NW student services director told students Sept. 25.
Vesta Martinez presented the first of seven parts in the Student Leadership Academy on NW Campus.
“We have a lot of student leadership organizations with leadership opportunities on campus, and we discovered that as students were going into these leadership roles, they wanted more training,” she said. “This academy was created to develop skills that will help them in their roles as campus leaders.”
During the module, students were divided into groups to established what leadership is, why it is necessary and what makes a good or bad leader.
“Without leaders, there would be such disorganization, and the final product that the group is working toward would be sloppy,” NW student Mario Monerroso said.
Students can receive a Level I or Level II Leadership Academy Certification, depending on how many modules they complete. When students transfer, they can also request a separate transcript that will include all the regular classes they’ve taken as well as the leadership courses.
Donna Christy, NW Campus peer leader and the first graduate from the Student Leadership Academy, understands the value of the program.
“My first module was public speaking. It made me less nervous,” she said. “Everyone can benefit from the academy.”
Freshman Sabrina Wheeler said she will try to attend all seven modules.
“Someone who has these skills will be appreciated much more in the workplace than someone who doesn’t,” she said.
The Student Leadership Academy will present a different module every month focusing on subjects such as team building, critical thinking and conflict resolution.