Read what these Honors College Changemaking Mentors have to say about their roles and experiences in student leadership and how their work has helped them grow personally and professionally, find their community, and support the experiences of fellow Honors College students.
Sabrina Lima (’21, SAS/HC)
"I am what you call an accidental leader. I was a leader at my high school, but after losing the RHA election my first semester, I thought leadership was something I had to leave behind. The leader that I am today is due to Honors College faculty and residential leaders seeing potential in me that I was not able to see. My 4-East Mentor in Residence actively checked in on me and offered to support me in any ideas that I had. As a general Honors College student, the deans offered their ears, and they were willing to partner with me when I proposed an initiative. Through fostering these connections and serving as a member of SAB and the DEI intern during my second year, I was led to apply to become a Mentor in Residence, hoping to expand my range of Honors College experiences. I was grateful to be met with individuals who cared about serving and the work they were doing and not individuals purely searching for a resume booster. I think one of my greatest experiences as an online Changemaking Community Facilitator was the Black Joy event that just occurred this February. It brought me full circle to the first BHM event I planned my freshman year. Although the online format made this experience different, I was thankful to see that I was not alone in the planning and the passion behind the planning. I was left with a gratifying feeling knowing that my hard work was shared, appreciated, and seen."
"I am what you call an accidental leader. I was a leader at my high school, but after losing the RHA election my first semester, I thought leadership was something I had to leave behind. The leader that I am today is due to Honors College faculty and residential leaders seeing potential in me that I was not able to see. My 4-East Mentor in Residence actively checked in on me and offered to support me in any ideas that I had. As a general Honors College student, the deans offered their ears, and they were willing to partner with me when I proposed an initiative. Through fostering these connections and serving as a member of SAB and the DEI intern during my second year, I was led to apply to become a Mentor in Residence, hoping to expand my range of Honors College experiences. I was grateful to be met with individuals who cared about serving and the work they were doing and not individuals purely searching for a resume booster. I think one of my greatest experiences as an online Changemaking Community Facilitator was the Black Joy event that just occurred this February. It brought me full circle to the first BHM event I planned my freshman year. Although the online format made this experience different, I was thankful to see that I was not alone in the planning and the passion behind the planning. I was left with a gratifying feeling knowing that my hard work was shared, appreciated, and seen."
Peristera Vikatos (’23, SEBS/HC/DRC)
"Serving as a Community Facilitator has been an incredibly rewarding and exciting experience. Times like these, which have forced us to question and reconfigure everything we have been taught, amplify the importance of a role like this. In working with students from diverse backgrounds, each with an individual set of experiences and ideas, I learned that we have much more in common than we realize. It has been so special to be able to connect with students and find that the issues we care about, the things we feel we took for granted, and the passion we have for making the Honors College a place we are proud to identify with are shared among us. As a Facilitator, I witnessed community-building right before my eyes because of these things that we share. As Facilitators, it is our responsibility to highlight both our similarities and the things that make us unique. This role showed me that there is no shame in asking for help, and there is never a wrong time to reach out to offer help to others. The dedication and passion I have seen demonstrated by the students of the Honors College inspire me every day and remind me that changemaking occurs as long as we feel supported and represented in the work that we do. By helping to create safe, inclusive spaces for meaningful community conversations that resonate with students, we, as Facilitators, see firsthand what genuine connection and community looks like, and it is truly magical."
Learn more about Student Leadership opportunities at the Honors College.