This week’s LeaderBear is Stephanie Goss.  Stephanie is currently pursuing her doctorate in Audiology at Missouri State and plans to graduate in 2016. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders. Stephanie completed both the Commerce Bank Emerging Leaders and the Distinction in Public Affairs program from our office.  She says that both really impacted her, especially the Distinction in Public Affairs because it showed her how important the public affairs mission was in her daily life. Stephanie is pictured to the right (middle) with her DPA presentation group.  If you would like to have this same experience we are currently accepting applications for the Distinction program until November 20, 2014.  You can apply online at www.missouristate.edu/dpa.

Stephanie also got involved in many other things during her time as an undergraduate at Missouri State. She was a University Ambassador, Director of Research and Development for Student Government Association and a teacher assistant in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Pre-School at Missouri State University.  She is currently working as a graduate assistant for the Office of Multicultural Programs where she helps plan, promote and organize diverse and inclusive events for students. Assisting with multicultural organizations through budgeting, planning and setting goals for the academic year is also part of her job. Stephanie enjoys helping students reach their goals and planning events that she believes make a difference on the campus of MSU.

Her top strengths that help her in all her leadership roles are: Command, Competition, Restorative, Self-Assurance and Significance.

When asked what about our programs impacted her the most she replied,

“Being involved with Emerging Leaders helped me evolve as a person and as a leader.  I was able to better see my weaknesses and I was given the tools and support to work on those areas for growth.  During Emerging Leaders I was also taught how to be proud about the strengths that I possess and how to encourage others to use the strengths that they hold.  Emerging Leaders taught me how to truly be a team player and how to effectively play my position on the team!  Being involved in Distinction in Public Affairs helped me to break down the Public Affairs Mission and to realize how important the mission was to my daily life.  What impacted me the most Distinction in Public Affairs was that I got to work closely with faculty members and students that I did not know.  We took the journey together and created friendships while we learned about the Public Affairs Mission.  It was important for me to understand how they interpreted themes and concepts in the mission vs. how I viewed those same themes and concepts.  This is ultimately what helped as grow as we went along the process.”

Her advice to younger students:

“Some advice that I would give to younger students is to get involved as much as possible.  The academic side of college is important but gaining different perspectives, meeting people with diverse lifestyles and cultures and discovering something that you are passionate about is invaluable.  Every student has something to offer and every student has something they need to gain before they graduate.  I would advise students to make sure they are giving to others and learning from each other throughout their time at Missouri State University.  This will help the student body grow together and become whole.”