This week’s LeaderBear has been taking her leadership skills across the globe. Alyssa Cassidy is a Senior at Missouri State and will graduate in December 2015.  She is studying Agriculture Communications and getting a minor in Viticulture and Enology.  Alyssa is also a part of the Accelerated Masters program for Plant Science. Some of her biggest accomplishments include being an Agriculture Ambassador in Taiwan, China, and Italy, and interning at Les Bourgeois Vineyard and Winery and VESTA (Viticulture and Enology, Science and Technology Alliance).  Alyssa has also earned a National Science Foundation Award and was a U.S. Agriculture Ambassador in the 2015 Worlds Fair in Milan, Italy.

When asked how our Centennial Leaders program impacted her, Alyssa responded:

“The friendships and connections that I have made with the students in the program as well as others involved have impacted me the most. It is because of these people that I have been able to take advantage of many different opportunities during my college career. The Centennial Leaders program allowed me to access my leadership abilities and encourage them to grow. It was because of this that I was able to become the leader I am today.”

Alyssa’s advice for younger students looking to get involved is:

“Start making connections with others the moment you step on campus. College is all about getting involved and creating new experiences so it is important to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. You never know what you might learn about yourself when you start creating friendships with those you might not have expected.”