This week’s LeaderBear was awarded the Pepsi-Cola Public Affairs Scholarship along with five other students at this year’s New Student Convocation.  Julie Daoust is a Senior at Missouri State majoring in Communication Studies. Julie has been highly involved in our leadership programs.  She has participated in Distinction in Public Affairs and Commerce Bank Emerging Leaders, and this past Spring semester, she had the opportunity to be a facilitator for other Emerging Leader participants. She also attended Missouri State University’s first ever LeaderShape Institute this Summer.  Aside from her involvement with leadership programs, she is a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, Order of Omega, and Lambda Pi Eta, and has served on the Panhellenic Executive Board for the past two years.  She currently is serving on the board as the Vice President of Academics.   Other notable involvements include being a PlayFair Assistant during Welcome Weekend for the past two years and a Peer Leader this semester.  Outside of campus, Julie is an active volunteer with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Ozarks.  She is a Big Sister and this past Summer interned with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Ozarks as a Special Events Intern.

After graduating this upcoming May, Julie is planning to apply to be a Leadership Consultant for her sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha and later continue to her education to get a Masters in Student Affairs.

When asked how our leadership programs impacted her, she replied by saying:

“Going through the leadership programs on campus such as Commerce Bank Emerging Leaders and Distinction in Public Affairs definitely gave me the confidence to seek leadership positions within the Missouri State Community. I was able to discover more about myself and my leadership strengths and learn more about to efficiently use those strengths, especially when I work with others. These programs also allowed me a chance to network early on during my time at Missouri State. I’ve built friendships and connections that I’ve been able to go back to anytime I’ve needed something. Being a part of Distinction in Public Affairs also allowed me to get involved with the Springfield community and learn more about the university and how to implement our three pillars in the Public Affairs Mission. This program taught me more than any class could have taught me, as I was actively engaged in upholding the Public Affairs Mission.”

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

“Advice that I would give to younger students would be to find your place on this campus and don’t be afraid to try something that you never would have considered joining when you were in High school. College is an exciting world and the opportunities we are surrounded with are endless. It is a time to grow and learn, not only with academics as you prepare for your future, but also as an individual. There is at least one organization or student group on this campus that everyone can personally connect with. Find that place and make the most of your college career. The time flies by and before you know it your time will be up. Make sure you leave MSU happy with what you got involved in and not regretting the opportunities you didn’t seek.”

If you are interested in getting involved like Julie, and are a Junior or Senior, applications to be a Commerce Bank Emerging Leaders Facilitator will be out next week.  Do not miss out on this great opportunity!