“I remember observing the Student Leadership Awards ceremony last year and seeing how valuable this experience was for award recipients. I thought, ‘That must be most fulfilling to be a leader and to be recognized for your leadership.’ I decided to step up. Being a newcomer, it was hard to integrate and get involved more at first. Starting as a volunteer for SSF and Open House, I gained sense of community that allowed me to now serve as a Student Ambassador of Student Recruitment, SMILE mentor and the Chair of SSF Board of Directors. These experiences gave me a feel of care for student concerns and a desire to address them — this genuine feeling allowed me to contribute and win the Daniel Atlin Leadership Award this year. Even though I did not get a chance to come up to a stage with my name announced to receive an award like I wanted a year ago, I realized that it is the contribution itself that made me #SenecaProud of myself and other leaders of the Seneca community. It is pride for how we were there for one another, how we volunteered our time to help a classmate, represented Seneca or SSF on different levels and, most importantly, how we are showing gratitude for having each other’s support and patience during this hard time. I’m grateful to professors and Student Recruitment managers that provided me with the most valuable asset — knowledge.
I’m grateful to Valarie Simmons who not only became my first manager and helped me to grow as an employee and proud member of the Seneca community, but also provided a recommendation for me to win the award. I’m grateful to all student leaders for motivating me. I’m grateful to Seneca for bringing us all together and giving us resources to master our future. I'm grateful that our efforts are recognized, but I realized that it's about what we do, not what we receive in return. Gratitude and humbleness are what forms a servant leader.”