{"id":4622,"date":"2020-12-11T10:15:02","date_gmt":"2020-12-11T15:15:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cah.ucf.edu\/imprint\/?p=4622"},"modified":"2020-12-11T10:15:04","modified_gmt":"2020-12-11T15:15:04","slug":"lead-scholars-supporting-student-leaders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cah.ucf.edu\/imprint\/lead-scholars-supporting-student-leaders\/","title":{"rendered":"LEAD Scholars: Supporting Student Leaders"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Valory Anne Sarmiento Vailoces<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the daughter of Filipino immigrants, the American university system was daunting for me to navigate. Although my parents were college graduates themselves, their experiences in the Philippines did not prepare me for the life of an American university student. While I was still figuring out the difference between my NID and PID, I also had to think about the myriad of other responsibilities, like the need to complete an application to medical school. Luckily, I did not have to trek on my new journey alone. Through LEAD Scholars, I was able to find the support system that not only helped me transition to college but one that propelled me to my future endeavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LEAD Scholars offers various programs, with the most popular option being the two-year LEAD Scholars Academy plan. Dr. Stacey Malaret, LEAD Scholars Director, describes LEAD Scholars Academy as a \u201ctwo-year co-curricular and academic leadership development program structured to help new first-year students learn, lead and serve others through leadership studies classes, service initiatives and leadership opportunities.\u201d The LEAD Scholars Mentor Program pairs students with a professional mentor from the UCF or greater Orlando community to aid them in their career and leadership development. The U-LEAD programs teach students about empathetic and effective leadership through various cultural, racial and professional lenses. LEAD Scholars ultimately transforms students into leaders that serve their local and international communities, but even the most impactful leaders need their own support system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being a part of the LEAD family provides several tangible advantages. This includes access to free printing, the LEAD lounge, priority registration and smaller class sizes. However, Dr. Malaret believes that the intangible benefits are what makes the experience so worthwhile. The fact that LEAD is a small community, within one of the nation\u2019s largest universities, enables students to reap the rewards of a tight student body while still being able to enjoy all UCF has to offer. Not to mention, the camaraderie between LEAD Scholars is unparalleled; everyone is bonded by their mutual desire to be changemakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"