Keri Kwan
Why are you pursuing the LEAD certificate?
I am in the Bachelors of Applied Science program. I transferred from the College of Western Idaho with an Associates in Early Childhood with the goal of graduating with a Bachelor’s degree. The LEAD certificate was recommended to me by my advisor, and it was also intriguing. For most of my student life, I have been a follower and relied on others, but I wanted to grow in my leadership skills and help others be the best version of themselves so I decided to pursue the LEAD certificate, and I have no ounce of regret!
What has been the best part of your LEAD program studies so far?
I have loved every class, professor, and moment! I have benefitted a lot from the knowledge of my professors. I respect them all because they all take the time to get to know the students and it shows how leadership causes change because it even the classroom environment is different.
What are your career goals?
Leadership isn’t about what title you have, but who you are moment to moment. In whatever capacity, or level of power I will have in the future, I hope that others will know me as kind, thoughtful, and personable. I strive to have a focus on others rather than on material things.
Brooke Ledesma
Why are you pursuing the LEAD certificate?
I started college several years ago but returned to my hometown college, BSU, to finish my degree. In that time, I worked as a junior staffer on Capitol Hill, managed political campaigns at the state and federal level, and advocated for causes I’m passionate about.
I’m pursuing the LEAD certificate because I wanted to explore the intersection of public service and personal growth. I’ve been fortunate to have powerful role models in my life, and I want my actions to also inspire other young women to dream, grow, and lead. The best way I can equip myself with the right “tools in my toolkit” is by studying the concepts of authentic leadership, in pursuit of developing my own inspirational leadership style.
What has been the best part of your LEAD program studies so far?
The best part of the LEAD program studies so far has been connecting with other students in the program and recognizing the empathy, compassion, and goodwill we have for one another and for our community.
What are your career goals?
I hope to graduate from Boise State University this semester and pursue a Master’s of Public Policy degree, where I can advocate for young women leaders who hope to run for public office. I’m grateful for my time at BSU and the opportunity it’s given me to develop as a leader.
Kylie Saulovich
Why are you pursuing the LEAD certificate?
I decided to pursue a LEAD certificate, more specifically the certificate in Leadership and Human Relations because I wanted to develop leadership skills, along with strengthening the skills I already have. Ever since I was little, people said I had the potential to be a leader, and had leader-like qualities, that when I saw that this certificate was offered and there was a LEAD program I thought it was the time to grow in my leadership potential. Also, with the day and age we live in, leadership skills are so important! Anytime you view job postings, more often than not one of the qualifications employers/companies look for is leadership skills, or experience in a leadership role. I am very thankful that I will be able to put this LEAD certificate, the skills I learned, and the experiences I have had on my resume for future jobs.
What has been the best part of your LEAD program studies so far?
I have truly loved every part of my LEAD program studies, sometimes I have loved it way more than my actual major, lol. It is such a wonderful program, I love all the classes, and the interactiveness in each one. I love the interpersonal connections you make with your classmates, you really get to learn about others and their personal journeys with leadership, either how they have led or have been led by others. Also, all the professors have been amazing – truly a group of individuals who care about their students and are excited to see how they grow outside of the classroom with the leadership skills they have helped develop and/or refine.
What are your career goals?
Oh the great question that I always dread answering as a senior who is not quite sure what she will be doing career wise. At this moment, I see myself either going into the event planning industry, being a communication specialist, or being a project or office coordinator. Still a work in progress in figuring out where my passion lies.