Campus: University of North Texas
Expected Graduation Year: 2023
Degree Program: Design Management
Current Officer Role(s): Chapter President
LinkedIn handle: www.linkedin.com/in/madalyn-hernandez/
When did you join NSCS?
I joined NSCS in the fall of 2020, during my freshman year.
What made you become a chapter officer?
I decided to become a chapter officer because I saw there was a need for extra support in our leadership at the time. I was already looking for ways to get involved more on campus, and I thought my NSCS chapter would be a great place to start.
What was the most unexpected reward you received as an officer so far?
This year, I was elected as the president for my chapter—which, as a freshman, I never would have thought I’d be doing—and I’ve gotten to grow so much as an individual. I’ve built friendships within my chapter, given back to the community, and so much more. It’s been great.
How has your time with NSCS helped prepare you for life after college so far?
I’ve been able to develop my leadership, communication, and time management skills through NSCS, which are all skills I think are essential after college.
What is the most important thing you’ve gotten from your time as an undergraduate NSCS member?
I think the most important thing I’ve gotten from my time as a member so far has been the connections I’ve made with people along the way. Volunteering with friends, and growing into leadership roles, the people I’ve met have been amazing.
Where do you see yourself after you graduate?
After graduation, I will be pursuing my MBA degree and then building my career in design management, creative direction, or something along those lines!
If you could give a newly inducted undergraduate NSCS member advice on their path through their collegiate journey, what would it be?
Stay involved with your chapter and become an officer if you can! It’s such a great way to build your leadership skills and experience, and you’ll get so much out of it.
What “doors” have NSCS opened for you?
Through NSCS, I’ve received the exciting opportunity to serve on the National Leadership Council, which I would never have imagined would be an opportunity for me before.
If you could give an undergraduate student who is considering joining their NSCS chapter’s leadership team, what would it be?
If you’re considering joining the leadership team, do it! For me, it has been an excellent way to build my leadership and communication skills, among many others. You’ll have the support of your fellow officers, as well as support from your Chapter Operations Manager. If you ever have a question or need help, they’ll always be there for you.
]]>Campus: California State University Northridge (CSUN)
Expected Graduation Year: Spring 2023
Degree Program: Biotechnology
Current Officer Role(s): Chapter President
I joined NSCS in April of 2021. At the time, the CSUN chapter was not very active, and it was hard to connect with other members since everything was still virtual due to COVID-19. When the chapter operations manager reached out to me in October of 2021 with an opportunity to join the CSUN NSCS officer board as Professional Development Chair, I decided to take on this position as a way to connect more with the chapter. Unexpectedly, shortly after I joined, the chapter president resigned, and I was asked if I would be interested in filling this vacancy.
I had not originally intended to become chapter president when I joined the officer board. I also knew that it would be challenging to revive the chapter after over a year of inactivity. However, I knew that I would gain invaluable experience as a leader by learning how to recruit and engage members in order to serve the university and the surrounding community. I accepted the position and have never regretted this decision.
Since becoming chapter president, I have recruited an almost full officer board, and together we have hosted the first chapter induction ceremony since 2019, held general body meetings, and begun a letter-writing campaign in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. I have learned the importance of teamwork and diligence in rebuilding a chapter.
The most unexpected reward of being an officer has been the opportunity to network with peers from other organizations on campus. From leadership conferences to meeting collaborations, it has been inspiring to see what other student leaders are doing in this post-virtual era. I have learned a lot and forged friendships.
NSCS has opened several other doors for me, such as being able to apply for officer and STEM-related scholarships. Most importantly, I believe that my time as an undergraduate NSCS member has provided me with the professionalism and skill set that is necessary to succeed in the workforce.
I will be matriculating into medical school this upcoming summer. I plan to eventually enter a career in academic medicine, where I will treat patients, teach/mentor students, and conduct research. I also plan to travel broadly and continue my hobbies of piano, dance, and yoga.
If you are an undergraduate student who is on the fence about joining your chapter’s leadership team, I can tell you from my experience that being a leader is not as scary as it may sound. It mainly entails working with a team to boost the morale of members and provide them with fun and helpful experiences.
For newly inducted NSCS undergraduate members in general, my advice is to take advantage of the events hosted by your chapter to become more connected. More importantly, college is an exciting time to learn about what interests you and develop into the person you wish to be in the future. Stay open, be curious, work hard, and have fun!
]]>Education Institution: University at Albany
Expected Graduation Year: 2024
Degree Program: Psychology
Current Officer Role(s): Chapter President
When did you join NSCS?
I joined NSCS in the Spring of 2021.
What made you become a chapter officer?
When I first joined NSCS, my chapter was inactive on campus, and I was unable to experience all the benefits of being a part of the NSCS community. I decided to be an officer because I wanted to bring back the organization that provides a space on campus where high-achieving scholars can come together and feel supported and heard by one another. I felt it was important to help revive my chapter, so every member had the opportunity to fully partake in all NSCS has to offer.
What was the most unexpected reward you received as an officer so far?
The most unexpected reward so far is knowing that I am inspiring others. After the induction ceremony, many parents and members came up to me and told me they found my words to be inspiring. Knowing that I am having a positive impact on others is what makes this opportunity so worthwhile.
How has your time with NSCS helped prepare you for life after college so far?
NSCS has helped me improve my organizational, leadership, and communication skills. I believe that these skills are essential for my career path, and NSCS has helped me develop them through my officer position.
What is the most important thing you’ve gotten from your time as an undergraduate NSCS member?
The most important thing I’ve gotten from my time as an undergraduate member is the feeling of being understood. Unless you are a high-achieving individual, it is truly hard to understand how stressful it can be. This organization has given me the opportunity to meet people who truly understand what I am going through and the pressure I feel to do well and be a well-rounded individual.
Where do you see yourself after you graduate?
After I graduate, I see myself pursuing my master’s in psychology. I would also like to work with troubled children. Service is extremely important to me as I believe in giving back to my community and helping those who are in need. I plan on maintaining my commitment to education and the communities that I am a part of.
If you could give a newly inducted undergraduate NSCS member advice on their path through their collegiate journey, what would it be?
My advice is to try new things. One of the greatest parts about being in college is the vast amount of opportunities available to you. I encourage you to take advantage of every opportunity because every experience can be a learning experience if you make it one. You can gain something valuable that allows you to grow not only as a student but as an individual. You get to learn things about yourself and about who you want to be when you step out of your comfort zone and explore new opportunities. It’s amazing that our organization offers opportunities to study abroad or gain work experience through internships. I definitely encourage you to partake in these opportunities because you never know what you might discover.
If you could give an undergraduate student who is considering joining their NSCS chapter’s leadership team, what would it be?
Definitely give yourself the time to decide if taking on a leadership role is for you. However, if you are doubting yourself and your capabilities, I encourage you to just apply because you honestly never know what you can do until you try. When I got the position of chapter president at my college, I was so excited and nervous. It was scary to take on such a role, especially when there was no previous president to guide me. I took the role because I knew I wanted to contribute my talents to the NSCS community, and I am so glad that I did. I have come to feel like I am a part of something bigger than myself. I encourage you to take this opportunity and step out of your comfort zone because beautiful things are done and created When we push our boundaries and reach for new horizons. You don’t have to take on more than you can handle, and you work with a group of people that support each other in their roles. Although it can seem overwhelming, it is definitely rewarding.
Campus: Stony Brook University
Expected Graduation Year: Spring 2024
Degree Program: Social Work B.S.
Current Officer Role(s): Chapter President
LinkedIn handle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-sewdyal-88426519b/
When I reflect upon my involvement and commitment to NSCS, Mahatma Gandhi’s quote, “The Best Way to Find Yourself is to Lose Yourself in the Service of Others,” resonates with me the most. As an NSCS member, chapter officer, and aspiring social worker, I aim to serve those in need. I aim to serve my community and many disadvantaged communities in our country. I aim to promote positive change and create influence those who sought my help and trusted me to find the solution. In serving others, I found myself to be a social worker to continue my passion for being of service.
NSCS opens the doors for me to do this. The three pillars of NSCS are Scholarship, Leadership, and Service. Service enticed me to join this prestigious national honor society. I joined NSCS in April 2022. I received the nomination in the mail. After extensive research on NSCS and what it does for its members and the community as an honor society, I was eager to join with no hesitation to pay my commitment fee. I was extremely excited to be a part of this organization and all the great work it does. At the time of nomination, I was a recent transfer to Stony Brook University. I was a remote student, so I could not have been able to meet new peers and acclimate to the university environment as smoothly as I wanted to. Joining NSCS before my in-person arrival at SBU gave me something to look forward to. I was excited to become involved in my campus community and have an active membership in a prestigious national honor society.
My excitement increased when I was nominated to be a chapter officer. Becoming a chapter officer was life-changing for me. As exaggerated as that sounds, it was. In all my years of extra-curricular involvement, I was always a member rather than a leader. I was offered leadership positions due to my skills and qualities, but always timid to accept them. I started to build on my leadership skills when I became a Residential Advisor at my first college. When I saw how much I could be an influence and a role model to my residents, I began to picture myself more as a leader than a member. My time as a Residential Advisor had abruptly ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and all of us being sent home. However, this was a hidden skill that was waiting to be exemplified. It finally was when Zoe Bond nominated me to become an Executive Vice President in August 2022. I was honored to accept the position and become a chapter officer. I was even more excited that I could improve my leadership skills, which were starting to blossom from my time as an RA. Being a chapter officer is the best way to fulfill two pillars: leadership and service. I could be able to serve NSCS and the members of the SBU Chapter. I could serve my campus by being more involved through NSCS. My passion for serving others was fulfilled by being a chapter officer.
As a chapter officer, I can be a leader for all my members who are a part of the SBU Chapter. I can represent what NSCS stands for and how we will contribute and continue the work that NSCS is renowned for. I was later promoted to Chapter President in October 2022 when Zoe acknowledged my passion for NSCS and my leadership qualities. As a chapter officer, it is not all about holding a prestigious title. It is a commitment and a demonstration of excellence. We fulfill our position’s responsibilities wholeheartedly as we are motivated for progression. We are representatives of NSCS’s purpose and mission and will use our position to achieve it. This is why I became a chapter officer.
As a chapter officer, the unexpected reward I received was finally getting our chapter re-registered at Stony Brook University. It was a grueling process as Student Engagement continuously denied our proposal. It was a huge accomplishment when we were finally approved and recognized as an active organization on campus. I felt rewarded to be a part of a team that all diligently contributed to the re-registration process. It was a collaborative effort. In this process, we exemplified our passion for NSCS to fulfill its mission and purpose on campus. We used our leadership skills to contribute and petition for Student Engagement to approve our proposal and recognize NSCS. It was gratifying in the end. This is what motivation and commitment allow.
Another unexpected reward given to me by NSCS is my recent nomination to be the first Officer Spotlight feature of 2023! I am grateful for all these rewards NSCS has given me! NSCS began to open doors for me. It has blossomed my leadership skills that were concealed for a long time. I can exemplify these skills in my role as a Chapter President. As we are now an active organization on campus, our first goal is to plan community service events to serve disadvantaged local communities and populations. We also have the PACE program that we will relaunch to become mentors and tutors for high schoolers. We will host assemblies at the high schoolers and have “March to College Day” for high schoolers to gain insight into what college entails and the reality of being a college student. We want to thrive as members and allow others to thrive with us. I can apply for scholarships that I am eligible for through NSCS. NSCS has opened the door for me to afford college through its partnered donors and opportunities for scholarships.
As I am in my third year of college, I am starting to project my life after I graduate in the Spring of 2024. I will be earning my bachelor’s in social work. After my bachelor’s degree, I will continue to be a student at Stony Brook University as a graduate student. I plan on applying for the Advance Standing 1-year Master of Social Work program. In three years, I will have completed all my required coursework to be eligible to take my licensure exam. In projecting my future after my master’s and licensure exam, I see myself jumping into my career right after graduation. I am still deciding which fields I want to work in. There are a few that fit in. NSCS also opens doors for internships for its members. Through NSCS, I will look and apply for internships aligning with my major and degree.
My advice to newly inducted undergraduate NSCS members is to embrace the moment. When I first walked into my first lecture my first year, it was nerve-racking but astounding. It was a moment of realization that I was finally an adult. College is something spoken about from our early years of school, and it felt like forever to come. The time has finally arrived. It is also a realization that I am at the stage of life to focus on my future career. The education I receive from college will depict my future. It is your first step to success. Thinking of all that can be overwhelming, but it is incredible. It is an amazing reality.
Also, ask for help from peer mentors, residential advisors, and academic advisors, and even seek counseling from the counseling services at your school to help you transition better. When I first attended college, I was extremely homesick, and my residential advisor was whom I turned to. He was an excellent resource for providing me with advice and resources to better transition to college. I also had a peer mentor who was an excellent resource for better transition and emotional support. Reach out to these resources as they are available to your benefit. College wants you to succeed and will provide you with all the accommodations to achieve your success for a prosperous future. Please use these to your advantage!
In addition, join a club or organization that will allow you to feel a sense of belonging and recreation. College is stressful, and looking forward to attending a club meeting and event can alleviate that stress immensely. I joined NSCS for all its advantages for my academic future and the social benefit of feeling a sense of belonging. I came to Stony Brook University not knowing anyone and had to make friends as I encountered people along the way.
NSCS created that pathway for me to do that. As an officer board, my fellow officers have built a professional relationship and developed a form of connection. This set my sense of belonging in the Stony Brook University community. The four years of undergraduate goes by quickly. I write this as a third-year student. The cliche, “It felt like yesterday, I began,” really stands true. Make the most of your undergraduate career and create fond memories worth looking back to! College is primarily about progress and success. The best way to exemplify that is by joining leadership in the organization or club you are a part of. My advice to a student considering joining their leadership team is to go for it. Yes, it can be highly intimidating when the thought even crosses your mind. I am an excellent example of this.
As I previously mentioned, I do not have much leadership experience. When I started leadership as an RA, it was abruptly interrupted and ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was paused for two years until NSCS. I was nervous when I first got the nomination to be an NSCS officer. I thought I had forgotten what it is like to be a leader. I feared the leadership traits I held disappeared after not being able to blossom fully. I talked myself out of the negative thoughts that came my way and all my self-doubt. It was also with the support of Zoe, who saw fit in me fulfilling this position based on what she read on my resume. I confided in her my leadership skills were halted because of the pandemic, and she reassured me that this was the opportunity to continue its growth. Self-doubt will come when you are the event of being a leader and a person to be looked up to. Fear has its way of doing that. Positive encouragement, thinking, and determination will help you overcome those obstacles. When you are in the position, the feeling of empowerment and influence will supersede the initial emotions you felt prior to considering joining your organization’s leadership.
To wrap up, joining NSCS was one of the greatest choices I made when I joined Stony Brook University. I want to be a part of an organization that promotes scholarship, leadership, and service. Not only does it prepare me for the future with all the opportunities NSCS offers, but it also prepares me for my career as a social worker. Connections and networks with fellow members within my chapter and chapters nationally can create opportunities in my future career.
My active involvement through NSCS will build my character to be a well-rounded individual. Academics are one element of creating your future. The other element is extracurriculars and campus engagement. Being involved in your campus community and contributing to it speaks louder on your resume. It portrays the student as a well-rounded character. My membership to NSCS is still new. However, this organization has begun to impact me positively and created opportunities to benefit me. As per Mahatma Gandhi, I am finding myself as I serve others. I provide service through community service involvement and my leadership to my SBU chapter members. I look forward to continuing my membership with NSCS and entering the doors it will continue to open for me throughout my academic career at Stony Brook University!
]]>Campus: Stony Brook University
Expected Graduation Year: Spring 2024
Degree Program: Social Work B.S.
Current Officer Role(s): Chapter President
LinkedIn handle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-sewdyal-88426519b/
When I reflect upon my involvement and commitment to NSCS, Mahatma Gandhi’s quote, “The Best Way to Find Yourself is to Lose Yourself in the Service of Others,” resonates with me the most. As an NSCS member, chapter officer, and aspiring social worker, I aim to serve those in need. I aim to serve my community and many disadvantaged communities in our country. I aim to promote positive change and create influence those who sought my help and trusted me to find the solution. In serving others, I found myself to be a social worker to continue my passion for being of service.
NSCS opens the doors for me to do this. The three pillars of NSCS are Scholarship, Leadership, and Service. Service enticed me to join this prestigious national honor society. I joined NSCS in April 2022. I received the nomination in the mail. After extensive research on NSCS and what it does for its members and the community as an honor society, I was eager to join with no hesitation to pay my commitment fee. I was extremely excited to be a part of this organization and all the great work it does. At the time of nomination, I was a recent transfer to Stony Brook University. I was a remote student, so I could not have been able to meet new peers and acclimate to the university environment as smoothly as I wanted to. Joining NSCS before my in-person arrival at SBU gave me something to look forward to. I was excited to become involved in my campus community and have an active membership in a prestigious national honor society.
My excitement increased when I was nominated to be a chapter officer. Becoming a chapter officer was life-changing for me. As exaggerated as that sounds, it was. In all my years of extra-curricular involvement, I was always a member rather than a leader. I was offered leadership positions due to my skills and qualities, but always timid to accept them. I started to build on my leadership skills when I became a Residential Advisor at my first college. When I saw how much I could be an influence and a role model to my residents, I began to picture myself more as a leader than a member. My time as a Residential Advisor had abruptly ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and all of us being sent home. However, this was a hidden skill that was waiting to be exemplified. It finally was when Zoe Bond nominated me to become an Executive Vice President in August 2022. I was honored to accept the position and become a chapter officer. I was even more excited that I could improve my leadership skills, which were starting to blossom from my time as an RA. Being a chapter officer is the best way to fulfill two pillars: leadership and service. I could be able to serve NSCS and the members of the SBU Chapter. I could serve my campus by being more involved through NSCS. My passion for serving others was fulfilled by being a chapter officer.
As a chapter officer, I can be a leader for all my members who are a part of the SBU Chapter. I can represent what NSCS stands for and how we will contribute and continue the work that NSCS is renowned for. I was later promoted to Chapter President in October 2022 when Zoe acknowledged my passion for NSCS and my leadership qualities. As a chapter officer, it is not all about holding a prestigious title. It is a commitment and a demonstration of excellence. We fulfill our position’s responsibilities wholeheartedly as we are motivated for progression. We are representatives of NSCS’s purpose and mission and will use our position to achieve it. This is why I became a chapter officer.
As a chapter officer, the unexpected reward I received was finally getting our chapter re-registered at Stony Brook University. It was a grueling process as Student Engagement continuously denied our proposal. It was a huge accomplishment when we were finally approved and recognized as an active organization on campus. I felt rewarded to be a part of a team that all diligently contributed to the re-registration process. It was a collaborative effort. In this process, we exemplified our passion for NSCS to fulfill its mission and purpose on campus. We used our leadership skills to contribute and petition for Student Engagement to approve our proposal and recognize NSCS. It was gratifying in the end. This is what motivation and commitment allow.
Another unexpected reward given to me by NSCS is my recent nomination to be the first Officer Spotlight feature of 2023! I am grateful for all these rewards NSCS has given me! NSCS began to open doors for me. It has blossomed my leadership skills that were concealed for a long time. I can exemplify these skills in my role as a Chapter President. As we are now an active organization on campus, our first goal is to plan community service events to serve disadvantaged local communities and populations. We also have the PACE program that we will relaunch to become mentors and tutors for high schoolers. We will host assemblies at the high schoolers and have “March to College Day” for high schoolers to gain insight into what college entails and the reality of being a college student. We want to thrive as members and allow others to thrive with us. I can apply for scholarships that I am eligible for through NSCS. NSCS has opened the door for me to afford college through its partnered donors and opportunities for scholarships.
As I am in my third year of college, I am starting to project my life after I graduate in the Spring of 2024. I will be earning my bachelor’s in social work. After my bachelor’s degree, I will continue to be a student at Stony Brook University as a graduate student. I plan on applying for the Advance Standing 1-year Master of Social Work program. In three years, I will have completed all my required coursework to be eligible to take my licensure exam. In projecting my future after my master’s and licensure exam, I see myself jumping into my career right after graduation. I am still deciding which fields I want to work in. There are a few that fit in. NSCS also opens doors for internships for its members. Through NSCS, I will look and apply for internships aligning with my major and degree.
My advice to newly inducted undergraduate NSCS members is to embrace the moment. When I first walked into my first lecture my first year, it was nerve-racking but astounding. It was a moment of realization that I was finally an adult. College is something spoken about from our early years of school, and it felt like forever to come. The time has finally arrived. It is also a realization that I am at the stage of life to focus on my future career. The education I receive from college will depict my future. It is your first step to success. Thinking of all that can be overwhelming, but it is incredible. It is an amazing reality.
Also, ask for help from peer mentors, residential advisors, and academic advisors, and even seek counseling from the counseling services at your school to help you transition better. When I first attended college, I was extremely homesick, and my residential advisor was whom I turned to. He was an excellent resource for providing me with advice and resources to better transition to college. I also had a peer mentor who was an excellent resource for better transition and emotional support. Reach out to these resources as they are available to your benefit. College wants you to succeed and will provide you with all the accommodations to achieve your success for a prosperous future. Please use these to your advantage!
In addition, join a club or organization that will allow you to feel a sense of belonging and recreation. College is stressful, and looking forward to attending a club meeting and event can alleviate that stress immensely. I joined NSCS for all its advantages for my academic future and the social benefit of feeling a sense of belonging. I came to Stony Brook University not knowing anyone and had to make friends as I encountered people along the way.
NSCS created that pathway for me to do that. As an officer board, my fellow officers have built a professional relationship and developed a form of connection. This set my sense of belonging in the Stony Brook University community. The four years of undergraduate goes by quickly. I write this as a third-year student. The cliche, “It felt like yesterday, I began,” really stands true. Make the most of your undergraduate career and create fond memories worth looking back to! College is primarily about progress and success. The best way to exemplify that is by joining leadership in the organization or club you are a part of. My advice to a student considering joining their leadership team is to go for it. Yes, it can be highly intimidating when the thought even crosses your mind. I am an excellent example of this.
As I previously mentioned, I do not have much leadership experience. When I started leadership as an RA, it was abruptly interrupted and ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was paused for two years until NSCS. I was nervous when I first got the nomination to be an NSCS officer. I thought I had forgotten what it is like to be a leader. I feared the leadership traits I held disappeared after not being able to blossom fully. I talked myself out of the negative thoughts that came my way and all my self-doubt. It was also with the support of Zoe, who saw fit in me fulfilling this position based on what she read on my resume. I confided in her my leadership skills were halted because of the pandemic, and she reassured me that this was the opportunity to continue its growth. Self-doubt will come when you are the event of being a leader and a person to be looked up to. Fear has its way of doing that. Positive encouragement, thinking, and determination will help you overcome those obstacles. When you are in the position, the feeling of empowerment and influence will supersede the initial emotions you felt prior to considering joining your organization’s leadership.
To wrap up, joining NSCS was one of the greatest choices I made when I joined Stony Brook University. I want to be a part of an organization that promotes scholarship, leadership, and service. Not only does it prepare me for the future with all the opportunities NSCS offers, but it also prepares me for my career as a social worker. Connections and networks with fellow members within my chapter and chapters nationally can create opportunities in my future career.
My active involvement through NSCS will build my character to be a well-rounded individual. Academics are one element of creating your future. The other element is extracurriculars and campus engagement. Being involved in your campus community and contributing to it speaks louder on your resume. It portrays the student as a well-rounded character. My membership to NSCS is still new. However, this organization has begun to impact me positively and created opportunities to benefit me. As per Mahatma Gandhi, I am finding myself as I serve others. I provide service through community service involvement and my leadership to my SBU chapter members. I look forward to continuing my membership with NSCS and entering the doors it will continue to open for me throughout my academic career at Stony Brook University!
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