Student Leader of the Month “ROARs” on campus

Student leader Ericka Gonzalez

By Samantha Savaglio

Student Activities recently named Ericka Gonzalez Student Leader of the Month. The program recognizes UW-Parkside students who have dedicated their time and skills in making significant contributions to the university and their communities.

Ericka is known for her exceptional organizational skills with developing events held on campus and her approach in sharing personal experiences with her peers.

"In my different positions as a leader, I focus on the students and what they need. I get to know my audience and try to give them the information that will benefit them," Gonzalez says. She demonstrates this while giving tours around campus and helping students register for classes.

Gonzalez helps organize First Year Experience's "Ranger, Orientation, Advising, and Registration" (ROAR) as a leader and student coordinator. Also, she is a member of the Pre-Health Club and she serves as a Campus Ambassador for the Office of Admissions.

The influence of other student leaders is what initially sparked Gonzalez's own success story. "The student leaders I had interacted with during my first year impacted me greatly and made my experience at Parkside wonderful," she says.

Gonzalez declares her greatest accomplishment was coordinating Ranger Welcome, an orientation for incoming freshmen. She engaged new campus departments and organizations while implementing an incentive program that "increased attendance, engagement and excitement of the event."

As a student earning her Applied Health Science Concentration in Pre-Chiropractic, she chose UW-Parkside for its strong pre-health program. "Since UW-Parkside is a smaller university, the small class sizes and the ability to get to know the professor and be known was what caught my eye first," she states.

Gonzalez believes every leader should possess determination. "My determination is what helps me succeed in the things I'm passionate about and helps me gain experience. Every leader with determination will grow as a person and professionally," she reveals.

"As a first generation college student, determination to be a chiropractic doctor and the support of those around me are the only things that help me succeed."

Gonzalez plans on utilizing her leadership skills as she continues on to chiropractic school and into her professional career. "My leadership skills will help me communicate better, work together, and be even more successful in the future," she states.

Just as her leaders influenced her as an incoming student, Gonzalez has impacted others by helping them transition to college. As a student leader and a positive role model, she explains, "I know I have impacted them when I see them getting involved, wanting to become campus leaders themselves, and working towards success."

• 
• 
• 

ABOUT THIS STORY:

Story Status: Archived
Publish date: 11/20/2012

MORE UW-P NEWS:

All current news releases
News archive
Ranger Today home