MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – Leaping into leadership roles whenever possible, wherever they exist, can result in knowledge that will carry over to successfully navigating the workforce and help form a knowledgeable individual. Learning how to move the needle toward a common goal, finding ways to craft policies to benefit everyone equitably, overcoming fears that are holding back progress, exploring ways to discuss uncomfortable topics or conflicts that end in fair resolutions, are all aspects of leadership skills.

Electing to actively participate depends on personal motivation, yet the outcomes are surprisingly universal. Whether the goal is to help in general, represent the majority of students by being a voice to decision-makers, or try on the responsibilities of being the head of a group, SUNY Orange students have #SOmany leadership opportunities. The Center for Student Involvement, located in the Shepard Center on SUNY Orange’s Middletown campus, is home to two vital leadership groups: the Student Senate (Senate) and Board of Activities (BOA). Students are welcome to attend all meetings, but what exactly do these groups do, and how does participation develop leadership skills?

STUDENT SENATE

The Senate is a body of student government encompassing elected members in the offices of the president, vice
president, secretary, treasurer, six senators and five senators-at-large. Senators develop and utilize leadership skills in
all roles by representing the student body; holding office hours; interacting with the College administration and, on
occasion, the Board of Trustees; reviewing and voting on club budgets before distributing funds; and conducting
meetings by following Robert’s Rules of Order and more.

Adrienne Victor, Student Senate advisor explains, “The Student Senate has tough, real-life conversations. They meet
with the president of the College and many vice presidents. The opportunities come with the need for skills they may
not otherwise have a chance to use.”

STUDENT TRUSTEE

The Student Trustee attends at least six Senate meetings per semester, sits on an assigned board committee and is a
full voting member of both the SUNY Orange Board of Trustees and the College Association Board. The trustee may
be elected for up to two terms and must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA while enrolled in six credits per semester.

BOARD OF ACTIVITIES (BOA)

Membership is open to currently enrolled students and weekly meetings are held in the Shepard Center. BOA
provides “…, cultural, social and recreational opportunities for students to have a quality college experience outside
the classroom.”

Student activity fee funds support BOA events such as the Week of Welcome and fun, social activities.

Among numerous activities, BOA members attend an annual National Association for Campus Activities event each
year that allows members and advisors to view vendors and select those that will provide events or activities with the
highest appeal for most of the student population at a reasonable cost.

For a few of the students involved in student government and BOA, successful leadership comes down to three key
actions:

1. Leap. Jump in. Put yourself out there and be vulnerable. Be prepared to put in the time and effort.
2. Receive by listening, connecting with mentors or a network, and observing others.
3. Communicate with confidence.

LEAP

Senate Secretary Gabriella Miyoshi graduated from Valley Central High School and will transfer to SUNY New
Paltz. She is also a member of the Honors Program and Future Teachers Association, as well as a Presidential
Scholarship recipient who credits her academically focused family, especially her Poppy and Mom, for instilling the
importance of school work and finding ways to make a difference in the community.

For those considering being a part of the Senate, Miyoshi advises, “Anyone has the potential (to be a leader). They
just have to take the leap. It’s okay to be shy and unsure and somebody is always looking out for you. Just be brave,
take the opportunity and go with it.”

Senate President Brianna Reid, previously from Chandler, Ariz., is studying Natural Science and working toward a
career related to agriculture or sustainability, agreed with Miyoshi.

Reid added, “If being in Senate speaks to you, put yourself out there for it. Being vulnerable will allow you to build
confidence. You will likely find others with some similarities; if not, you will bring a fresh perspective and presence.
Senate members are as diverse as the student population and many experiences do mimic those found in the
workplace with a strong focus on communication skills.”

“I am very busy,” former Student Trustee and recent graduate Djean Nikitov said with an easy smile, “but this is a
valuable formative experience both professionally and personally. I am learning something new every single day.”

Nikitov grew up in Uruguay and took a huge leap by moving to New York and becoming a student at SUNY Orange.
He soon joined behind the scenes of many activities by offering to help. He then became a member of the Student
Senate, Board of Activities, Peer Orientation Leader, Admissions Ambassador and the Business Club.

Jonah Martinez, from Middletown High School, will transfer to SUNY Albany after completing his degree
requirements at SUNY Orange this past December. He will continue his education and aspires to attain a Juris
Doctorate. He became BOA president after joining during the Spring 2023 semester and became vice president.

“It was something I wanted to do,” Martinez shared. “You just get out there. Meet people and make connections.”

RECEIVE

A common observation among the leaders is that receiving–whether by listening, connecting with mentors or a
network, and observing others--is critical.

Reid explained, “I have experiences to draw from but I am still learning about being a leader. I think it is critical to
use active listening skills and ensure each member of the Senate is heard."

Miyoshi said, “Working through the budget process in the Senate is in a way preparing for life. We are trying to meet
everyone’s needs and somebody will likely end up unhappy. I listen to the details the clubs present and observe before
making a decision. Leaders sit, observe and understand the people they represent.”

Nikitov received encouragement from Victor and fellow students to run for Student Senate. He said, “Everyone has
different strengths and attributes because not everyone is the same type of leader. This is an ideal space to learn leadership skills because we have so much support. Leadership in the role of Student Trustee requires time and effort,
but if you have the motivation and drive, you can become a successful leader.”

Since taking office, Martinez identified a few leadership skills developed and enhanced through an active role in BOA
as, “…the ability to praise and recognize good performance in others, and being a caring individual who promotes the
well-being of their peers.”

COMMUNICATE

Reid said, “I think if communication is respectful, reasonable and relatable, it makes communication better and that is
so important for a leader.”

“When running for Senate, candidates read a speech and students vote based on that speech. I think being open,
personable and transparent resonates most,” shared Miyoshi.

Nikitov added, “Being in different situations and working with other leaders gives me the chance to learn how to
adjust the way I communicate.”

“A good president is a good person,” Martinez clarified, “and all BOA members have the opportunity to learn
leadership skills during our many events. Speaking confidently and making connections with people, including staff
and faculty, is important.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS

“I think it is important to share that this has been an amazing experience (at SUNY Orange) and I received support
from Day 1. It was the result of being recognized by faculty members for my interactions in class and speaking up that
brought me to become a member of the Student Senate,” shared Reid. “It helped me get out of my shell.”

In addition, members of the Senate find invaluable support from their advisor and Miyoshi added, “Adrienne has been
a powerful mentor. She teaches us what it is to be a leader, communicates well and provides real-life guidance by
putting us in situations where we can learn.”

“Everyone can be a leader, no matter what role they have,” Nikitov said before adding, “Also, I remember very well
what has been given to me and I enjoy giving back.  My experience has included many opportunities to meet with staff, faculty and members of the administration that I may not have otherwise had, and every instance has also been a chance to learn more (leadership) skills.”

Whether intrinsically self-motivated or at the recommendation of others, a range of leadership opportunities are
available at SUNY Orange and will absolutely transfer to the workplace and real-life situations off-campus.