In its first real return since before the global pandemic, the annual Student Leadership Conference (SLC) boasted a jam-packed day featuring inspiring speakers, motivational break-out sessions and a student leader panel. The theme, “Stepping up to Leadership” put an emphasis on new perspectives and understandings of what being a leader means, focusing on how the global pandemic evolved the construct of student leadership.
“We’ve seen a notable shift of student mentality within institutions all over,” describes Emma Rota, Student Transitions Specialist and conference organizer. “From how we show up for each other to how we speak up and take action, students are demonstrating a revived passion and interest in taking on more ownership in their leadership journey.”
More than 85 students attended the 2023 Leadership Conference, with a broad range of new and long-time SMU community student leaders. “Education goes beyond the classroom,” says Tom Brophy, Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs and Services. “The qualities, values and skills invested in students during their formative years, in particular, the development of leadership traits, are fundamental in empowering students and improving the broader community.”
The conference aims to develop and hone important leadership skills and strategies including self-care and wellness, communication skills, career sessions, time management, organization and social responsibility. The day was topped with a special keynote speech from powerhouse alumna, Keisha Turner BA’12.
Turner’s keynote, entitled “Leading Beyond the Status Quo”, highlighted her journey as a Black, first-generation, student athlete and explored her time as a Saint Mary’s student and SMU Husky. Her advice to students was to “approach leadership by embracing lived experience to create meaningful and innovative change.”
The SLC has something for everyone, from those not yet involved and those just starting to explore leadership to seasoned leaders preparing to transition out of school. “The skills learned here will carry you beyond Saint Mary’s,” says Amy McEvoy, Student Success Centre manager and conference organizer. “What students are exploring and learning about here has a lasting impact. They are developing skills they will carry into their careers, their communities and even their relationships. They are positioning themselves for success in their endeavours.”
At Saint Mary’s, the student leadership opportunities are almost endless, and the conference creates an opportunity for leaders across campus to come together, share experiences, learn best practices and build their network.
“Student leadership is important to me because it encourages me to take initiative, which is extremely important for my future,” explains 2nd year political science student, Francesca Southwell. “I had a chance to listen and learn from those who uplifted themselves after encountering adversity. I learned if you want to see change, you must be it in your own life and community. This conference helped give me confidence and courage to do that.”
Fourth year environmental studies student, Sally Oppong, says that she gets excited for the Student Leadership Conference every year. “Being an international student, it was hard when I first started at Saint Mary’s, but student leaders like my RA and Pack Leaders helped me through it,” she explains. “I became a student leader so that I could be that person for other new students, and this conference helps me continue to grow and build my leadership skills.”
For more information on the Student Leadership Conference, and ways to get involved as a student leader at SMU, visit the Student Success Centre.
