Emily Hicks

Once I was accepted and attended my own orientation, I knew in an instant that I wanted to impact other students by having the opportunity to be a student leader.

Hey there Seawolves! My name is Emily Hicks and I’m a third-year student on Sonoma States Campus. I proudly hail from Walnut Creek, California and am a Hutchins liberal studies major with a concentration in human development. On campus I am involved in many organizations, I work with Associated Student Productions as the University Traditions Director, Orientation as well as the Seawolves Lead Initiative.

When I came to Sonoma States campus I immediately felt at home and wanted to become involved with as many organizations as possible. Once I was accepted and attended my own orientation, I saw all of the orientation leaders and turned to my mom and said “That’s what I want to do.” I knew in an instant that I wanted to impact other students by having the opportunity to be a student leader. I went through the whole application process and was lucky enough to be asked to be an orientation leader right after my first year. During the same time, I was taking the Foundations of Leadership course and my professor recommended that I submit an application to be an Associated Student Productions Director. During orientation training, I glanced down at my phone and saw the email that I got the job as the University Director. I was beyond stoked because within a week my dreams of being a student leader on campus came true. I couldn’t expect what was going to happen to me in the next year. I was selected to go on business trips representing The Associated Students of Sonoma State and planned countless events like BIG NITE, a Green Music Center Concert Collaboration, and many other opportunities in between.

Now this might sound like a Cinderella story on paper but there have been countless challenges along the way. The major challenge that I can recall was transition into becoming a student leader. I, like many other student leaders, have so much to balance regarding involvements, school, work, and a personal life. From the outside though I know I paint the picture like everything is handled but at times this struggle can be extremely overwhelming. In this struggle though I have found many supportive peers, friends and mentors to help me out along the way. Also, the Google Calendar has become my best friend and lifesaver.

Alongside of the negative there are always positives which is why I continue to come back to my positions as a student leader. Of course, all of the trips, and events are cool but the best part about being a student leader are the connections and friendships you create with everyone along the way. I would have never known that when I had homework troubles or a complete meltdown the people, I would turn to would be my advisors and fellow student leaders. The friendships that I have created are long lasting and extend past our student leader positions.

[[{"fid":"561","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default"}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]