Go-Getters: National Society of Leadership and Success

Go-Getters:

Orientation for the National Society of Leadership and Success

By Michelle Queen

Eng 336

Fifteen minutes early, awkwardly standing outside the Atkinson Room in the Lane Center, I collected two sheets of information from a nearby table with the emblem of "National Society of Leadership and Success" printed on the header of each sheet. This orientation will be marked in Frostburg State University history because it is the first of its kind. For the first time, FSU will host a chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success. But what is this organization about? I asked myself this question as I found a seat in the second row. The large room gradually filled, some people knew each other and others walked in solo, but all had a sense of curiosity. Some of the speakers were preparing up-front, chatting and laughing. Behind them on the PowerPoint rolled quotes from famous leaders with Adele's Rolling in the Deep reverberating in the background. The music was cut, and finally the orientation began.

The president of FSU's chapter of NSLS, Elizabeth Enaiyo Olawoye, grabbed the microphone and prepared to speak. She looked very fashionable and polished with a bright red blazer and a slicked back ponytail. With a giant smile fixed on her face, she seemed very excited and she should be.

"...this is very new to all of us, I am trying to formulate my words," she giggled.

Elizabeth is a very successful senior who orchestrated NSLS to be introduced to Frostburg; a true example of what this organization strives to do.

NSLS prepares students to be leaders. Along with listening to speakers, working within the community and campus, NSLS helps students build leadership skills to prepare them for the real-life working world. This organization has many benefits ranging from written letters of recommendation to future employers, a members only job bank, scholarships, and a nice looking bright spot on a resume.

A major theme to this orientation was student initiative: the importance of taking that extra step towards your dream. Douglas Baer, a teacher at FSU and advisor for NSLS, urged this message.

"Student initiative about being a leader is very important." He described that employers look for people who are go-getters, the ones who participate in internships and are a part of numerous organizations. And he was very proud that nearly 270 students have already signed up to join this great opportunity. "270 students have already paid their membership fees and many more can still join," he exclaimed.  To be truly inducted into the society, the students must attend 3 speaker events, 3 success networking teams (SNT), and Leadership Training Day, a 3 hour session in which students are given hands on lessons about leadership.  After completing these tasks the students will finally be inducted in a ceremony in May.  Cords can even be purchased to be worn on graduation.

As each of the speakers went through their laundry list of impressive majors and success, the audience could be heard making low-pitch oh's and ah's. And an instant spark went through the room: everyone in the audience could achieve all these great things. All it takes is that extra initiative, the intense heat that energizes a true leader.