Bridging the Gap - Mrs. V
By Lydia N.
Mrs. Velasquez, or Mrs. V as most call her, is a curriculum writer for NorthStar and the Student Council advisor for this year. That means she’s not only a leader for the school, but she’s in charge of leading the student leaders! And, if teaching young, tender, and sometimes timid students how to rise up and become leaders isn’t hard enough, she has to do it completely online, across many countries around the globe.
What is it like teaching students how to lead, and how do you encourage and nurture young leaders?
Teaching students how to lead looks and feels like loving them, partnering with them, and empowering them… One of my biggest hopes is that student leaders learn what it means to belong on a team, discerning when to take individualistic action and when to work collaboratively or pause and ask questions.
What is the hardest part about teaching student leaders?
Being vulnerable. Taking off masks and looking in mirrors. Learning how to trust in a virtual community is tough…
Another thing that is hard is the communication gaps between us… [I]t does take extra effort and patience to help our community communicate clearly to one another in a way most understand. We are figuring that out together...
How do you make real and authentic relationships online with your students?
Instead of answering this, I want you, Madam Editor in Chief, to answer. You tell me… [W]hat is it about our relationship that makes it that way, do you think?
I’ll go first: You are open, honest, and invested in your own growth and well-being. It is hard not to connect with someone like you, Lydia, because you want connection…
I think that authentic relationships need, well, authenticity! Are you hiding behind an online persona, or are you being genuine? Making connections is as simple as reaching out with your time, effort, and a little bit of love.
How can students apply to be student leaders, and why should they?
At NSA, we offer a ton of free leadership coaching and practical skills training for those wanting to grow in virtual community life.
We have three types of leadership opportunities:
StuCo Officers:
This is the most advanced leadership group as it requires experience and an accompanying EVP course called LEAD300. Required meetings & workshops. You can expect to spend 7-10 hours a week serving as a StuCo officer.
Apply here. Approved applicants will participate in campaign challenges.
StuCo Reps:
This leadership group requires no prior leadership experience but does require that you are a full-time NSA student. Required meetings & workshops. You can expect to spend 3-5 hours a week serving as a StuCo Representative.
Apply here. Approved applicants will participate in campaign challenges.
Volunteer Leadership:
This leadership group leads clubs, helps StuCo with projects, [and] participates in making our TEAMs campus a beautiful, meaningful place to spend time. You can expect to spend 3-5 hours a week serving as a volunteer leader and may earn community service hours for doing so, if you are in the NHS.
Apply here. Applicants are automatically approved and expected to volunteer time, not just to their area of volunteerism, but also in building a mentoring relationship with adult partners and other volunteer leaders.
What is one thing you want to say to students that may be thinking about applying for student leadership?
Go for it! If you are curious about virtual community leadership, want to grow, and are willing to commit a school year to a team-based leadership structure, then Student Council is for you. If you aren’t sure, start in volunteer leadership or start as a Representative to see if it is something you enjoy.
Columns: 👤NSA People 🗣️Advice
Lydia N. is the Editor-in-Chief for the NorthStar Navigator, and this is her second year at NSA. She loves graphic design, acting, and singing. This year, she is excited to help NorthStar through the Navigator and help share and publish all the amazing stories and events happening around campus.