Nicholas Archer is a senior biology major from Fordyce, Ark. He is also the current president of the Ouachita Student Foundation (OSF). Here’s his story of how he took up this leadership role.
“I became involved with OSF because a couple of my upperclassmen friends were a part of it and always talked about how much they enjoyed it,” Archer said. “I wanted to also be involved in such an organization. The aspect of students helping students was very interesting to me. I’ve always been one to help others and I feel like in my current situation in college this was the best way to go about that. Allowing students—more specifically my friends—the opportunity to get to stay at Ouachita as an effort of something I had a hand in is such a rewarding experience.”
In most instances, we can recall someone who encouraged and supported us in our goals in life. In his situation, Archer explains who gave him encouragement to pursue this leadership position.
“Kirby Von Edwins, the President of the organization at the time, saw leadership potential in me while observing how I worked and mentioned the opportunity to get involved in a leadership role within the organization. I always knew I wanted to be involved in some kind of leadership role in college, and this was just affirmation that this was where I belonged.”
Catching the vision of an organization is the first step to excelling within an organization. The purpose and mission of OSF is what grabbed Archer’s attention to get involved.
“The Ouachita Student Foundation’s motto is ‘Students Helping Students’ which was the reason I first found it so intriguing. That motto is exactly what we strive for in the organization. We plan two major fundraising events throughout the year. We host Tiger Tunes in the fall and Tiger Traks in the spring. All of the funds that are raised through these events go directly to student scholarships.”
Archer also offers some advice for those considering taking up a leadership role.
“If someone was interested in a leadership role in any organization of any kind I would ask them one question. Are you passionate about whatever the leadership role entails? Passion drives hard work and commitment, and those are the two ingredients to making an organization run smoothly and effectively. All leaders must be trained, so even if you don’t have the characteristics of a great leader at first I do think those characteristics can be obtained when you are fulfilling your passion and are willing to learn from those who have gone before you.”
by Sarah G. Hays
