NSBE Magazine - Fall 2010 - 8

From the

PublicationsChair

Hooked by the Mission
By Soleakhena Holloway
NSBE National Publications Chair

rowing up and coming of age, I always remained immersed in a diverse culture and surrounded myself with well-rounded people. But I subsequently found this hard to do, when I arrived as a freshman at Old Dominion University. Conversations with my classmates in the College of Engineering and Technology almost always went the same way: “What math level did you test into?” or “Well, I graduated in the top 10 of my high school class….” I wanted to discuss sports, music, issues in society. Did they talk about anything besides school? I was reluctant to join any engineering organization, because everyone seemed so

“NSBE helped me open a door to myself that I did not know existed. I became a participator, instead of a watcher.”
pompous and nerdy. So how did I become so engaged in NSBE? This is my honest account of how I became passionate about our organization and our mission. I think there are several reasons why people join student organizations: to network with those who have the same interest, to improve their social lives, to improve academically and so on. My original intention in joining NSBE was to acquire leadership skills to boost my resume. I was already active in other student organizations, but just as people diversify their investment funds, I wanted to diversify my activities at school. I attended my first NSBE meeting: a bonanza of energy that opened with a “22222-Hyyype!” I thought the chant was one of the silliest things in the world, but, oddly enough, it still reverberates with me today. I went to maybe one or two other meetings, and then there was a call for nominations for the next year’s Executive Board. I thought, “Great!” I had experience making flyers, so
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I figured the position of publications chair would be a good fit. My term as publications chair turned my whole perspective of NSBE around. Granted, Old Dominion’s chapter had just been reactivated, so it was a learning process for everyone. But I was empowered to do more for the organization. My observation was that a more supportive sense of community and positivity was needed. Other engineering students at the university were forming study groups, so why weren’t we uplifting each other in the same manner? Our counterparts were at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event in big numbers, so why couldn’t NSBE get at least 10 people to donate to the cause? Our counterparts were getting top engineering firms to give presentations, so why couldn’t we do the same? I learned that you can’t be good at something or sell something unless you’re passionate about it and genuinely believe in it. I went from being chapter publications chair, to chapter president, to regional zone coordinator, to, now, national publications chair. I did what I set out to do, which was enhance my leadership skills, but in that journey I also met great people, found my niche and made a difference. NSBE helped me open a door to myself that I did not know existed. I became a participator, instead of a watcher. NSBE gave me an opportunity to grow and to develop skills that help in my everyday life. Our national chair, Calvin Phelps, said it best: “No one gets to where they are by themselves. It is only by the guidance and support of those around us that we achieve much of what we accomplish. Because of this, it is essential that we give back and strive to be a voice of encouragement and guidance for those who come after us.” Our mission IS the Mission. ■

2010

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NSBE Magazine - Fall 2010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NSBE Magazine - Fall 2010