In their own Words: Husky 100 Perspectives on Leadership

Not everyone sees themselves as a traditional “leader,” but leadership can take many different forms. UW students demonstrate leadership in countless ways, overt and subtle, on campus, at home, and in their communities. Student Life blogger and UW senior Hannah M. explores this with 2018 Husky 100 recipients in her guest blog post, below.

Every year we get the opportunity to celebrate some incredible students from UW’s three campuses (Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma) as the Husky 100. This recognition honors 100 students for their exceptional contributions on and off campus and for truly making the most of their Husky Experience. These students prove that leadership is far from a one-size-fits-all stereotype, and it’s possible to lead from all sides and angles.

2019 Husky 100 applications are open now (due January 23^rd!) so log on and start sharing your story of leadership at UW! I chatted with some members of the Husky 100 from 2018 to learn more about their own journeys and ask what leadership means to them. Their answers were as diverse as they are—and might just inspire you to start your own application.

“How would you define leadership?”

“The most important part of leadership is being involved with the people in your community—good collaboration. A good leader is someone who collaborates with the people around them, goes the extra mile, and inspires and empowers others to succeed.”

— Tina Hernandez, UW Tacoma, who has spent her time as a Husky serving the community through social work volunteering and researching the effects of trauma on the developing brain.

“My definition of leadership has changed a lot since I was a freshman. Now it’s a lot about listening—not telling people what to do, but listening and understanding their needs. So to me, being a good leader means being a good listener.”

— Nadya Ekhteraee-Sanaee, UW Seattle, who leads as the president of the Economics Undergraduate Board, chair of the Arts & Sciences Advisory Council for Students, and an active member of Women in Economics.

“Leadership to me means leading by example—by doing, not by telling.”

— Colton Twiddy, UW Seattle, who has connected his work in and out of the classroom as part of the Neighborhood Design Build Studio and by competing on the UW Commercial Construction Team.

“Empathy.”

— Beck Adelante, UW Tacoma, who has tirelessly worked to promote accessibility and elevate marginalized student voices, such those from LGBTQ+, mixed race, disabled, and other underserved communities.

“Leadership, to me, is tied closely with service and learning. You have to really put in the work, learn as much as you can, empower people, and ultimately teach them how to lead themselves.”

— Henry Milander, UW Seattle, who strives to create a more equitable and sustainable future through his work in the UW Rotaract, as a residential advisor, and as the President of the Certificate of International Studies in Business program.

“To me, leadership is not only being available to others and letting people come to you with their needs and problems, but also reaching out when you notice people need help.”

— Leah Ruggerone, UW Seattle, who has dedicated herself to promoting the health and wellness of her community as an education assistant in the pharmacy department, the president of the pediatric pharmacy advocacy group, and a devoted volunteer working with children that have primary disabilities.

“A good leader works to make sure the voices of all our different communities are heard.”

— Katrina Salazar Punzalan, UW Seattle, whose Husky Experience empowered her to embrace her identity as a queer Filipinx student and inspired her to pursue becoming an attorney to help marginalized communities such as migrant workers and Pacific Islanders.

“Leadership is working with other people toward a goal you’ve all set. At the end of the day, I think leadership is about working with others, serving others, and listening to your community.”

— Aishwarya Mandyam, UW Seattle, who leads from the intersection of technology and humanity as she serves as the president of the UW Association for Computing, innovates in the biotechnology space, and builds inclusive communities on campus.

“Accountability and humility.”

— Brit Barnhouse, UW Tacoma, who founded a literary journal dedicated to communicating complex ideas simply and accessibly, inspired by her double major in environmental studies and writing.

“Leadership means being a role model. It means bringing out in the best in the people around you. It means doing your best and being humble at the same time.”

— Kimberly Ruth, UW Seattle, whose time on campus researching, organizing, tutoring, and mentoring has made her quite the role model in her own right.

“Leadership is passion and compassion. Passion because you need to love what you do; compassion so you can feel what others feel.”

— Angel Chen, UW Seattle, who has created a more inclusive environment for transfer students as a transfer-student FIG leader and Commuter & Transfer Associate with First Year Programs.

“Leadership is giving back to others, which means you have to get to know their needs. A leader sees a problem and tries to solve it, bringing everyone to the table to find a solution.”

— Youcef Yacoub Bennour, whose passions have led him to chair the committee for the Students and Activities Fee, become a voting member of the World Affairs Council, and mentor students at a local high school.

To learn more about the Husky 100 recognition and the application process, visit the Husky 100 application resources page.

Terra Hoy’s letter to her 12-year-old self

The journey to leadership is a personal one as well as a public one. As Terra Hoy reflects on the experiences that led to her becoming a member of the first Husky 100 cohort, she shares this letter to her 12-year-old self.

A letter to My 12-Year-Old Self on Being a Feminist Transwoman of Color and member of the UW Husky 100 2016 Cohort

Dear Michael Terra,

I send you my dearest condolences – puberty waits around the corner. When the male parts between your legs develop a mind of its own, you will feel absolutely repulsed and detached from it. But don’t worry – it’s only temporary. Many people struggle with their bodies in similar ways, and you will be there to support them. Like all things, this too shall pass.

Once you are more comfortable in your body, your existence will make great changes in the world. Not only in your own health, but also for large populations affected by your multiple careers. Take lead in filling the gaps in equal rights! People will confide in you for support and guidance, and, as someone interested in public health, policy, and governance who has faced relatable challenges of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and finances, you will be able to take action.

Trust me when I promise you a future of leadership. In your first few years of college, you will: maintain the health and safety of up to 30 retired and/or disabled residents simultaneously as a nursing assistant; share stories of transitioning from male to female with many audiences with different understandings of gender, sex, sexuality, and identities; advocate for the underlying mental and physical health disparities in transgender healthcare; and even work to promote safe environments in which diverse students can advance in their studies.

I know it’s a lot to take in, but don’t let these endeavors scare you away. After all these accomplishments, you will be given a medal from UW. This medal – The Husky 100 – will hang in you and your partner’s room to remind you of the current and future successes you bear. You are one of the 100 awarded with this new recognition by the University, including the UW President!

No matter how many days and nights you spend depressed and alone, contemplating suicide, believing you cannot become the real you, please remember that YOUR FUTURE SELF is telling you that you DO have a bright future, things DO work out, and the feelings of hopelessness DO come to an end.

Ma spent her childhood escaping from the Khmer Rouge, so she is passing on to you the first generation of education, good fortune, and privileges she and the rest of our family never had. Ma and big sis have and always continue to show you how to provide for the well-being of those in need. Don’t forget you are in this world to love yourself, the ones who continue to suffer, and the family who brought you to where you are today.

You do NOT need to be assigned female at birth to be a strong female like your mother and sister, though your future self may or may not have a sex reassignment surgery scheduled in a year from now. Suddenly the plumbing between your legs doesn’t sound so bad, right? Meanwhile, try not to sweat the deep voice, scarring acne, poor athleticism, and … offensive body odors…

Sincerely,

A strong female – the 21-year-old version of you

Husky 100 Application – Daniel Yusupov’s Advice

Daniel Yusupov is a member of the 2016 Husky 100. Here he guides applicants through the application process with his tips and insight.

Personal Statement

In the personal statement, applicants are asked to write about two experiences (one inside and one outside the classroom) and how they helped developed at least one of the Husky 100 criteria. When filling out my application, I didn’t just want to write about two unrelated activities, even if they were a significant part of my Husky Experience.

To me, the purpose of the Husky 100 application was to show how I connected my experiences inside the classroom to my activities outside the classroom, and vice versa, to make the most of my time at UW. In fact, one of the criteria they look for in applicants is Connecting the Dots, so when considering what experiences you choose to write about, think about how those experiences complemented each other to help you develop AT LEAST one (I would suggest talking about more than one) of the Husky 100 criteria.

The personal statement is only 250 to 500 words too, so it is important to be concise. Get feedback from someone: the Career Center, your endorser, a friend, anyone!

Your Story

With “Your Story,” you have a little more freedom to talk about what you want. You can either write another essay, create an e-portfolio, or create a video. No one format is looked upon as better than the others, so pick something that you are comfortable with and that you feel shows off your Husky Experience the best.

In my application, I chose to go with an e-portfolio, because I was familiar with how to make one and thought it would allow me to express my creativity in my application. In my portfolio, I laid out my Husky Experience almost like a narrative. It took reviewers through my thoughts and feelings as I entered UW, a few significant experiences during my time as a student, and reflected on how I developed from those experiences.

Again, connect the dots for the reviewers, and show them how your experiences – inside and outside the classroom – build on one another to help you grow. You are given 1000 words in this section of the application, so don’t be afraid to elaborate on more of your experiences and discuss several, if not all, of the Husky 100 criteria.

Letter(s) of Endorsement

When seeking out someone to write your letter of endorsement, think about someone who you have worked with for a relatively significant amount of time, and who knows you well. I got my letter of endorsement from an adviser for my honor society. We had worked together for about two years at that point, and she was familiar with the activities I was involved with on campus.

It’s best to find someone who is familiar with the experiences you talk about in either your personal statement or your story. Most importantly, be sure to tell your endorsement writer about the Husky 100 criteria to give them a better idea of what to focus on when writing about why you should be part of the Husky 100.

General Advice

Go to the Career Center, and have them take a look at your resume/CV and your application as a whole. Also, attend an application workshop, or watch the online workshop. It never hurts to get some inside perspective on what reviewers are looking for.

Finally, work with your endorser. They chose to endorse you for a reason, and they want to see you succeed! Ask them to go over your application and provide feedback.

Regina Harper’s journey to become a Husky 100

Regina Harper

Tacoma, WA
BA Criminal Justice ’17

On March 23, 2013, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness and, despite a year of occupational and physical therapy, my doctors concluded that I would not be able to return to my position as a health care professional. I strived to improve my health, but due to my physical limitations, the career that I loved and worked so hard for was placed beyond my reach. While lying in bed one night, I had the realization that I must form a new goal and that goal was to return to college in hopes of embarking on a career that would be suitable for life with my condition. The University of Washington’s mission statement writes that our students are united in our “belief in possibility and unshakable optimism,” and I truly believe that if anyone can enact change, it’s a Husky.

Going back to school

I chose to attend the UW because of its affordability, location, racially and culturally diverse students and faculty, and its excellent reputation. My first inclination was to get my bachelor’s degree so that I could move into an administration role in the healthcare profession. However, my goals changed after I completed two quarters successfully and started to take the time to actually self-reflect and think about what kind of career would make me happy.

I had to ask myself the question of how I could continue to help people outside the health care profession. As I spent time figuring out my identity while taking core electives, I was able to really embrace my worth and realize how I could give back to my community.

After extensive soul searching, I realized that I always enjoyed working with children, particularly juveniles, who had lost their way. I have always wanted to help children who needed a second chance in life. If I can be the voice for a juvenile who has been victimized, incarcerated, homeless, or defeated, then working in the criminal justice program will have been profoundly worthwhile. So, I applied and was accepted into the Criminal Justice program.

Later, in my junior year, I found an internship opportunity at the Pierce County Remann Hall Juvenile Courts, where I was able to assist probation officers with monitoring juveniles. At this time, I also took on the responsibility of being the sole caretaker of my mother. I was blessed by this opportunity because it has strengthened our relationship as well as allowed me to give back to the woman who provided me with the resources I needed to pursue my dreams.

Applying for the Husky 100 award

In my junior year, I saw an email about the Husky 100 award, but I ignored it thinking that I was too busy with work and had little chance of winning. It was my friend and mentor who encouraged me to apply for this particular award, specifically as I would be a senior soon and the award ensured assistance with creating a LinkedIn profile and also offered resume building workshops. Weeks later, I received a letter from the Husky 100 team stating that I had been nominated and encouraging me to complete the online application and essay process. Throughout the application process, I attended several writing workshops here on campus where they gave me helpful feedback on my application essay.

Sometime in March after submitting my essay, I received a “Congratulations!” email from then-interim provost Gerald Baldasty. I still remember the exact place where I was standing when reading my award letter.

I was so surprised and incredibly humbled that my academic and community outreach efforts were being appreciated and acknowledged with such a prestigious award. Throughout my lifetime, my efforts have often been met with discouragement and resistance, and to finally have support and acknowledgement was truly an emotional moment for me. To stand next to such high-achieving peers enforced my own feelings of deep appreciation for the UW campus that so publicly values the accomplishments of its students.

Since becoming a Husky 100

Since the Husky 100 announcement, I have experienced a lot. I am currently the recruiter and marketing officer for the Criminal Justice League. This summer I was blessed with the opportunity to attend a study abroad trip to the Netherlands where I had the chance to experience the different intersections of the criminal justice system by exploring historical and current approaches to crime and delinquency in the Netherlands.

Upon returning, I was also fortunate to be part of a Spring BreakAway camp program here at Tacoma’s Rescue Mission, which allowed eight UW students to live in a local homeless shelter for a week. This was a very emotional experience for me. By the third day, I was overwhelmed with emotions and ready to go home. I was previously clueless to what homeless individuals endure on a day-to-day basis. Through these experiences, as well as a myriad of others that I have experienced throughout my time as a Husky 100, I have gained a greater awareness of what it means to truly embrace the many cultures, ethnicities and classes represented here on campus.

Gratitude & My Future

This award has opened many doors here at UW, and I’m sure will continue to help me as I continue my education and build my network. Without this award, I would not have been able to meet many of my fellow winners who have inspired me so much with their continued efforts both on and off campus. I would not have been able to meet and be inspired by our chancellor or the many members of our staff, faculty, and professors who serve as excellent role models for UW students. I am proud to be named one of the first Husky 100 recipients and will constantly strive to create a “world of good” by passionately advocating for greater inclusivity in my community.

My goals, in terms of this award, include recruiting new Husky 100 cohort applicants as future campus ambassadors and striving to fulfill UW’s tenets of inclusivity and unshakeable optimism. Currently I’m working on my admissions essays to graduate schools here in Washington state to further my education with a master’s degree in Social Welfare. Applying to graduate school is a complex and daunting process. However, I believe that the University of Washington Tacoma has furnished me with the tools I need in order to thrive at whichever school I choose to attend.