L.E.A.D. Student Profile: Leigh Foisy
by Leigh Foisy, 2005 President

An unknown author once wrote, "Life lies before you like fresh fallen snow. Be careful where you walk, for every step will show." I have lived my life by this simple, yet, complex quote. I realize that everything that I do in life will set my path for my future, and I plan on seizing every opportunity life puts ahead of me.

My position as president of LEAD gives me both opportunities and challenges to further my path to success. I entered the program one year ago with only a basic knowledge of what was in store for me in the future. I never could have imagined the impact the program would have on my life. Some of the goals that have been set for the office of president are as follows:

• Service Opportunity available to L.E.A.D. students EVERY week of the semester.
• Implement acceptance that L.E.A.D. students may fulfill his/her community service requirement by attending four weeks at a L.E.A.D. sponsored community service (i.e. Mentor program at any Athens-Clarke county school, volunteering at the animal shelter, and volunteering at the food bank). Students will have a staff member write a letter to L.E.A.D. confirming the student's participation.
• Social committee implemented
• Relations with the Scholars program improved
• Distinguish the L.E.A.D. program through PR efforts. These efforts include press releases after each community service event.
• Monthly newsletter to L.E.A.D. students
• Communication opened between L.E.A.D. students and the requirements of the program

As an officer, I have been involved in setting goals for the L.E.A.D. program which are:

• Increase awareness campus-wide about the L.E.A.D. Program and its benefits.
• Help to keep the L.E.A.D. Program a well-respected organization that will be around for years to come.
• Create an externship program
• Distinguish L.E.A.D. program from other leadership programs
• Grow bigger and begin to make more of an impact on campus and in Athens
• Make headlines with all that we commit to do

The program goes beyond book knowledge to allow its students to grow as leaders. During my first semester in the program, myself and three other L.E.A.D. students organized the 1st Annual BotGarden 5K Race at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia. We raised over $800 for The Garden and had over 70 runners participate. It was not an easy task, but I was able to apply the skills Dr. McNatt taught me in class to organize the race. The Garden was very pleased with the results and asked our team to return as organizers of the 2nd Annual BotGarden 5K Race.

Through my L.E.A.D. classes, I have had the opportunity to work with energetic and dedicated individuals. Class discussions include an influx of ideas with open communication. Dr. McNatt always made his students feel they could speak their minds without worry of judgment or criticism.

Dr. Huber works closely with the L.E.A.D. officers to guide us in our mission to help the program further succeed. We have a rare opportunity and privilege to be a part of the decision-making process for the program. Even though I will graduate in a year, the connections and friendships that I have made through L.E.A.D. over the past year will last a lifetime.