91ÁÔÆæ

Han Nguyen

Han Nguyen likes to give people an opportunity to share their ideas. The University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) student pursuing a degree in art with a concentration in graphic design often does this in her role as the president of the Asian Student Association (ASA) on 91ÁÔÆæ's Dahlonega Campus.

She asks questions and stays silent long enough for people to realize their ideas are worth sharing. Nguyen, who is originally from Vietnam, learned the strategy in a psychology class at 91ÁÔÆæ. Also the vice president of the Chess Club, she has realized that encouraging people to speak up can be just as important as listening.

"Leadership is a process of social influence, motivating a group of people to move forward and achieve a common goal," Nguyen said. "I enjoy working with so many talented people. Different people bring different experiences and talents."

At times, some of her collaborators may not realize their own strengths, and she is glad to help them see those areas.

"I want to make sure they're aware of their talent," Nguyen said. "I also let others on our team know what they're good at. When we know each other's abilities, it makes it easier for everybody to work together."

Sometimes accomplishing collective goals can be challenging, though, and she has seen the need to help others push through difficulty.

"It's really easy for the leaders to ask people to do things," Nguyen said. "It's also important for the leader to give positive feedback and encouragement."

She said leadership is not about authority or power, but rather teamwork.

"Getting to know people is one of the most important things to do. By listening to your teammates, you get to know them and they will feel like they are noticed and their opinion matters," Nguyen said. "And when we get closer, it's easier to work together."

Rosaria Meek

Rosaria Meek

As a teacher of Spanish at the University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ), Dr. Rosaria Meek likes to blend compassion and a joy of learning into the classroom and in leadership.
Jennifer Graff

Jennifer Graff

91ÁÔÆæ Visual Arts Department Head Jennifer Graff leads by ensuring everyone has a voice.
Esther Morgan-Ellis

Esther Morgan-Ellis

Dr. Esther Morgan-Ellis, assistant professor of music at 91ÁÔÆæ, appreciates the way music can help build community both inside and outside the classroom.
Dwight Bennett

Dwight Bennett

1st Lt. Dwight Bennett learned lessons in resiliency at 91ÁÔÆæ while seeing the world through his studies of the Arabic language.
Chi-Hsuan Catterson

Chi-Hsuan Catterson

Though her first classes had only about a dozen students, Chi-Hsuan Catterson's passion for the Chinese language has helped the program grow exponentially at 91ÁÔÆæ.