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The WellsLink Leadership Program at Syracuse University has helped first-year students of color develop leadership skills and learn more about the university.

According to the program’s website, those enrolled in the program receive two semesters of support and then, following their transition into their second year of studies, become WellsLink alumni. There is also a newly developed program for second-year WellsLink students, according to the website.

MaryKate Keevins, a sophomore who participated in the WellsLink Leadership Program, said she had a difficult time connecting with other students of color on campus her freshman year, especially due to the pandemic. She joined the program because she was looking for a community on campus.

“It was a forum where we could all get together and have a safe space on campus for ourselves to meet each other and find community but also learn how to acclimate to campus,” Keevins said.

Kyle Chouinard | Asst. News Editor

Elliot Salas, now a sophomore, was also in the program as a freshman.

“I noticed that being in WellsLink was actually the only time I saw people of color and diversity be together for events and having fun learning together about Syracuse,” Salas said.

Erickson Gomez Fernandez, a sophomore who previously participated in the program, is now a peer leader.

“The program changed me by helping me develop more social and leadership skills,” Gomez Fernandez said. “I also got to meet a lot of great people who have taught me so much in such a short amount of time.”

This program can also allow students to learn more about the campus.

“WellsLink helped me as well with my identity, overcoming self-issues like imposter syndrome, and aided me during overwhelming times with stress relievers,” Salas wrote in a draft speech for the transition ceremony.

“WellsLink has helped me gain so much information about Syracuse and helped me use everything that the campus has to offer to its fullest potential,” Salas added in the speech.

Kyle Chouinard | Asst. News Editor

The activities the program offers can be categorized into four types: fun competitive games, stress busters, financial resources and learning about self-identity, Salas said.

Some freshmen were impressed by the self-identity activities.

“My overall experience with the WellsLink Leadership program has been positive because it has allowed me to network and learn more about myself.” said freshman Daqwuan Smith.

The students will also meet with a peer leader once a week, Keevins said.

The program teaches students about professional development, such as resume resources and using LinkedIn, as well as more SU-specific pieces of content, such as planning second-year courses and living arrangements, Keevins said.

“What I liked about the program is that they really want you to succeed in everything that you do,” said Jadyn Washington, a freshman in the program. “When (my counselor and I) have our annual meetings, she makes sure I attend my classes and stay up to date with my schoolwork. ”

Students who participated in this program exercised their leadership skills and put them to use. Salas is currently a ’Cuse First Leader, and Gomez Fernandez is now a peer leader.

Salas and Gomez Fernandez wanted to share their experiences with the first-year students of color because they enjoyed participating in the program during their first year.

“My reason for participating and becoming a peer leader is because I enjoyed the program a lot my freshman year, and I wanted to give others the same experience my peer leaders were able to give me,” Gomez Fernandez said.

Salas said SU has a large collection of clubs and organizations that made him feel at home.

“I learned that I wasn’t alone.”

Published on March 9, 2022 at 12:50 am

Contact Yi: yqin19@syr.edu