Student to Student Q & A with CALS Student Leaders

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council serves as a unifying body among students and administration. The council is composed of representatives from 35 agricultural-related student organizations. The council hosts annual events such as National Ag Day, Freshman/Transfer BBQ and CALS Week.

How does CALS Council serve the college?

CALS Council brings together leaders from every aspect, background and focus within the college. Having this diversity of membership allows for CALS Council to reach students all across the college. Most of the decisions we make revolve around organizing communication between our student organizations and thinking of new opportunities for the council to pursue. The executive team communicates the council’s work and views to faculty, students and the university as a whole. We also try to provide as many resources as possible for our committees and representatives. -Trey Forsyth

As a member of the executive team, what do you plan to do for CALS Council?

I hope to create the positive experience that I had last year for the new members. CALS Council really brought me out of my shell and introduced me to so many great people as well as influenced me to take on leadership roles at the collegiate level. I hope this year’s council has a similar experience. -Katie Schrodt

What does leadership mean to you?

Leadership is all about supporting those you work with. I believe a leader is able to listen to the needs and desires of others to accomplish common goals. I also believe being a leader revolves around influence. A strong leader can connect with others and empower them to work together. -Trey Forsyth

Leadership means, helping an organization and its members to live up to its potential. By helping, I develop strong leadership skills and return them to the organization. -Katie Schrodt

What are the most important decisions you make as a leader for your organization?

Being on the executive team really puts into perspective how much emphasis the college puts on the opinions of students. There are many meetings and surveys that we participate in to give feedback to the university on behalf of all CALS students. I have been better able to ask others’ opinion on issues that concern the student body. -Pat White

What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

Communication is the number one role a leader should possess. Communication is a two-way street. Communicating happens when someone is talking and someone is listening. -Mitchell Hora

I believe that being trustworthy is the most important part of being a leader. Being the treasurer, the college has put its trust in me to manage funds effectively and fairly. -Pat White

What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a leader?

To keep developing my personal leadership, I have worked on listening more to other people’s unique opinions, rather than only acting on my own opinions. This has given me the opportunity to see things from a different perspective and make better choices that are more beneficial for CALS students. -Pat White

How has CALS Council and being on the executive team made you a better leader?

CALS Council is the icing on the cake for leadership positions as an undergrad at Iowa State. My role as the vice president for 4,500 students is a big responsibility. I am using everything I have learned in previous leadership positions. The opportunity to serve in such a big position will help me in future leadership opportunities that come after graduation. -Mitchell Hora

Before serving on CALS Council as a representative, I didn’t feel like I had found my place on campus yet. CALS Council has introduced me to some of my closest friends; this has made campus seem a lot smaller and has made me feel at home. -Katie Schrodt