Page 28 - Laker Connection Fall 2010

Lance Mealer, a marketing major with a minor in finance, is enthusiastic about his experiences at Clayton State University.
“I love Clayton State! The faculty and staff here are awesome,” he says. “They really care about the students and their success. It doesn’t matter what department I’ve worked with, they have all been focused on the students. Any changes that take place are with the intent of making life easier and bet- ter for the students.”
Mealer is involved in several activ- ities of campus. One of his greatest re- sponsibilities is being an orientation leader.
“Being an orientation leader has probably been one of the best deci- sions of my collegiate career,” he says. “I’ve learned how to deal with conflict, different leadership styles and truly un- derstand how to work in groups. I feel like I have become a better leader. I’ve obtained skills that I can use in all as- pects of life and my career.
“Before I was an orientation leader, I had a sense of school pride, however, after becoming an orientation leader, my sense of school pride has in- creased tremendously! I don’t know how anyone can attend Clayton State University and not be excited about all the changes that are going on... and better yet, how they can’t be a part of it!”
Mealer admits there are some
By Ciji Fox
challenges to being a student.
“The biggest challenge that I’ve faced is time management. Being an orientation leader, especially a member of the leadership team this year, you have many responsibilities,” Mealer ex- plains. “Couple those responsibilities with being a full-time student, working part-time in the school library, being a student government senator, and serv- ing as the vice president of the GSA, plus family and life in general... you bet- ter learn to manage your time wisely! I think that’s the biggest challenge that I’ve had, but I’ve had great mentors to
help me learn how to do just that.” Despite a few challenges Mealer’s
experience has been rewarding. “Most rewarding has been the friends that I’ve made on campus,” he says. “It’s truly been an honor to meet so many people and to have such a large support structure. That includes
faculty, staff and students.
“The most memorable moment,
and one that I find truly rewarding, was at an orientation session. It was last summer during our first freshmen two- day. A young man was really excited about attending Clayton State Univer- sity and was looking forward to living in the new residence hall. However, his parents were having issues about let- ting their son stay on campus. During a break I spent a good 20 to 30 minutes talking with him and his parents about Clayton State University and what the
University had to offer. I told them about the benefits of living on campus, and how accessible the faculty and staff are. I also assured them that they could visit any time. I honestly didn't think much about it; thought of it as part of my job, so to speak. Imagine my sur- prise when the young man came up to me on move-in day and thanked me tremendously for talking to his parents. He said that my open discussion with them had truly persuaded them to allow him to move on campus and go to Clayton State University.”
Mealer looks forward to the future of the University.
“I’m truly looking forward to the campus expansion, even though I know I only have two years to go,” he says.
26 THE LAKER CONNECTION
Lance Mealer
Serving other students
student profile