Leanne Soter, program coordinator for service learning and scholarship in the office of civic engagement and diversity, says she was drawn to 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ by the collaboration and innovation taking place within a diverse campus community.
What is the focus of your job?
My position contains two main components. The first is the service learning component in which I work to connect nonprofit community organizations with 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ faculty to encourage the use of service activities and community-based projects within their course curricula.
The second component is the management of the Engelstad Scholars Program, a scholarship program provided by the Engelstad Family Foundation to offer low-income, high-achieving students the opportunity to earn scholarship funds by completing at least 50 hours of community service each semester with their designated nonprofit organization. In addition to tracking the scholar service hours for their eight semesters of engagement in the program, I also work to support the scholars' growth and development into socially conscious and civically engaged graduates of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ.
Describe one of the challenges in your field.
I believe that one of the biggest challenges faced within this field is still getting the word out about our practices and how these support student learning and growth. Despite this challenge, I find it very exciting to work in a new field that allows me to be part of the experimentation and formation of these new practices.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the city of Tustin, located in Orange County, Calif.
"If I could not work in my current field, I would like to be..."
A park ranger. I have always loved spending time in the outdoors, and I think it would be really enjoyable to get paid to spend time outside in beautiful natural settings. My parents took me camping for the first time when I was seven weeks old. While I do not remember that particular trip, camping has always been a strong and consistent part of my life, and it is one of the activities that I enjoy the most.
What has been the proudest moment of your life?
The proudest moment of my life (so far!) has been earning my master of arts degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University. I have faced numerous challenges and speed bumps in my college career, so being able to complete this advanced degree was a marker of success in pushing myself to my fullest potential while also finding my professional fit within the field of higher education.
Who is your hero and why?
The closest people I have to describe as heroes are my mentors who encouraged me to explore the field of higher education student affairs. I admire these mentors so much because they never claim perfection but instead model the ability to continue to grow and learn while simultaneously encouraging the growth and development of those around them, including myself.
Hobbies or pastimes?
Some of my hobbies and pastimes include cooking/baking, crafting, camping, hiking, binge watching television series, and spending time with family and friends.
