Pathways To Leadership: Students Hear The Stories Behind The Titles
On September 11th, The Foundation for Chabot-Las Positas Community College District hosted Pathways to Leadership, a student leadership panel at Las Positas College. The conversation brought students together with Chancellor Ron Gerhard, Las Positas College President Dr. Dyrell Foster, Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Jennifer Druley, and Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Student Success Dr. Jeanne Wilson. Foundation Student Director Bryan Mendez moderated the discussion. The panel was created to give students a chance to learn more about the roles of District leaders, how they found their way into those roles, and the unexpected turns and lessons that shaped them along the way.
Dr. Wilson spoke openly about her fear of public speaking and how she worked through it. Dr. Foster and Chancellor Gerhard shared that their career plans changed completely from what they originally imagined. Vice Chancellor Druley reminded students of the importance of taking care of themselves and “giving yourself grace,” something she learned throughout her own journey. Their stories were different, but together they offered a reassuring reminder that some of our greatest growth, and some of our most important lessons, come from the moments when life does not go exactly as planned.
When the panelists were asked what advice they would tell their college-aged selves, Chancellor Gerhard offered a simple message: “Don’t be in a hurry.” The other panelists emphatically agreed. They encouraged students not to rush through their education simply to get to the next step, but to take their time and make the most of their educational experience; to enjoy the journey because there will be plenty of time for work. Student survey responses afterward made it clear that this message resonated.
Their stories reinforced another important message: careers rarely follow a perfectly straight line, and changing direction can simply be part of the journey. They also shared the importance of building meaningful relationships, asking for help, finding passion and joy, and staying true to who they are.
One student summed up the experience beautifully: “The leadership is human, caring, understanding and are working for the good of the students.” For The District Foundation’s Programs & Student Success Committee, that was exactly what was hoped students would take away: a chance to see the people behind the titles, hear advice and encouragement they could carry with them, and perhaps recognize a piece of their own story in something that was shared.