Jayla Travis, a Software Engineering student at Mississippi State University, has embraced her role as a student leader with passion and purpose. From Ridgeland, Mississippi, she serves on the executive boards of three organizations: I.D.E.A.L. Woman, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and the Caribbean Student Association (CSA). Her story is one of ambition, resilience, and community.
The Beginning: Stepping Into Leadership
“My journey as a student leader began when I applied for a leadership position with I.D.E.A.L. Woman during my freshman year,” Jayla shares. I.D.E.A.L., which stands for Intelligent, Dignified, Elegant, Ambitious Leader, equips women with professional and leadership skills. “It was one of the first organizations I joined, and it’s truly been one of the most impactful.” Inspired by its mission, she joined the leadership team and later took on roles with NSBE and CSA.
A Milestone to Remember
One of Jayla’s proudest moments was organizing I.D.E.A.L. Woman’s first Networking Tea Party. “The event helped women from different organizations on campus connect,” she explains. Featuring a guest speaker and an elegant atmosphere, it received glowing feedback. “We’d love to make it an annual tradition.”
Balancing Leadership and Life
Balancing academics, leadership, and social life is Jayla’s biggest challenge. “I try to block out time for each, but things don’t always go as planned,” she admits. Her advice? “Find a balance that works for you and be kind to yourself when things aren’t perfect.”
Behind the Scenes: Bringing the Vision to Life
Creating the Networking Tea Party was no small feat. “We started with careful planning,” Jayla recalls. The team applied for funding from the Student Association and coordinated every detail, from sending invitations to finalizing arrangements with the guest speaker. “It was a lot of hard work, but it was all worth it in the end,” she says with pride.
Balancing Leadership and Life
For Jayla, one of the most challenging aspects of being a student leader is finding balance. “Managing academics, organizational responsibilities, and a social life all at once can be overwhelming,” she admits. “I try to block out time for each, but sometimes things overlap or don’t go as planned. Her advice? “Find a balance that works for you and be flexible. It’s important to make time for everything, but also to be kind to yourself when things don’t go perfectly.”
Growth Through Leadership
Being a student leader has profoundly shaped Jayla’s personal growth. “It’s helped me build my confidence, especially when speaking in front of large groups,” she shares. Additionally, her time management and leadership skills have significantly improved, which she believes will benefit her in her future career.
Words of Wisdom for Future Leaders
To those considering stepping into leadership roles, Jayla offers this advice: “Make sure you stay true to yourself. If being a student leader takes away from your studies or other priorities, it’s okay to step back. Leadership isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine.”
For those who feel drawn to it, she encourages giving it their all. “Let your creativity run free. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish,” she says. “And always remember—school comes first!”
Looking Ahead
Jayla’s story is a testament to the power of ambition, community, and staying true to your values. Her journey as a student leader continues to inspire those around her, and she’s paving the way for the next generation of campus changemakers.
When asked who should be featured next, Jayla recommends Maurico Smith, another inspiring leader whose story deserves the spotlight. We can’t wait to hear from him next!
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