Leadership Shaped by Relationships
Samuel Jacobs, '22, Class of 2023
Samuel Jacobs '22, Class of 2023, has not taken his time at Grand Valley State University for granted. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in public administration and used his time as an undergraduate to dedicate his energy toward community leadership and campus involvement.
Over the years, Samuel has been heavily involved in GVSU's wide range of leadership opportunities. He is a part of the Cook Leadership Academy (CLA), served as vice president of the Campus Activities Board (CAB), and was on the Student Senate during the 2019-2020 session.
"There is something for everyone here and there is something to be learned from everybody and everything," Samuel said.
One of the most important lessons that Samuel has learned as a GVSU student—and as a student leader—is that leadership depends on relationships. He said that the connections he has made have significantly influenced the course of his life.
"The ability to identify, measure, and apply communication skills in relationships is the greatest takeaway I have from the CLA," Samuel said. "Every aspect of leadership traces back to how I as a leader can influence others. Great leadership positively influences others through empowerment and uplifts them to be leaders themselves."
Before graduating, Samuel dedicated a portion of his time to the CAB. As the vice president, he handled the board's many recruitment and retention efforts. His leadership skills enabled him to successfully organize and conduct interviews for several CAB events.
"It's a great opportunity I've had to be able to become a better leader," Samuel said. "It's great to see how all the ways I've been involved on campus have really shaped me into who I am today."
After graduating in Fall 2023, he hopes to one day run for office and work in Washington, D.C. Until then, he is working as the administrative director for 616 Service, a non-profit organization that promotes volunteerism and a servant leadership mindset.
It is Samuel's every intention to leave a positive impact on those around him. Without his leadership experiences through the CLA, CAB, and Student Senate, his time at GVSU would have looked much different. All three have inspired him to help build a better world and provide him with the tools necessary to implement change. Every day Samuel sharpens his leadership skills, and he plans to carry these pillars of knowledge with him into his future.