University of Phoenix NSLS June 2024 Newsletter

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX

June 2024

All Rights Reserved. Published in the United States of America. This Newsletter from the National Society of Leadership and Success

The University of Phoenix Chapter is protected by copyright.

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Selena Oliver -Editorial Assistant | Vice President of Communications

Jaime Blair, CPhT -Contributing Writer| Director of Social Media

Tim Hugh O’Neil- Contributing Writer

THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF LEADERSHIP AND SUCCESS

ABOUT US

The University of Phoenix NSLS chapter was founded in January 2020 and currently has over 60,095 members. We aim to become the #1 university chapter in the nation.

Thank you, students, and alumni!

EDITOR’S LETTER

Selena Oliver, Editorial Assistant, Vice President of Communications

Welcome to our 5th edition newsletter, the second release for the Spring/Summer season. In this issue, you'll find an inspiring message from our chapter president, Timothy James. This current edition features Ronna Robina (Vice President of Events), and Cynthia DeFord (Associate Director of Social Media). The Member Spotlight features esteemed member William Craig Clark. You can also read an article by Contributing Writers, Tim Hugh O’Neil, and Jaime Blair. Additionally, the Member Business Spotlight Page offers a platform for submitting your business or nonprofit information to be featured in an upcoming edition. Don't miss the latest press release from the University of Phoenix, announcing the launch of the Student and Alumni Leadership Council. If you're a new member, check out the "5 Steps to Induction" guide for the next steps after accepting your nomination. For any questions, click the page to visit the members' dashboard directly. Lastly, take a break and have some fun with our "Something Fun" section, which offers opportunities to relax and engage in online Family Fun Games.

We extend our congratulations and a warm welcome to all new inductees.

President‘s Corner

Greetings fellow National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) members.

I would like to thank every one of you for your continuous hard work and dedication to our society's success. The May 2024 induction ceremony was a momentous success thanks to your teamwork and contributions. Again, we would like to welcome all newly inducted members to NSLS, and we are grateful to have you on the team. I would like to shift gears for a moment to actively listen again. As we continue to strengthen ourselves professionally and personally as leaders let us continue to be observant and active listeners. As our society grows and we are continuously being observed as leaders it is imperative to lead when given the opportunity. This reminds me of which type of leader we as individuals are trying to emulate. My personal leadership style is transformational. According to Dugan (2017), transformational leaders are charismatic individuals who believe in motivating, influencing, and inspiring others to lead.

There are many types of leadership styles and I encourage everyone to figure out what type of leader they would like to be. In shifting back to professional growth as a leader, as an NSLS member of the University of Phoenix Chapter (UoPX), I would like to challenge everyone to start challenging themselves in the month of June 2024. While many of us are busy with work, school, and family we sometimes forget to push ourselves and others as professional leaders. This month take the time to find something about your professional career or leadership you would like to improve and then start to work on that professional aspect about yourself. As you continue your journey to enhance yourself professionally, and personally setting goals and challenges are part of the journey. Do not be afraid to push yourself even when you feel you have reached a max. The sky is the limit when it comes to professional growth as a leader, and always reach for the stars.

Sincerely,

Timothy James President UoPX Chapter

National Society of Leadership and Success

CEREMONY CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR INDUCTION!

THE LARGEST NSLS VIRTUAL INDUCTION CEREMONY WITH 918 INDUCTEES PLEASE ENJOY THIS RECORDING OF THE

VICE PRESIDENT OF EVENTS/RONNA ROBINA

Ronna was inducted into the University of Phoenix NSLS Chapter in 2020 and serves as the Vice President of Events. She transferred to the Las Vegas University of Phoenix approximately six months ago and is excited to represent the University. Ronna effectively manages her time by prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries to ensure productivity, joy, and peace by learning when to say no.

In her professional life, Ronna is the CEO of R&S Beauty and Wellness, a successful business she launched three years ago. As a licensed Advanced Esthetician, she prioritizes client satisfaction by continuously building great relationships and making a positive change in the lives of her clients. Ronna's favorite travel destination is Hawaii, which reminds her of the islands of the Philippines, her home, and brings back great childhood memories. Her favorite foods include Thai cuisine, panang curry, and Thai tea. Her favorite hobbies include creating apparel and accessories and hosting events.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA /CYNTHIA DEFORD

Cynthia was inducted into the NSLS in November 2023. As a retiree and grandmother, she decided to return to school after a 30-year hiatus. Cynthia has maintained an impressive GPA of 3.92 and is only 4 classes away from obtaining her bachelor's degree. She continues to be a source of inspiration to her grandchildren, demonstrating that anything is achievable. Cynthia advocates for year-round celebration of diversity, rather than being confined to a single event. Additionally, she is an advocate for individuals with mental illness, aiming to demonstrate that success is attainable regardless of one's diagnosis. With her extensive experience as an accountant and tax preparer, Cynthia serves as a knowledgeable resource for those seeking information about the accounting profession. She has traveled to Belize in 2019 and aspires to continue exploring the world. Cynthia's hobbies include crafting jewelry, particularly beaded, paracord, and resin jewelry. As a minister holding an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree, the last book she read was the Holy Bible. Cynthia's journey serves as a testament to the boundless nature of human potential.

WILLIAM CRAIG CLARK

William Craig Clark is a proud University of Phoenix graduate and alumnus. He earned his Associate of Arts in Health Administration in 2012 and his Bachelor of Science degree in Health Administration with a concentration in Health Management in 2016. William has years of experience as an artist and focuses his academic work on strengthening non-profit healthcare. He has been recognized as an Acclaimed Artist in Marquis Who's Who in America and his biography is published in the 75th Diamond Edition of Marquis Who's Who in America (2022) on page 1352.

You can view William's artwork here

From Juggling Flaming Swords to Graduation: How I Mastered College Work-Life Balance

Balancing work and life as a college student can feel like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle. I cannot believe I am mere days away from walking that stage in Detroit. Getting here was intense, but doable with some strategic moves and a bit of humor. Here is how I survived and enjoyed my college years without burning out.

I harnessed the power of early mornings as my secret weapon. To stay consistent, I wake up at 3:30 AM EST every day, even on days off. This early start gave me quiet, focused time before work to study, which made an enormous difference in staying on top of my workload.

I brought something to study along, no matter where I went. I would whip out my notes or a textbook if I had an unexpected break. This way, I maximize my time without sacrificing my sanity or self-care. Speaking of self-care, this was non-negotiable. Meditating with an app, binge-watching a favorite show, or chilling with friends, I carved out time for activities that recharged me. Mental health days from work and life were essential, and I did not feel guilty about taking them.

Working from home was a blessing. Instead of spending an hour and a half commuting, I used that extra time to study. This efficiency boost was a significant change. I also learned the power of saying "no." It is tempting to join every club, attend every party, and pick up extra shifts for extra cash. But knowing my limits kept me sane. I would skip a night out if I had a big paper due. If work were getting hectic, I would reduce my hours. Prioritizing was key.

In the end, I leaned on those who were there for me. Friends, family, and even professors were surprisingly understanding and supportive. Talking about things when I felt overwhelmed made an enormous difference.

Ultimately, successfully balancing work and college life came down to planning, prioritizing, and seeking assistance when needed. It wasn't flawless, but it turned out great!

Jaime Blair, CPhT

Congratulations, Jaime, on the successful publication of your article in Pharmacy Times. For further details, please refer to the following

article

MEMBER BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Do you own a small business or nonprofit?

Share with us what you're business offers and how our members can support your business, for a chance to have your business spotlighted in an upcoming edition of the Newsletter.

To participate fill out the submission

form

University of Phoenix Launches

Student and Alumni Leadership Council (SALC)

On March 21, 2024, the University of Phoenix launched the Student and Alumni Leadership Council, which collaborates with the Office of Educational Equity (OEE). The council aims to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, foster cultural diversity, and enhance the sense of belonging for current students and alumni. The inaugural Student and Alumni Leadership Council includes two Executive Board Members: Selena Oliver, Vice President of Communications, as Vice President, and Cynthia DeFord, Associate Director of Social Media, as Treasurer. It also comprises current NSLS members and alumni. Congratulations to the NSLS members and alumni on their new roles within the University of Phoenix!

Check out the

press release

MY NSLS INDUCTION STORY

I began my academic journey in 2022 at the age of forty-two, during a tough period in my life. Guided by my late father's spiritual influence, I decided to pursue my ambition of becoming an attorney, a key aspect of my life's purpose that had been revealed to me. After contemplating this decision for a few months, I enrolled at the University of Phoenix to pursue an online bachelor’s degree in business management. I started at the University of Phoenix in March of 2023.

Six months later, I was surprised and honored to be nominated by one of my instructors to join the NSLS due to my academic success and potential as a change leader. I was thrilled about the opportunities it presented. In 2023, I experienced many positive changes. I became attuned to Holy Fire Reiki, resumed my college education, addressed a misdiagnosis, and launched my own Holistic Medicine business. It was a year filled with magical events and fruitful relationships.

During this transformative period in my life, the NSLS gave me a unique opportunity to participate in world-class leadership training using a 5-tier process. I took full advantage of this opportunity to improve myself, focusing on building my self-esteem, accountability, social skills, and credibility. I always give 110%. NSLS was a major shift in my life, passed on to me through my Reiki modality. I am now an official lifetime member of this wonderful honor society, endorsed by US Presidents and world leaders.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

May God's kindness and peace be with us all. Many thanks.

Tim Hugh O’Neil

Photo by Maegan Martin on Unsplash

SOMETHING FUN

WEAR YOUR NSLS SWAG AND PROMOTE YOUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS