Thank you to the 2019-2020 Richmond Scholars Leadership Council!
The Richmond Scholars Leadership Council (RSLC) consists of elected representatives from different Scholar classes. Together, they coordinate class activities and help plan community programming throughout the year. They also have the opportunity to represent the Richmond Scholars Program at forums like the National Scholar Summit.
Many thanks to the 2019-2020 RSLC: Katarina Acosta, Esmi Castillo, Kathryn Reda, and Acacia Wyckoff! From a “Friendsgiving” feast in the fall, to regular study sessions and movie nights, to a successful Escape Room trip, they did an outstanding job planning and executing creative ideas to bring the Richmond Scholar community together.
They recently shared a few thoughts about their time on the Leadership Council and what other Scholars should know.
Katarina Acosta, ‘22
Middleburg, Virginia
What advice do you have for other Richmond Scholars thinking about participating in Leadership Council?
Leadership Council is a wonderful opportunity to help make the Scholars community the best it can be. If you would like to lead the brainstorming and planning that goes into Scholar events, bring your creative ideas to the Leadership Council!
What else would you like to share about the Richmond Scholars community?
The Scholars community is vibrant, intelligent, and diverse. Despite studying a wide variety of subjects and being involved in many different activities, we are a tight-knit group that enjoys getting together often.
Esmi Castillo, ‘22
San Antonio, Texas
What advice do you have for other Richmond Scholars thinking about participating in Leadership Council?
To not underestimate or discredit yourself. The council involves creating programming, working with the budget, creating flyers, scheduling and much more, so there are plenty of ways you can contribute to helping keep the Scholar family connected.
What else would you like to share about serving on Leadership Council?
Serving on the council this past year has not only allowed me to grow closer to my scholar family in unique ways (i.e., repeatedly dancing in an Escape Room, struggling to find a HDMI cord for movie night), but has also taught me to appreciate the very short time we have together.
Kathryn Reda, ‘23
Middletown, New Jersey
What was the most meaningful part of being on Leadership Council?
The chance to build connections with the other Scholars both within and outside my year. I really looked forward to attending the events we planned. In my opinion, there is no better way to take a study break than to eat AMAZING cupcakes from Pearl’s, watch a movie, and have great conversation with some of the most amazing people on campus.
What else would you like to share about the Richmond Scholars community?
The Richmond Scholars family is constantly supporting each other, making it something I am truly proud to be a part of. This summer I have really enjoyed interacting with the incoming class, especially since this year’s visit was canceled. Even if it is from a distance, I look forward to seeing everyone in person in a few weeks!
Acacia Wyckoff, ‘23
Falls Church, Virginia
What was the most meaningful part of being on Leadership Council?
Seeing all of the Scholars bond together at the events we plan. The Scholars community is such a talented group of people with interests spread out all over campus, so I'm so glad that I have gotten to work to create spaces and events where we can all be together.
What advice do you have for other Richmond Scholars thinking about participating in Leadership Council?
Join! It's not a huge time commitment and our meetings are always super fun. It's an easy way to get to know some scholars from other years and the amazing people in the Office of Scholars and Fellowships.
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The 2021-22 Richmond Scholars Leadership Council elections will take place in September. Scholars interested in serving this upcoming year should stay tuned for communications!