Junior Ryan Moh Sven Yii has been selected as the Student Leader of the Month for October 2021. Originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Ryan came to the University of Arkansas to study finance. He is currently involved with the International Culture Team as a core member, the Chinese Language Culture Club, Leadership Walton, Cross Cultural Mentor, and serves as a Study Abroad Ambassador focusing on the passport project. In addition to his involvement, Ryan is a tutor for Math 1203.

Ryan said he got involved in these organizations because he wanted to meet more people. He said he wanted to "get the opportunity to further myself professionally and improve my communication skills."

Ryan believes the most important qualities and characteristics a leader should possess are empathy and strong communication skills. His advice for other students is that "getting to the end zone quickly is not as important as getting there as a group, guiding them along the way to be the best [versions] of themselves." Ryan encourages other students to spend time with people who have different qualities than they do so they can learn from the different beliefs and practices.

Ryan would like to thank the international community at the University of Arkansas for being his source of motivation. "My friends and the staff of the ISS office supported me since the beginning of my time in the U.S.," he said. "They helped me through the process of adapting to the U.S. I felt welcomed here and comfortable to express myself and show my culture without being judged. That gave me a lot of my confidence, and ultimately without the support from them, I don't think I could be where I am right now." 

The Student Leader of the Month award, sponsored by New Student & Family Programs, recognizes University of Arkansas undergraduate students for their excellence in leadership through campus involvement, leadership activities, or through volunteer and community service.  More information about the award can be found here.