Senior Shaadee Shojai has been selected as the Student Leader of the Month for March 2022. Growing up in Houston, Texas, Shojai decided to attend the U of A to study international business. She is in her fourth year working with the U of A Engagement Center, currently in the role of student manager. Shojai has also been a Walton Peer Mentor, an Honors Ambassador for the Honors College, and has served on the Walton Honors Student Executive Board. You can also find her on the University's Club Women's Lacross team.

Shojai said she got involved in these organizations to immerse herself into the campus life community. "I wanted to be part of the experience of others and help them have the same opportunities and memories that I had," she said. "Therefore, when I found positions where I could be involved, I did not hesitate to jump at the chance to play a minor role in the memories of future and current students."

Shojai believes the most important quality in a leader is the ability to be patient, kind and compassionate. "I believe leaders should lead by example. A true leader who is deserving of respect should never ask anyone else to do a task that the leaders themselves are unwilling to do."

Her advice to other student leaders is to "make sure that you are content with as many of your decisions as possible. It is impossible to never second guess a decision you have made; however, if you don't let others sway your decisions and you hold yourself accountable, you then will have fewer regrets."

Shojai would like to thank her mother, grandmother and current supervisors for being her biggest mentors.

"They have given me love and compassion," she said. "They are the ones I go to for emotional support, advice, and to vent about my problems."

Her favorite leadership quote comes from Sheryl Sandberg: "Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence."

The Student Leader of the Month award, sponsored by New Student & Family Programs, recognizes U of A 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.