Gerson Fajardo Selected as November's Student Leader of the Month

Associated Student Government

Gerson Fajardo was selected as November's Student Leader of the Month

Senior Gerson Fajardo has been selected as the Student Leader of the Month for November 2022. Originally from Honduras and now residing in Bentonville, Fajardo is studying biomedical engineering. He's currently employed as a phlebotomist at the Pat Walker Health Center and serves as the director of student safety for Associated Student Government. Fajardo is also a student ambassador for the Office of Admissions and volunteers at 7Hills Homeless Center, along with being a member of the Campus Council.

Fajardo got involved in these organizations because he wants to ensure the common interests of our student body are represented to inspire change and strives to keep a meaningful connection between students, faculty and staff. He wants a community where we can all feel safe and comfortable on campus. 

"This idea is key to developing student success and maintaining a lasting appreciation for our university and is the core of my campus involvement," he said. 

Fajardo initially joined the Pat Walker Health Center to further his clinical skills. However, he quickly realized that he was gaining much more than that.

"Working here not only enables me to pursue my passion for medicine by providing quality care to our campus community throughout the school year," Fajardo said, "but also allows me to interact with a talented team of healthcare providers who value compassion, respect and a commitment to excellence."

Gerson joined student government to serve as a liaison between our safety departments and the voice of undergraduate students. He works closely with UAPD, the Office of Equal Opportunity, Compliance & Title-IX, among other campus partners, to raise awareness of the resources available to students through policy initiatives regarding emergency preparedness, sexual assault prevention and scooter/crosswalk safety on campus, as well as programming events such as the Glow Run during It's On Us Week, or the annual ASG Safety Week in the spring semester.

He became a student ambassador because he gets the chance to meet with prospective students and their families and give them a glimpse of how it feels to be a Razorback through campus tours filled with first-hand information and the history of our university. During tours, he enjoys showcasing our facilities while talking about our campus resources and involvement opportunities so that incoming students can be better equipped for a successful transition into college. 

He volunteers at the 7 Hills Homeless Center because there he can serve those who need help the most. 

"It is important for me to give back to a community that has provided me with such great opportunity and joy," Fajardo said.

Fajardo believes that leaders should know where to anticipate change to shape the future, and not just react from it. 

"They value the diversity of their network and develop relationships with people that are very different from themselves, whether those differences be physical, biological, cultural, political or socioeconomic," he said. "They stay committed to a mission and inspire those who connect with and trust them enough to cooperate in achieving a shared goal."

His advice to other students is to always be willing to learn something new, because it will most likely benefit you in the future. 

"Do not be afraid to take risks and build your involvement around your passions; this will guarantee a sense of fulfillment and purpose in everything you do," he said. 

"I have had many mentors throughout my time here, but I would like to thank Thomas 'TC' Carter III, assistant dean for academics and student affairs," Fajardo said. "TC has been my mentor since day one through the Engineering Career Awareness Program, providing me with the necessary tools and advice to succeed both academically and professionally early on in my career. His ability to easily connect with and inspire students goes above and beyond and is a reason why I look up to him. Not only has his mentorship made me a better leader, but it has also made me feel welcome."

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.