Junior Francisco Hernandez has been selected as the Student Leader of the Month for April 2023. Originally from Rogers, Francisco came to the U of A to study computer science. He is a student ambassador for TRIO Student Support Services, a part of the outreach team and also a support member for the International Culture Team at the U of A. 

Hernandez got involved in these organizations "out of destiny," he says. 

Hernandez believes the most important qualities and characteristics of a leader are being your best self and helping others along the way. "I understand and have accepted that I do not know everything, but I will always want to help everyone in any way I possibly can, even if it is as simple as offering to give them a ride home from their late-night class, so they do not have to walk alone. All this to say that a great leader is one that leads by example. I was taught that people will not follow someone who simply demands/orders, but someone who shows them how and works beside them." 

His advice to other student leaders is to be equally good followers. 

"Everyone has different talents, so then at times different people need to take charge, and that is OK. Sometimes you have to step back to move forward. Being a leader is about helping the team move forward and knowing when to step back in order to achieve the goal." 
He would like to thank Rita Littrell. 

"From the very start, Dr. Rita Littrell from Walton College has been there for me. She is the sweetest and most caring person I have met and honestly, the reason I ended up going to college. She has always supported me and has guided me whenever needed in my college life. Being a first-generation student myself, Dr. Rita has made post-secondary education less intimidating." 

A leadership quote that Hernandez wants to share is written by Aristotle: "He who cannot be a good follower cannot be a good leader." 
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.