Senior Meredith Dauria has been selected as the Student Leader of the Month for December 2023. Originally from Plano, Texas, Dauria came to the U of A to study nursing with a minor in substance abuse disorders. She is currently the president of Razorback Recovery and volunteers with Northwest Arkansas Harm Reduction to hand out lifesaving supplies and train people on how to use them. She also volunteers at the women's jail and brings in recovery meetings. She is a part of the Student Nurses Association and is working towards starting recovery houses when she moves back home. She got involved in these organizations because she has a deep passion for recovery and helping others.

"I am fighting to break the stigma of addiction and help others stay alive to hopefully one day find recovery. There aren't many young addicts in recovery, and it's hard to come to that realization at this age when so many others are encouraging that lifestyle. I want to be an inspiration for other young people, and I want to make a change in the world."

Dauria believes one of the most vital qualities in a leader is assertiveness and neutrality.

"Assertiveness is important because others look to a leader to advocate for them. Neutrality is important because a leader should never favor one side over another; they need to hear all perspectives to make an informed decision. A leader should stand strong in their values and inspire others to grow and be better than they were yesterday."

She wants to encourage others to pursue their goals, no matter how big or crazy they seem: "Lay out the plan and conquer one step at a time. Anything is possible."

She would like to thank her friend Shawn Pruitt.

"Shawn Pruitt has been a great mentor to me. He's shown me what true selfless service looks like. He helps others expecting nothing in return. So many others look up to him, and I'm proud to call him a close friend and 'brother.'"

She would like to leave everyone with her favorite leadership quote: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." — John Quincy Adams

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.