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I was thrilled to receive the Most Valuable Volunteer award from the MSLP at the ASHA Convention in Chicago. I was particularly happy to see several of the past participants now working in the field and making a difference. The students' energy is inspiring, and the stories they share from around the country remind us all of how much we still need to do.
I will say that, as a volunteer, the role I enjoyed most was being the first online guest mentor. It was an honor to have been asked and a challenge to make it work. The mentoring put me in touch with all current and past participants in the MSLP. The topic was leadership, and the stories I heard and read were incredible. It was an amazing opportunity to share with all participants my personal thoughts on emerging leadership, on leadership styles, and on some of the reality-based fears one faces when taking on leadership roles.
I must thank Patricia Cole Holliday, Melanie Johnson, and Vicki Deal-Williams for all their hard work and dedication to this project. I also thank them for asking me to be a part of it. It's been a journey I will never forget. Students are our future; leaders and volunteers are our path to that future.
-Luis Riquelme
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