The Future Is Eve Austin A Student Leader Whos Empowering Her Peers to Make a Difference

The Future Is Eve Austin A Student Leader Whos Empowering Her Peers to Make a Difference Whetherbei its by helping her peers develop themselves as leaders or interning at the Defenders of Wildlife office in Alaska, Eve Austin is out to make a difference. The St. Johns University juniorchef is a Public Service and Public Administration student which isnt shocking if you give her resume a glance. An active Girl Scout volunteer, Student Conduct Board member and impactful intern with several organizations, Austin has a laundry list of achievements in helping others. However, she says the progress she sees in her fellow students as the leadership and development coordinator for St. Johns University Career Services is something especially rewarding.We spoke to Austin about how shes prepping the leaders of the future and how her lifes circumstances have inspired her to help others be their best. She also shared some great advice about how to make a difference. Hint dont think too much.How are you making an impact on your school or local community?I am the leadership and development coordinator for St. Johns University Career Services career peers In this role, I help with the interviewing and training of the new peer cohort that we bring in each year. I also identify and create professional development opportunities for the peers in our cohort.What made you passionate about the project or role thats allowing you to make a difference?The results that were seeing. In the two years that Ive been in my role, Ive watched people come into their interview very shy and timid. Then, by the end of their first year in the program, they are comfortable doing presentations in front of a room of people. As much as people apply and become career peers to help others, they are really helping themselves, too. Its the development of both the students that use our services and the peers themselves that keep me passionate about my role.How did you get in this position? Were you elected, selected, or did you start the project yourself? What steps did you take to fulfill this role?I knew I wanted to be on the leadership team after my first full term as a peer and I initially applied to be the service chair. I got the acceptance email from my supervisor, Nicole, but she had accepted me into the training and development coordinator role which I hadnt applied for. Im sure if youd asked me then, I would tell you that I welches disappointed and confused. But looking back today, that was absolutely a blessing in disguise. Nicole saw something in me that I didnt see in myself and thought I should take on the more senior role.What other activities, projects, or jobs do you do at school?I am the secretary of the St. Johns University Irish Society, a member of the Irish Societys Dance Team, a student worker in the St. Johns College Deans Office, a member of the University Student Conduct Board and a resident assistant. I am also a lifelong Girl Scout and remain involved with the movement as a National Volunteer Partner. Additionally, I am a Jeannette K. Watson Fellow though the Watson Foundation and have interned at the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. I have an internship lined up for this summer with Defenders of Wildlife in their Alaska office.What is an accomplishment youre proud of?In April of 2019, I was asked to speak at St. Johns Universitys Accepted Students Day, where roughly 6,000 people were in attendance. I was able to speak to the class of 2023 about how my time at St. Johns has challenged and changed me in all the best ways. I spoke about how the people I have met here have equipped me to always maximize my potential both in my career and in my life.What is a challenge that youve faced and overcome?Its probably impossible for me to answer this question without talking about my dad. He passed away in 2015 when I was 17. Not that you can ever overcome a loss of that magnitude, but experiencing it when I was so young put a lot o f things in perspective for me. Sometimes life punches you in the gut and you can lay on the ground or you can get up and keep fighting. I know that he would want me to keep fighting. And thats what I do.What advice do you have for women who want to make a difference at their school?If you find yourself wanting to wait for the right time to do something, youll be waiting forever. Today right now is the best time.Who is YOUR Fairygodboss? Why?Nicole Wolfrath from St. Johns University Career Services is my Fairygodboss. I applied to be a career peer on a whim during my freshman year and had no idea the way the program would change my life including introducing me to Nicole. Shes a leader, a role model and, fruchtwein importantly, someone I love working with. I know I can go to her for advice, feedback or even when I need someone to tell me to stop obsessing over an application answer (which has happened on more than one occasion). Nicole is a rock and I am eternally grateful to her .Lightning Round Whats Your Karaoke Song?Love Shack by The B-52sLightning Round Whats Your Favorite Book?The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.Lightning Round Whats Your Favorite Movie?Across the Universe.Lightning Round Whats Your Favorite Quote?Wherever you go, be brave. To whomever you meet, be kind. With whatever you have, do good.