It does not take long to establish a brand for the type of leadership one has to offer; and one sophomore has proven just that. Entering his third year with a brand embodying professionalism, action, service work, and a bit of "funk", Andrew Abuan

"There is such thing as too much time in one place. I want my energies spent equally," says Abuan

Abuan is currently the public relations officer for new student group Filipinos Uniting Nations at Kean (F.U.N.K.) - a fitting executive board position for his major; but that is about to change. Abuan seeks the title of vice-president - a new role with new responsibilities. Though he will function as second-in-command, Abuan is certainly thinking like a front-runner. While focusing on representing the group well in their respective district for an over-arching nation-wide organization for involved Filipino students, Abuan is still conscious of the small components that strengthen the group.

"Maybe in the future we will consider applying for funding, but raising money is a way to help the group remain bonded," argues Abuan

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"The kids really wanted to hear what [the group] had to say. They shared a lot with us - mostly personal issues. They branched out because they trusted us. It really motivated me and made me feel like a leader," shared a smiling Abuan.

An integral learned skill Abuan says he takes from Leadership 2012, which he can apply to future positions as a student leader, is how to function in groups and work with stress and conflict management.

Certainly, this student leader has considered strategic planning for his third year; and at this rate, he can only anticipate his peers will be talking about the brand that is Abuan.