Diana Calle is the current secretary of Graduate Part-Time Student Council [GPSC] at Kean University. She is in her final year with the university and she intends to get her Master’s in public administration. The GPSC is an organization geared toward graduate and part-time students that looks to enhance the academic, social, and cultural aspects of the collegiate environment by embracing the infinite areas of diversity at the university.
While Calle has been consistently involved with the university and its surrounding community, she started with the GSPC as a council representative last year. She explains her motivation as being a genuine desire to create change. Calle states, “I strive to make a difference and positively impact those around me. For this reason, I joined GPSC.”
Calle knows that the GSPC has a substantial role in the Kean University community and that role is not something to be taken lightly. Calle states, “The primary goal of GPSC is to serve our constituency, the graduate and part-time students of Kean University. We represent their concerns to the administration, officers and staff seeking favorable resolutions of those matters.” Currently, the GPSC is working on various activities for their graduate and part-time students. Beyond that, they are incessantly active in the events of the university such as Kean Day, ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, and etc. They take these opportunities to promote and inform about the GPSC.
Calle’s role with the GSPC entails balancing innumerable duties and she must tend to all these individual commitments. Calle states, “As the secretary of GPSC, I have diverse responsibilities. The primary ones are to maintain all records in an organized and effective manner, accurately record all business communicated in executive board, council and other meetings deemed necessary, and ensure that all member information is up to date in order for the office and organization to run smoothly and efficiently.” She is a very important member in the GSPC and her role is vital to maintaining a cohesive and effective organization.
Beyond her responsibilities as secretary, she also must be academically accountable. She takes all of her obligations into the consideration and uses her time accordingly so no time is wasted. Calle prioritizes as a way of managing her time in order to use it most efficiently. She explains how this is actually beneficial to her academically. Calle states, “Honestly, being involved with GPSC has helped me with my studies. For example, I am able to take breaks from my studies when I am working with GPSC.”
Calle’s GPSC involvement has not only improved her collegiate experience but also made positive impact on her life in small ways also. She explains, “There was a time in my life that I felt limited because I did not speak English. However, I have accomplished things at Kean University I never thought I would have the opportunity to do. Being the secretary of GPSC is one of those opportunities.” Calle has had the opportunity to form relationships with countless people, from administrators and faculty to peers. Through them she gains valuable insight and wisdom on her future. “…Being involved with GPSC has allowed me to be surrounded by people who care about the Kean [University] community and are serious about their work. These individuals inspire me to do better,” Calle commented.
Calle has been fortunate enough to work with several executive board and council members. This, among other things, helps to develop her professional skills. She feels the GPSC prepares for her career outside of Kean University in numerous ways. “The diverse roles as a secretary of GPSC are helping me to develop professional skills for my future career outside Kean University. In the professional world, most of the fundamental skills are organization and communication. Being involved with GPSC has also taught me how to manage my time between my studies and my extra-curricular duties.” Not only has it taught her these skills, but also improved her ability to work with a team.
The GPSC has had a substantial impact on Calle’s life. She has been able to progress and advance in countless areas of her life. She advises others to involve themselves as well. She states, “I strongly encourage graduate and part-time students to get involved with GPSC! Do not be afraid of doing something different! You will discover yourself and meet amazing people. What you take away from your college experience depends on you!” For those interested, their next council meeting will be on November 7 and December 5 at 5:00 p.m. in the University Center [UC] 226.
