Jason Pleitez knows the importance of getting involved early. In his first year at Kean, Pleitez has already accumulated over 140 service hours and been involved in numerous clubs and activities and exhibited qualities of a leader.
Pleitez currently holds two executive board positions: vice president for Student Organization's Class of 2022 and treasurer for EEO Society.
Student Organization is made up of full-time undergraduate students who serve as the voice for the rest of the Kean student body. As vice president, Pleitez works alongside the rest of his executive board to represent Kean's Class of 2022 and address concerns.
"Serving as the Freshman Class Vice-President has impacted my time at Kean enormously. When I first ran for office, I knew some people, but, as I started campaigning, I got to meet a great number of amazing students," said Pleitez. "I've made so many great friendships and connections that have impacted me as a person. I had to break out of my shell and become more comfortable, and this position has helped me with that."
Pleitez has been re-elected for office for next year and will continue to serve as vice president for the Class of 2022 his sophomore year.
EEO Society's mission is to build up scholars and the Kean community. Along with his role as treasurer, Pleitez organizes community service projects.
Pleitez is also a general body member of the Rotaract Action Club and is a Bronze Leader for the Leadership Institute.
Pleitez balances his extracurricular activities with his job as a desk service representative for Residential Student Services (RSS). He looks forward to working as a residential assistant for next year.
Despite his many extracurricular activities, Pleitez still makes time to volunteer frequently with Kean. With over 140 service hours completed, Pleitez exhibits his love for the community and time management skills.
He enjoys service projects that allow him to interact with those impacted by his service. He particularly enjoys Habitat for Humanity and Atria Living Senior Home.
"Many times for Habitat for Humanity we actually get to meet the family that will be receiving the house. They tell us their stories and we connect on another level, and it makes you feel good about yourself because you know you're helping that family. For service projects such as Atria Living Senior Home, we connect with them and they share their lives with us, and they always seem to give us the best advice," said Pleitez.
Pleitez balances his academics with his many activities and is currently a business management major with a minor in marketing. He hopes to one day be a marketing manager for large companies such as Johnson & Johnson or Amazon.
With all his involvement, Pleitez shares advice to other students looking to do the same.
"The best advice I can give to someone is to never let anyone determine or limit their happiness. You determine your future and life. Do not let yourself or others bring you down. You have to take risks in life," said Pleitez. "As Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, 'The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.'"
