Leadership lived: Student aims to boost school spirit

 

Natalie To has made it her mission to boost school spirit at the University of Illinois Springfield.

“When I came to UIS, there wasn’t a lot of school spirit,” she said. “As I progressed, I started to see that a lot of people didn’t care about coming to sporting events.”

In an effort to reverse the trend, the junior communication major started the Spirit Team to encourage more students to attend UIS Athletics events.

“In high school, I was an athlete and being involved was a key thing. I loved when I got signs of encouragement from people,” she said.

To is also a Necessary Steps Mentor, a member of the Student Union Planning Committee, the Nickname Change/Mascot Task Force, the Vietnamese Student Association, and the Greek Affairs Board.

“I want to do something that I can make an impact on this university when I leave and I think joining all of these organizations will benefit me, as well as future students,” she said.

On the Student Union Planning Committee, To has been one of several students offering their opinions about the design of the building.

“It’s very important with the student union that students are the key part in planning it,” said To. “You don’t want administrators planning a building that’s meant for students, so voicing my opinion on the committee is basically the key part I can play.”

The new UIS Student Union is scheduled to be complete by the Fall of 2016.

“I hope that when future UIS students come they appreciate all of the work that previous Prairie Stars have put into the union,” said To.

Following graduation, she plans to go to law school or obtain a job in the marketing field. She says UIS has taught her a lot about leadership and responsibility.

“UIS has taught me that I’m being watched at all times, so it’s more so that I’m a leader at all times,” said To.