Beyond the Polo: Krishna Patel
Krishna Patel was part of the 2010 Orientation Team and has been involved on campus ever since! She recently participated in an European Expo in London, England – 2011, and she is a member of the Undergraduate Public Health Student Association (UPHSA). In addition, she is a Green and Gold Guide (G3) and has been involved with various roles through the Office of Orientation.
She has held many leadership positions throughout her time at USF. They include being a Green and Gold Guide Tour Trainer (2011-2012), the Secretary for Undergraduate Public Health Student Association, Orientation Retreat Facilitator (2011-2012), Transfer Orientation Team Leader, Orientation Mentor 2011, and Orientation Team Leader 2010. She will continue to stay involved in various things throughout campus every time she is given the opportunity.
Krishna said, “One memory that sticks out from my experience as an OTL would have to be interacting with my team and becoming more outgoing. I was very shy and quiet before starting the position, but with all of the other OTL’s being supportive and learning along the way as well, I was able to break out of my shell and notice strengths I thought I never had. I got very lucky in working with the people I did.”
When asked how has the OTL experience helped you in the world outside of OTL, she replied; “I can honestly say it was the launching pad to everything I do today. Without gaining such a prestigious student leadership position, I wouldn’t have applied and tried half the things I am doing today. Through becoming an OTL, I joined other student organizations on campus and became involved in them which helped me achieve outstanding opportunities, such as going to England for a European Expo to recruit students from abroad. The OTL experience has made me a better public speaker, calmer when talking to large groups of people or even when giving presentations for classes, improved my time management, provided me with organizational skills, and much more!”