Gwinnett Student, Jamal Sayid, Recognized in Student Leaders Program

By Traci Sanders

High school graduate Jamal Sayid was the only student from Gwinnett County recently chosen for the Student Leaders Program, a national program of Bank of America that focuses on shaping future adult leaders on a community and national level.

The Student Leaders Program began in 2004 and has since placed over 90 students in various paid internships in Atlanta. The application process included essay questions and virtual interviews. A selection committee chose the participants based on the student’s community involvement, academic transcript, current leadership positions, and a teacher recommendation letter.

Jamal interned for eight weeks during summer 2021 for two organizations: East Lake Foundation and Grove Park Foundation. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the East Lake Foundation, Jamal was part of a team that organized several charity events such as the Back-to-School Drive collecting and donating school supplies for children in need.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays Jamal worked with a team from Grove Park Foundation to develop a survey that helped determine the need for housing, healthcare, education, economic mobility, and preserving the arts in the community.

Jamal brought plenty of leadership experience to the table through his position as senior class president, his commitment to local, state, and national service work, and through the non-profit Global Diversity and Awareness Club, which he founded to raise awareness for global diversity, inclusion, and equity. He is also a 2021 Coca-Cola Scholar and a recipient of the Princeton University Prize in Race Relations for his social justice and advocacy work.

When asked what the application process was like, Jamal replied, “It was such an honor being chosen because there were over 400 applicants in the Atlanta market alone and only 5 spots.” He remembers being halfway through his AP Macroeconomics class when the email came across his phone to notify him of his acceptance. “I looked at the clock and knew I had at least 30-40 more minutes of class, and I couldn’t check my phone until class ended, so it was torture. As soon as class finished and I read the email informing me of my acceptance, I started screaming and jumping up and down.”

Jamal’s family is extremely proud of his achievement as well. “They know I’m majoring in Political Science with a triple major in Business and Social Policy Analysis,” he said, “and my ultimate goal is to become a lawyer and serve in Congress one day to help underrepre-

goals as needed. 6.Finally, pick a time before making your new goals for the next year and assess your progress. Where did you nail it and where did you fall short? And why? Don’t beat yourself up for what you didn’t achieve. Perhaps there was a good reason. Be sure to make note and recognize where you saw progress.

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