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Conversation with a Student Leader: Tano shares Trailblazing Tale
- Michael Jordan
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Leadership is the ability to influence others. As it is always said, there is no organization or group that can succeed without strong leadership. Needless to say, not everyone possesses this characteristic. This is because effective leadership necessitates a certain set of crucial traits. To illustrate, one student strived to go on the path of leadership while everyone else is focused on their studies. Herna Francis Mae B. Tano, a Technology Communication Management student focusing on multimedia at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) is just one of those who showed that leadership needs various qualities and is a life-long pursuit amidst challenges. Her first attempt at this journey was difficult for her, but as she worked with herself and others, she was able to overcome it. As a student leader molded by different experiences, let’s know how she walked on her way to see what she did to define and reach success in leadership.
A Walkthrough of her Leadership Journey
Although it was not easy to combine studies with being a leader in various fields, Tano proved that this will never be an obstacle to her success. Currently, she is the Founder and Executive Director of Andam Higala, Chief Executive Officer of WeCARE Program, Director for Events and Management for Volunteer Scholar Leaders Program (VIP), USTP Ambassador of One CDO, and Community Relations Head of Google Developer Student Clubs. Some of Tano’s stepping stones were the organizations and training she joined that molded her to become a more effective studentleader. She served as President of University City Scholars in the Academic Year (A.Y.) 2018-2020, President of Federation of Accredited Extracurricular Student Organizations (FAESO) in A.Y 2020-2021, and President of USTP Scholars Society in A.Y. 2021-2022. She joined different trainings and workshops in International Young Leaders Congress, YSEALI Camp Diversity, Ayala Young Leaders Congress, OurMINDAnowSummit 2022, VOX; Young Leaders’ Parliament 2019, Singapore Polytechnic International Student Exchange, and Oro Youth Leadership Academy. Among these, she considered her experience at Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC) in Batangas as the most unforgettable one. Aside from these matters, her journey also highlights some of her prestigious awards not just as a leader but also as a student. She was the recipient of President Ricardo E. Rotoras Outstanding Student Leadership Award at Kahamili Awards 2020, National Finalist and Georgina P. Nava Women Leadership Awardee during the Ten Accomplished
Youth Organization 2020 (TAYO 2020), champion at Global Leaders Conference, champion at Solutions Week 2021, Rank 7 in Most Outstanding Scholars of the PH, Volunteer of the Year and Exemplar Awardee during Kinanao Awards 2022, Agipo Silver Award, Best Bill during VOX: Young Leaders’ Parliament 2019, and finalist as Most Outstanding COVID-19 Volunteer. She is also expected to receive a Latin honor in the August 2022 graduation - in fact a Magna Cum Laude.
The Balance between Failures and Successes
As Ellen Degeneres said, when you take risks it is inevitable that there will be times when you will succeed and there will be times when you will not, but these are both essential tools for more effective results. “I have many challenges in my journey, however, I didn’t consider it as a failure since it all contributed to the successful milestones I accomplished,” Tano said.
Talking about challenges, she shared about the most challenging thing she experienced on her leadership journey. She said being active in the field of legislation in the year 2021 where her decision resulted in a controversial matter in the university was one of the reasons why she reached the point of asking herself if the path she was taking was the right one. “There was a time that I questioned myself about what is better —being right or being kind,” she said. At that time, her principles and decisions became a big question that even her reputation was compromised. But, she did not take those negative things because for her, the decision she made was not for herself, but for the greater good of the majority—studentry. This part redefines the student leadership and governance in the university.
Breaking the Wall
In every aspect of student life, leadership plays a vital role, especially in the stage of career development. In the modern era, students are facing many career problems, particularly in choosing between idealism and beneficial. For this reason, leadership skills are a very important tool in molding one’s confidence in accepting challenges and analyzing the career path. Tano’s journey is an example that being a student and a student-leader is not an obstacle. This is proof of how determined you are to be a more effective being not only for yourself but also for others. This is an indication that even in small things, you can influence and make a difference. For her, doing good things not for herself but for others is fulfilling. She stated, “My journey is a manifestation that leadership engagements will not hinder our academic responsibilities, instead they can help us better understand the world around us and how we can contribute to nation building.”
