My name is Jennyfer G. Zarate. I am a Biology major with Chemistry and Psychology minors and am part of the Pre-Med concentration here at LU. My time with the RHC has offered me many unique opportunities over the years, including the chance to participate in multiple High Impact Education Practices (HIEPs) to add to my ePortfolio. One of these experiences was the Stepping Up: Civic Leadership Initiative! 

The Stepping Up: Civic Leadership Initiative is a year-long opportunity that allows you to become a non-voting board member of a local non-profit organization. This allows you to have an inside look at how non-profit organizations work, networking, and leadership opportunities! To best match you with a non-profit organization, the RHC hosts a mixer in the spring semester to allow you to talk to representatives of each non-profit so you to learn more about what your roles and responsibilities would be at each non-profit. 

When I participated in this HIEP, I was matched with the Arc of Greater Beaumont, whose mission is to ensure people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have access to the resources, services, and support systems they need to grow, develop, and find community. I got to meet a lot of wonderful individuals working together to put on amazing events for this population. During my experience, I learned valuable lessons that inspired me and gave me the courage to start a chapter of a national student organization here on campus! The Stepping Up: Civic Leadership Initiative, like the name suggests, was a stepping stone for me to become a leader at Lamar University! I highly encourage you to take advantage of these unique opportunities offered by the RHC. 

Have a wonderful day! 

Jennyfer G. Zarate