Karlee Spicer, Immaculata Chapter Member, Class of 2028

Serving as a leader in my CogWell chapter has helped me grow in ways that extend beyond the organization itself. Personally, it has strengthened my confidence, communication skills, and ability to support others. Leading has taught me how to listen actively, solve problems, and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Academically, my leadership role has improved my time management, organization, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities. Coordinating chapter activities while keeping up with coursework has taught me how to prioritize tasks and stay accountable. It has also deepened my interest in mental health advocacy and reinforced the importance of wellness in achieving academic success.  Professionally, serving as a student leader has given me hands-on experience in leadership, teamwork, event planning, and public speaking. These experiences have prepared me to work effectively with diverse groups of people and strengthened skills that will be valuable in my future career. Most importantly, leading a CogWell chapter has shown me the impact that empathy, collaboration, and service can have on a community, and it has inspired me to continue advocating for mental health and well-being wherever I go. 

This has helped me develop skills that will directly benefit me as a future teacher. It has prepared me to become more effective and compassionate by strengthening the skills I will use every day in the classroom. Through collaborating with peers and promoting mental health awareness, I have developed strong communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving abilities while learning the importance of empathy and of creating inclusive, supportive environments. As a future teacher, I will use these skills to build positive relationships with my students, foster a classroom culture that prioritizes both academic success and emotional well-being, and advocate for the mental health needs of every learner.