Milton Hershey School Senior Learns Leadership Skills Through Alumni Network

By Prince Sokpo ’21

The Milton Hershey School’s Student Government Association Leadership Academy series gave me insight into becoming a great leader. Through the first session with MHS alumna Julie Viera ’09 I was able to learn more about my mental and physical health.

Julie taught me that I don’t need to be a perfectionist. Listening to proud, successful people like Julie, allows me to believe these techniques and abilities will help me become a better person. It also teaches me how to be a better leader and that it is ok for leaders to make mistakes. It’s what you do after those mistakes that matters.

I appreciate the opportunities that MHS provides us as students because they allow me to improve myself in ways I never imagined. As a senior, I want to give the underclassmen here at MHS some advice: No matter the struggle, stick to your goals and believe in yourself. A great leader always looks for ways to become better and this starts by improving who you are on the inside. Remember, your character reflects your leadership.

My favorite thing about participating in SGA is the interaction and connections you can make with others. MHS alumni connect with us and understand who we are as “Milts.” They get our experience on a personal level and recognize our specific problems and needs. This improves my skills and hones in on my differences as a student and person.

After graduation, I plan on attending college to obtain a psychology or biology bachelor’s degree. I set this goal for myself so I can attend medical school and study to become a psychiatrist in the future.

In a few years, I also plan on starting my own business. Because of the leadership events at MHS, I gained knowledge that increased my confidence and set me on the right path. I wouldn’t have realized what I wanted to do until I experienced the amazing benefits that this school provides. They taught me how to adapt to any setting I am in.

MHS has not only guided my leadership process but has helped my critical thinking and determination in all aspects of my life. They set me on the right path and gave me advice which has prepared me for this next step in my life: graduation.

Life is a journey, but your life is all about you. Once you accept that you are in the driver’s seat, your destination couldn’t be any clearer.