Your Senior Class President

The Anchor sat down with Senior Class President Kervin Leonidas, who is also the second longest serving member of Student Parliament, for an exclusive interview on his final thoughts before taking the stage at Commencement.

The Anchor: How does it feel to finally be graduating from Rhode Island College?

Kervin Leonidas: It's a great feeling. You put in years of hard work and tireless dedication and it feels great to know that it has all paid off. Some students put three, four and of course the signature RIC five years, but in the end it was worth it, because now we are going to move on to the next chapter in our lives. Whatever that may be for each student it is different.

TA: What has been your favorite memory here at RIC?

KL: Student Community Government meetings. There have been many incidents that have happened over my three-and-a-half years as a member on Student Parliament. My other favorite memories from my time at RIC have been the friendships that I have made coming to and from class, the advice teachers have given me and the student organizations that I have gotten to know over the years. Those memories will stay with me for quite some time.

TA: What was your favorite moment as a three-and-a-half year member of Parliament?

KL: The no-confidence vote debate of SCG Treasurer Chris Kelly. I found it quite interesting.

TA: What student organizations have you been a part of?

KL: I've indirectly been a part of Harambee and L.I.F.E. I have been a part of Amnesty International, the Open Books Open Minds mentorship program, Student Community Government and the Emerging Leaders program.

TA: Who at Rhode Island College has had a major influence on you?

KL: Dr. Mark Motte, Marissa Weiss (my Class of 2010 advisor), [Student Union Director] Kristen Salemi and my partner in crime and great ally, Joshua Calvin Laguerre.

TA: What made you want to be Senior Class president?

KL: I wanted to do something that previous Senior Class presidents have been unable to do: have a great Senior Week. Even though we have had some rough and shaky times and I had to make some tough decisions, we accomplished our goal. I hope everyone who came out had a good time. Lastly, I wanted to leave a lasting legacy at the college with a senior gift. I believe I fulfilled this goal by helping to fund the Dr. Ivy Locke Terrace that will be a part of the newly renovated Recreation Center. With the $10,000 donation the Senior Class made, I believe we carried out our primary goal.

TA: What was your best moment as Senior Class president?

KL: The senior gift in honor of Dr. Locke's memory. I have a feeling she is smiling down on us right now.

TA: What are your plans for after graduation?

KL: Working as an AmeriCorps VISTA either in Wilmington, Del. or Charlotte, N.C. as an asset-based community development coordinator. For the summer I will be interning in Boston to save some money and gain some real-world experience.

 TA: Closing thoughts for graduating seniors?

KL: I want all the seniors to enjoy their summer, rest and relax. Create a game plan for your next step, because graduation closes the book on one chapter and ushers in the next in your life story.