Service Leadership Student Reflections
Students from Saint Louis University’s Service Leadership Program meet their requirements in a wide range of settings, including schools, urban farms, nonprofits and more. Recent students in this SLU program reflect on their experience below.
Kaelyn Cobo
We were able to learn about the various services offered by Cortex Innovation District, so that if in the future we were to create our own business, we would know just the place to start. Learning about Venture Cafe has now shown us a new environment where we can share ideas and conversation on the technological and economic advances that this city strives toward. Shadow Day at Cortex was a great way to end the school year, and I can’t wait to see how our program can continue to build relationships with the local entrepreneurial community.
Ellory Coffey
My time in service leadership at Saint Louis University shaped my freshman year in such a meaningful way. From my service site at the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery to events with my fellow leaders, this experience made a lasting impact on me. It introduced me to so many people who care deeply about their community and are driven to make a difference.
This program has taught me patience, empathy, and the power of connection; especially on a college campus. The opportunity to serve and lead alongside my peers showed me how impactful a servant-hearted mindset can be, both in our community and beyond.
Even as a freshman, I was able to make a difference and be the change I wanted to see. I highly encourage anyone looking for a people-centered and mission-driven first year at SLU to become a part of this incredible program!
Caroline Murphy
Service leadership has been the most influential program I’ve been involved in at Saint Louis University. I was fortunate enough to discover service leadership at the beginning of my freshman year and immediately applied.
Through this, I have found lifelong friends who are rooted in the values of leading with your people and helping the community. I’ve been able to expand my business skills by interacting with real business owners in St. Louis and taking an executive board role in my sophomore year. I was also fortunate to find service through tutoring a student at Loyola Academy, which has been the most inspiring and rewarding experience. Service leadership is not just another program to be involved in; it is truly a transformative experience to shape students into more humble and compassionate leaders of the future world.
Casey Masterson
Service leadership is more than a minor. It’s a space to collaborate with and learn from other students about the difference that we can make in our community.
Not being from St. Louis, I wasn’t sure what the culture of the city would be like. Through the service leadership program, I’ve been able to physically go out into the city and make a real difference. I’ve loved getting out of my comfort zone and embracing the opportunities that the program provides for students.
I’ve participated in two Spring into Service days so far during my time at SLU. The first was a cleanup at Forest Park. Not only did I get to make great connections with other service leaders, but I also got to make a beautiful space cleaner for everyone. It helped me remember to be mindful of the importance of nature and to care for the planet that we are responsible for. The second time, we helped out at New Roots Urban Farm. This was an extremely cool experience because we simultaneously supported a small business and its local community. Even though it was just a few hours of my time, it lifted a burden for the people of that neighborhood that the garden supports. Service leadership provides opportunities for business students to connect with and serve the St. Louis area in many ways.
Holly Thompson
Being part of the service leadership program has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college journey so far. Through my involvement, I have had the opportunity to support the St. Louis community in impactful ways, such as tutoring local students, distributing food to individuals experiencing homelessness, and participating in neighborhood cleanups. These experiences have helped me build real connections with the community and reminded me how important it is to lead with compassion and consistency.
As I continue growing in the program, I have noticed how much these experiences are shaping me into a more empathetic and confident leader. Service has taught me that leadership is not about a title. It is about showing up for others and making a difference, one small action at a time.
Laseoluwa David
My experience with service leadership at Saint Louis University has deeply shaped my personal growth and sense of purpose. Through opportunities like volunteering with Junior Achievement (JA) at a local elementary school, where I taught students the basics of business and financial literacy, I discovered the power of using my skills to empower others. JA of Greater St. Louis provided training and classroom material that align with national and state educational standards to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.
This hands-on engagement strengthened my communication and leadership abilities and connected me more deeply with the surrounding community. Service has become more than an activity. It is a core part of my identity at SLU, reinforcing the Jesuit value of being "men and women for others" and reminding me that true leadership begins with service.