KCMPI Student Member Exudes Leadership Potential

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By: Shari Hockenbery, CMP

"It is all that the young can do for the old

to shock them and keep them up to date." 

— George Bernard Shaw

(1856-1950 Irish writer) 

It was my privilege in the fall of 2007 to meet an inspirational student from the University of Kansas. Her name is Cara Patricia Roberts, originally from Louisburg, Kan., who, as a KU senior, is aspiring to receive a bachelor's degree in communications and sociology in August 2008.    Cara was taking a class on leadership, and out of the (crimson and…) blue, she called me at the Francis Family Foundation and asked if she could job shadow me on a few Thursdays to help her write a paper on leadership. Of course, because Kansas is my alma mater, I could not refuse.     During our first visit at my office, it struck me that I was talking to the living embodiment of the future as we know it. Not only of our organization, KCMPI, but the future of our country as well. Here was this thoroughly lovely, intelligent, young woman, with a quick wit and a level head on her shoulders, talking about the difference she wants to make in this world. What she does not realize yet is how much of a difference she has already made.

At the Francis Family Foundation, we try to have a summer intern join us to help us with special projects and to help her add "real-world" experience to her resume. After each intern leaves us, the staff is always amazed by how accomplished each is in his or her way and what energy he or she brings to our work day, with a fresh and youthful perspective.   

Cara was no different. Her upbeat attitude and willingness to learn created an electric environment each time she visited the Foundation. Her resume is exemplary. As a KU senior, Cara holds a nearly 3.9 GPA in communication. She is a member of the Communication Honor Society and consistently appears on the dean's list. In the few short years Cara has attended KU, she already has a wealth of leadership experience. She is the secretary and head programmer for Students in Communication Group (SCS). She is the vice president of KU Rotaract (Rotary, College Chapter). She is a lifetime honor student with Lambda Phi Eta. And she is trying to earn a second bachelor's degree in sociology. 

And I ask myself, why did she come to me? I learned as much from her as she could possibly learn from me. And she is still learning. Cara joined KCMPI to enhance her study of event management and leadership skills. Her career mission is "to be part of a motivated team, which strives for excellence in strong company relations, community involvement and upholding professional business standards."  

Her mission could be the mantra for all KCMPI volunteers. Members like Cara will help sustain the future strength and success of KCMPI. We need to tap into that youth, energy and motivation. Cara, you already make a difference. You are a leader. Rock Chalk Jayhawk!