In her first year as a student at the University of North Georgia (UNG), every day was the same for Nathalia Ingles. She simply went to her classes and then drove back home to Buford, Georgia, when the last one ended. She felt like she was missing something, so she decided to get involved with student organizations.
Once she dove in, she quickly took on leadership roles. For the 2021-22 academic year, Ingles is in her second year as president of the Latino Student Association (LSA), while serving as president of Nighthawks Entertainment on the Gainesville Campus and treasurer for the Speech and Debate Club on UNG's Gainesville Campus. Ingles has learned valuable skills through these roles.
"Considering everybody's thoughts and ideas makes a difference when you're working together," she said. "Everything about leadership is knowing how to listen to who you're leading. If you're not listening, you're not a leader anymore. You're just a boss."
She also seeks to maintain a sense of balance and grace by remembering that she and her fellow student leaders have a lot on their plates and need to give each other enough space to grow.
Ingles has simple advice for any students who would like to follow a similar path of joining student groups and taking leadership.
"Anybody can do it, and they don't have to start off big," she said.
In addition to her official leadership titles, Ingles aims to be a role model as a first-generation college student. Early in her college career, she carried doubts about whether she could accomplish some of her academic goals, but older student leaders provided examples and encouragement. Now, she aims to do the same.
"If I am in this position, I can make a change," Ingles said. "I can help other students realize their potential. I know it's hard because we don't have the same background as some students, but I know we can do it."
After Ingles earns her bachelor's degree in communication with a concentration in public relations in December 2022, she wants to pursue a master's degree. Her plan is to work in public relations.
"I want to enter that field because you don't see as much Latino representation in it," Ingles said. "And I want to represent my culture."
