PEAK offers training for student leaders

Photo by Heather Kruse

Ana Terminel Iberri, a past  student at PVCC and graduate of PVCC's PEAK leadership training porgram, says she will use what she learned in PEAK to help bring about social change.

By Samantha Coppock
Journalism Student

The PEAK Leadership Institute is available on Paradise Valley Community Campus this spring and is open to all students.

PEAK is a student leadership program dedicated to providing students with leadership skills and opportunities through an ample program. Mike Ho, director of Student Life & Leadership, at PVCC, described PEAK as “an institute designed to empower, foster, and mobilize leadership potential in each student”. This is done by providing “education and service experiences that are individual, progressive and complementary.”

When a student joins PEAK they are joined with a Leadership Mentor. These mentors are there to help the student’s plan “co-curricular” involvement, career preparation and also provide one-on-one mentoring.  Mentors will also help students by choosing opportunities that will prepare them for their futures.

Once a student completes PEAK, they will receive a certificate that is based on the number of leadership programs completed. They will also be recognized at an end of the year Student Recognition Ceremony. Ana Terminel Iberri, a past  student at PVCC and graduate of PEAK, stated that her favorite part of the program “was being able to develop my skills as a leader while having the opportunity to meet people with similar goals and interests .” Iberri also mentioned that PEAK reinforced her passion for positive social change and taught her the tools to bring that change into her community.

Even though there are many leadership programs available on the PVCC campus, Ho  stated, “I recommend starting with PEAK. By enrolling in PEAK, the adviser can then determine the leadership path that best suits students and their future goals.”

PEAK is a no-cost program for which applications can be found in the Student Life Center, located in the Kranitz Student Center. Also more information can be found on the PVCC Website at http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/~peak/.

Iberri had some great closing advice for  students who might be nervous to join a leadership program, “My advice for those who are nervous to join would be to take the chance and try something new.”