Watercarrier Award for Leadership Recipient. This award recognizes a University of Arkansas student who embodies the spirit of the “Watercarrier.” To receive this special honor, the candidate will be nominated by a mentor in the GSLR Nomination Form and should embody the spirit of leadership as described by the philosopher and corporate leader, Max DePree. The selection committee uses the following criteria when selecting the recipient:

  • Commitment to problem solving and organizational development
  • Dedication to the goals, mission, and beliefs of the organization
  • Advocating organizational responsibility from leaders and respect from followers
  • Fostering change

Those students nominated will be asked to complete an application including the answering of 3 essay questions that will assist in determining the award winner.

Nominations for the Watercarrier Award are done in conjunction with the Graduating Student Leader Reception Nomination form, which can be found here.

The deadline to nominate your students will be 5:00 pm on Monday, April 24.

2022 JENNY RUNKLES WATERCARRIER AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP WINNER

HANNA PATEL

MAJOR

Bachelor of Business Administration

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 “As an Indian American, as a daughter of two immigrants, a first generation American, and most importantly, a woman, my experience as a student leader at the University of Arkansas has been rooted in seizing all opportunities and paving the way for other students to come after me.”

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“The most successful people see adversity not as a stumbling block, but as a stepping-stone to greatness”

-Shawn Anchor

This mantra is illustrative of how I view the challenges that I have faced as motivation to get to where I am today and where I hope to be in the future. The intersections of my identities and the challenges that have come along with them has fueled my desire to serve as a resource and role model for all students who see a reflection of themselves in me. As an Indian American, as a daughter of two immigrants, a first generation American, and most importantly, a woman, my experience as a student leader at the University of Arkansas has been rooted in seizing all opportunities and paving the way for other students to come after me. I came to the University of Arkansas from West Memphis Arkansas as a first-generation college student. I was nervous and skeptical about beginning my college journey because I felt the burden of having to learn how to navigate my own path to graduation. I did not have anyone to guide me through college as a first generation American. However, my freshman year was a life-changing experience because it was the first time I have been surrounded by a community of people who understood where I came from and the challenges that resulted from my background. I came across individuals who genuinely saw me and accepted me for who I am. I give credit to this positive experience to the Accelerated Student Achievement Program (ASAP). This program helps first generation students from the underserved and underrepresented communities of the Arkansas Delta get acclimated to college by taking summer courses and participating in mentorship. I believe this program provided me with the resources and mentorship to succeed as a student and student leader at the UofA.

That summer, I was able to take an in-depth tour of the campus before classes began, attend tutoring sessions, receive mentorship from Kevin Smith Jr., who was in the same college as myself, and had exposure to leadership opportunities such as ASG. With these resources, I was more prepared to begin freshman year with a head start, something many first-generation students don’t have access to. The following year, my sophomore year, I was so grateful for the mentorship I received, I wanted to ensure that this contribution was reciprocated by me. I was able to be a mentor to eight freshmen whose shoes I once walked in as well. It was so fulfilling to be able to assist those individuals. Sometimes all they needed was a listening ear, someone they can trust to ask questions, or as little as someone to go study with. I was adamant to be there for my mentees in any way they needed. For a system that wasn’t originally designed for students like us to succeed, I can proudly say each one of us is on a successful path to graduation. All these life experiences that I have faced play a huge part in my passion for serving the community around me. The ASAP program pushed me to ensure I continue to advocate for the underserved communities within our campus in every leadership role that I have the ability to hold. I can proudly say at the end of my UofA career, I was able to advocate for the entire student body on the highest platform available as Student Body Treasurer. This role gives me the platform to advocate for the underserved, marginalized communities around our campus in every decision that is being made about student needs. I couldn’t be more thankful for the experiences and opportunities the UofA has given me. It has been an honor to serve this community.