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Neil Gibson: Man of the people
Typically, college students today are apathetic and indifferent. They find little time for studying, let alone time to play an active role in their communities. But don’t tell Neil Gibson that. Gibson, president of the Associated Students Inc., possesses an enthusiasm matched by few. What is Gibson so excited about? “ One of my big passions is leadership and leadership development,” he said. Gibson’s infatuation with leadership began in high school after a teacher sparked his interest in the Future Farmers of America program. FFA focuses on developing leaders in agriculture, because so much of the U.S. economy depends on agriculture, Gibson said. “ If we don’t have leaders in agriculture, our country won’t survive,” he said. Gibson said his background in the FFA was one of the major forces that directed him toward leadership and his current position as the AS president. After being elected to a state office position in the FFA, Gibson had the opportunity to travel around the United States and take a trip to Europe. “ I went around the U.S. doing workshops on personal development for high school students called Made for Excellence seminars, and I got to attend the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers in Europe,” Gibson said. As president of the AS, Gibson’s enthusiasm for leadership is put to the test, as he attempts to succeed in getting students involved with student government. “ With the AS, it’s such an opportunity to help develop leaders for the future,” Gibson said. Gibson, with the help of AS senators and the university administration, has accomplished two things this year. One was the development of training seminars for student leaders. “ We brought in university leaders and held seminars on how to speak up and ask questions,” he said. “Now the program is getting people knowledgeable and excited because they can go out and have the power to represent students.” The introduction of the student service booth in the free speech area was another accomplishment that Gibson is proud to mention. “ I spend two hours a week (in the booth), and it’s the best two hours,” Gibson said. “We’re informing students that we’re on campus and that there are ways for students to get involved.” Outside of school, Gibson has served as an Awana leader for the Campus Baptist Church and as a counselor for youth in a short-term mission trip to Germany. But sometimes, Gibson’s only mission is to relax. Despite his hectic schedule, he plays racquetball every week with his church group, and finds plenty of time to hang out with friends and play card games or Nintendo 64. Friends are important when you live over 275 miles away from home. Gibson, an agriculture-business major, said he chose Fresno State because of its reputation among college agricultural programs and because he was accepted into the Smittcamp Family Honors College. It was a big change, and a big move, from Lucerne Valley—in Southern California—to Fresno. “ I came from a school of 300 people, to a school of 21,000,” he said. With help from his network of friends and colleagues, Gibson seems determined to lead the large student body away from apathy. “ Neil is a great person to work with, and he genuinely cares about this campus and the students, more than any student leader I’ve seen,” said Martha Gomes, senator for the School of Education. But it will take more than care to empower 21,000 students. It will take an iron will, and the same steadfast determination that once led Gibson to eat a 13-patty cheeseburger at an In-N-Out restaurant during an eating contest. After that, anything seems possible. |
