Leadership takes many different forms.

Some leaders are transformational while others are democratic. Some leaders are situational while others are autocratic. Some are servant leaders while others are laissez-faire in their approach.

At Iowa State, many leaders share a singular common theme: They are also students.

Student leadership is tricky. In the midst of balancing one’s class schedule and social life, those that take the step into leadership must also balance their club or organization. They must lead their peers, often stumbling trying to ensure that every step forward is one in the right direction. And while student leaders are granted mistakes along the way, it is only to the extent that it does not hinder the experience of anyone else.

Student leadership is integral to a campus environment. Without students dedicated to bettering Iowa State, change would be slow.

Student leaders are the pulse of Iowa State. Whether taking on the lead role in a group project for a class assignment or running for Student Government president, there is no wrong way to step into student leadership.

Yet, once within the realm, it is often hard for peers and administrators to separate the student from their position. Thus, the Iowa State Daily Voices section, in partnership with the Student Government diversity and inclusion committee, created ‘I am more than…’

The ‘I am more than…’ initiative aims to highlight student leadership on campus while also highlighting their individuality.

Some students are more than their accent, others are more than their skin color or a gender statistic. Some students are more than an athlete or international student. They are more than a politician or a kid from Ames. They are more than the shy girl and more than your stereotype.

Student leaders are more than a narrative. They are more than what you may think.

Through this line of thinking, we hope to encourage students, faculty and staff to look beyond the title and rather to the person. We hope to celebrate the diversity of our student leaders and what their uniqueness can bring to their leadership, rather than how they position may shape them.

So, what are you more than?

Please join the Iowa State Daily and Student Government on 2:10 p.m. April 2 in Parks Library for an unveiling of the ‘I am more than…’ initiative. Featuring three student leaders as speakers, the reception will offer an opportunity to hear more about their stories both in and out of student leadership.