2016 2016: Tayla Vincent: President of the Student Government Association

Year: Class of 2016
Dual majors: Accounting & Management Leadership
Hometown: East Providence, RI
Award: Donald C. Howard Pillars of the Community
Achievement: Beta Alpha Psi, accounting honor society
Leadership: President, Student Government Association
Next steps: Accountant at Daniel Dennis & Company LLP

Learning as a leader

I've been both the recording secretary, and more recently, the president of the Student Government Association (SGA). I helped implement the first Shake the Ship open forum, and I represented the Charlton College of Business and was the secretary for the class of 2016.

One of the biggest challenges is trying to accomplish all of the goals we have as an organization in such a short time. This can cause other goals and small details to fall through the cracks.

I learned who I am as a leader and how to deal with conflict. There were times when I had to make decisions and trust my instincts, and I would be put in uncomfortable situations that I had to work through to find solutions.

These experiences have made me feel more prepared for a professional setting because I know how to handle moments like those.

Working with great people

SGA has probably had the biggest impact on my life during my time here. I gained insight into a leadership role, but I also got to work beside great people and learn team skills.

Another great opportunity for me was participating in service learning courses. I worked as a volunteer at the Worker's Education Program and helped develop a marketing plan for a local business. I also helped develop the UMass Dartmouth Sustainability Report.

Majoring in accounting and management leadership

I became interested in accounting in high school. I had a great teacher who showed me all of the different avenues that you can take with a degree in accounting. I saw that an accountant is more more than a person who does taxes.

I became more involved in management leadership in my sophomore year here. at UMass Dartmouth. I really enjoyed learning about the decisions that organizations make and how they choose the best leadership styles.

Future plans: Travel and graduate study

After graduation, I plan to spend the summer traveling, both in the U.S. and internationally. Once I return, I will be joining the CPA firm Daniel Dennis & Company LLP and plan to return to school for my MBA and obtain my CPA license.

More information

Student Government Association

I learned who I am as a leader and how to deal with conflict... These experiences have made me feel more prepared for a professional setting.