2. Hello. My name is Aidan Martinez. I was a Quest
Liaision at Wesleyan University my freshman
year, but the experience of leading my chap-
ter continued past my first year. My growth as
a leader in the QSN is continual, and everyday I
learn something new. I compiled this section of
The Legacy Handbook to be personally tailored
to you, in order to share what I have learned so
far. As a junior now, I still have so much more to
learn, but hopefully the knowledge I share will be
helpful to you, your chapter, and future genera-
tions of Quest Scholars.
Best of Luck.
From Me, To You
4. Notable Events
Unique
Event: Peeps, Piñatas, and Piña Coladas*
Campus: Haverford College
Welcome Event
Event: Red Carpet Affair
Campus: Davidson College
Collaborative
Event: Education Alliance
Campus: Amherst College
Community Outreach
Event: Step Out
Campus: Vanderbilt University
Recurring
Event: Discussions and Dessert
Campus: Columbia University
De-Stress
Event: Mental Health Coffeehouse
Campus: Wellesley College
*Non-Alcoholic
5. Building Your Leadership
Purpose: In my leadership roles, I’ve realized the im-
portance of passing on my knowledge to the next
generation of leaders. First-years are eager to en-
gage, have a fresh perspective, and are all-around
excited to be a Questie. When looking to pass the
QuestBaton on, look for the following qualities:
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management & Ability to Prioritize
• Commitment
• Collaboration Skills
*Part of being a leader is inspiring the next generation to take your
organization to new heights.
Making Your Plans a Reality
Purpose: When trying to put on events that go be-
yond your QSN Budget, you have to be creative to
find funding to translate your ideas into reality. How-
ever, all of our partner colleges are invested in en-
suring that Quest Scholars have the resources that
they need to succeed. Check out these offices to close the gap:
• Deans’ Office
• Career Center
• Academic Departments
• Student Activities Office
*Build a strong relationship with these offices, and you’ll have a
strong support network.
Leading Your Chapter
6. Collaboration
A Wealth of Information
Purpose: We are more connected than ever be-
cause of technology; share your success with each
other! QSN Chapters have different strengths with
hosting events, organizing mentor families, and
working with campus administration. The following
resources are designed to help your chapter grow:
• Facebook Group
Share what works on the page. Check-in often to see updates from the office. Use it to maintain
broad connections (i.e. hey does this event work? Do these logistics make sense). Even if you have a
team of excellent, thoughtful people, having extra eyes is always helpful.
• Google Apps
Folders, docs and sheets can be created that are shared across your campus Gmail accounts so
that you can input your events, share logistics in a more professional way, and brainstorm about
ways to collaborate across campuses. It’s as easy as drag-and-drop!
Network of Growth
Purpose: Look beyond your immediate network of
Quest Scholars to build support for underrepresent-
ed students on campus. Adding administration, staff,
and faculty into your network can help your college
assess our changing needs and build a great net-
work for yourself when you leave campus.
I started by reaching out to Wesleyan’s Office of Equity and Inclu-
sio, which connected me to different individuals and departments
across campus who were invested in the low-income student
community. Those different individuals and departments drove the
growth of our QSN Chapter by investing in different programs, illu-
minating already available resources, and providing new forms of
support to Quest Scholars.
7. More . . .
Further Your Network
Purpose: Low-income students may not have the
same career resources as their peers. As Quest
Scholars, we have access to amazing career re-
sources through our campuses, but it’s easy to feel
uncertain about your future. Reach out to your ca-
reer center and create a LinkedIn account to start charting out
your future with the following tips:
• Find alumni who are in your field of interest
• Contact alumni via LinkedIn or your school’s database
• Host a LinkedIn Day*
*Take headshots, proofread each other’s profiles, and endorse!
Getting Your Leadership Funded
Purpose: As Liaison, I saw the need to improve
Wesleyan’s QSN Chapter. I was building communi-
ty, but it started to take up my study time. Wesleyan
decided to fund my community building initiatives
because of the impact I made on campus and the
personal growth I experienced. When submitting a proposal to
your campus to get funded, outline the following:
• Detail how you are impacting the community
• Highlight the need for your role on campus
• Mirror other intern descriptions
*When looking to fund your leadership roles, your growth and the
way you impact the campus are essential to your proposal.
8. Dear Caroline,
Seeing you grow into a leader on campus this year has been a pleasure.
You have come a long way from when I first met you in Torii’s room and I
can honestly say that I trust you will take our chapter to new heights. You
may have noticed that it was hard for me to let go of the reins, partly be-
cause I did a lot of work but also because I just did not want our chapter
to move backwards. Getting to this point has involved a lot of kicking and
screaming, but I’m so relieved to see that our chapter is in your hands. Now
it’s time for the fine details, and you are an expert at that.
Your social media and design skills will intrigue so many people on cam-
pus. Great design captures minds. Your design will capture the minds that
my top-down leadership may have alienated. I’m harsh when it comes to
being a leader, but I had to be in order to get what our chapter needed
so desperately. You, on the other hand, do not have a harsh bone in your
body. You are a firm leader, but you are warm and welcoming.
Your leadership style is something that I’ve been advising other Liaisons to
do: crowdsource. I must admit, at first I was hesitant to let more people in
at Wesleyan, but I know you take no prisoners when it comes to organizing
meetings, setting expectations, and establishing strong communication. Of
course, Torii and I will be here to help you when you are stuck in a rut, but
you are leading this chapter for a reason.
You and Torii motivate me to do better for the FGLIS community on cam-
pus. When you started First Class and Class Confessions, I knew we were
taking strides in the right direction. You have a lot of work cut out for you,
but I expect you to go above and beyond my expectations. Your legacy
starts now.
-Aidan
Plan of Action
