Student influencer Emma Stark on getting the most out of social media
One of the Seven Social Standards that The Social Institute believes in is: Finding Your Influencers. This means surrounding yourself with positive role models who support you and encourage you to play to your core. To help students find these positive and credible influences, we began our Student Influencer Program. Each week we select a different student to take over our Instagram and highlight how they act as a positive influence and inspiration in their communities.
This week, we are excited to introduce Emma Stark. Emma is a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill, as well as our operations intern here at TSI! In school, Emma studies Peace, War, & Defense with a minor in Spanish, but she is also very active in campus life. She is part of Model UN, intramural basketball, and Greek life. At TSI, Emma is in charge of running the internship program, recruiting, and planning professional development sessions. When Emma is not hard at work, you can find her hanging with friends at a coffee shop or going on a walk. Emma wants to let others know that social media is a great way to connect with others and highlight the parts of your life you enjoy the most; so remember not to compare your reality to others’ highlights.
Recently, we interviewed Emma to learn more about her and how social media impacts her life. Here is what she had to say:
What do you value about yourself or others?
I value intentionality- being intentional with friendships, school work, extracurricular activities- basically anything I am involved in. Really caring about what I’m doing, who I’m surrounding myself with, and what I’m working towards. I strive to be as intentional as possible and really value when I feel friends putting effort into our relationship.
What are your personal goals?
First and foremost, I just want to help people! This is definitely easier said than done, but doing what I’m passionate about is my #1 goal. I hope to volunteer abroad, travel, and find what makes me happiest along the way. Making authentic relationships wherever I end up is another priority for me.
What are the things you try to accomplish each day?
I try to wake up early and eat a good breakfast before starting my day. I also aim to spend time with friends over meals to fit socialization into my day! Lastly, I try to do something for myself- whether that is going on a walk, watching a show, or going to bed early.
What or who inspires you most?
I’ve always admired people who follow their hearts. In college, following the crowd is the comfortable thing to do, so I try and surround myself with people that stay true to themselves. I’ve seen that through one of my best friends who decided to take a gap year!
How has social media acted as a positive influence on your life?
I have been able to stay in contact with so many friends who are spread across the country and world because of social media! Staying updated on their lives from afar allows us to continue our friendship, even though we live hours apart.
Of our Seven Social standards, which one would you most resonate with and why?
I love Using Your Mic for Good! Social media gets such a bad reputation for its negative impacts, but there are so many positive possibilities that social media can provide. Using your platform to share what you love and who you are is the best way, in my opinion, use social media for good!
If you could go back and talk to your younger self, what advice would you give to her about navigating social media or social relationships?
If I was able to talk to my younger self, I would emphasize that social media is a highlight reel. Most people only share exciting or happy moments, or they edit their pictures to look a certain way. Social media is a great way to stay connected, but we need to be careful not to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others’ social media accounts.
The Social Institute partners with schools nationwide to empower students, families, and educators to positively navigate their well-being, social media, and technology. Schools access our student-respected, turnkey curriculum through WinAtSocial.com, an interactive, gamified learning platform. With solutions for students, parents, and educators, we offer a systemic and comprehensive social media and student well-being program through a unique and positive approach. We are proud to serve public and independent partners such as Ravenscroft School, Woodward Academy, Oldfields School, All Saints Episcopal School, Lake Forest School District, Boston Public Schools, and more. For more information on how to empower your students to make high-character decisions online and off, please contact us.