Student influencer Sean Leider on the importance of chasing after your goals
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 Sean Leider. Sean is currently a senior at The University of North Carolina and has worked hard over the past four years in and out of the classroom. He is looking forward to graduating this year with a degree in Business Administration and Economics and to continue his work at a marketing firm in Raleigh. Additionally, Sean is a Sales Intern here at TSI! Outside of work, Sean loves to be outdoors, at the pool, or at the beach. He wants to let everyone know to not be afraid to chase after your goals. In fact, this summer, Sean will be achieving one of his craziest goals: running a marathon!
Recently, we interviewed Sean to learn more about him and how social media impacts his life. Here is what he had to say:
What do you value about yourself or others?
One of the things I value most about myself and those around me is the ability to listen. Every person has their own individual story, and I think it’s so important to hear someone’s story before jumping to conclusions or trying to interject. Diversity of thoughts and opinions makes any group stronger, and listening to someone’s viewpoint can help you understand where they’re coming from on any issue.
What are your personal goals?
Currently, one of my biggest personal goals is to run a marathon this summer. For the past few months, I have been training almost every day to prepare for this daunting task, and I have made incredible progress. Throughout the process, I have learned the importance of improving one day at a time, and I look forward to crushing the race in July.
What are the things you try to accomplish each day?
While life can be extremely busy as a college student, I hope to do something nice for someone else every day. It’s easy to get absorbed in your own problems and challenges, but my community of friends and family has been so supportive of me, and I love giving back to those who help me the most. These tasks don’t have to be expensive or complex, but I know calling my parents to check in or baking a batch of cookies to share with my roommates are easy ways to make their day better.
What or who inspires you most?
I’m inspired by my roommates and friends every single day. I think it is important to surround yourself with a group of people who are determined, passionate, and supportive. All of us have ambitious goals and dreams, and we support each other in our pursuit of these goals.
How has social media acted as a positive influence on your life?
If used correctly, social media can be an extremely positive tool in anyone’s life. While early on I struggled with comparing myself to others on social media, I have since cut down my followings to relatively close friends and positive influences. Instead of comparing myself to others, I celebrate their accomplishments, and I know that they are going to support me in return.
Of our Seven Social Standards, which one would you most resonate with and why?
Striking a balance is the Social Standard that I relate to the most. At points in my life, I have become consumed with different apps and checked my phone constantly throughout the day in order to get updates. I think having times when you are unplugged are important to focus on your own life and goals. Social media can be a positive piece in your life, but it should not be the whole pie.
If you could go back and talk to your younger self, what advice would you give to him about navigating social media or social relationships?
Social media posts are perfectly curated by the creator, and they only show the parts of someone’s life that they want you to see. Even if someone has the perfect feed or daily story does not mean that every second of their life is perfect, and it doesn’t mean that your life needs to be perfect. It’s impossible to make your life as perfect as someone else’s social media feed.
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.