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Miranda Cunard has used her variety of leadership roles at the Â鶹´«Ã½ (Â鶹´«Ã½) to get out of her comfort zone and grow her skills and confidence.

The Covington, Georgia, native serves as a resident assistant and previously served as vice president of philanthropy for Sigma Kappa, her sorority. She is also working toward Â鶹´«Ã½'s student leadership certificate.

Cunard, who is pursuing a degree in psychology and expects to graduate in May 2024, said it's vital to be open to what other people have to say.

"An important factor of being a leader is listening to others. A lot of people just need someone to listen to them," she said. "You can listen to see how you can help them succeed."

As a first-generation college student, Cunard is also a member of Tri-Alpha, Â鶹´«Ã½'s first-generation honor society. She is grateful for the services Â鶹´«Ã½ offers to support its first-generation students. Cunard is in the Psi Chi psychology honor society and the student group Clinicians, Counselors, & Co. (CCC), which helps her prepare for graduate school through mentorship with her résumé and cover letters.

"The biggest thing that surprised me is the support system Â鶹´«Ã½ has," Cunard said. "They have been supporting me and building me up so I can accomplish what I have."

She hopes her story can serve as an inspiration for other first-generation students.

"Stay confident. You will get through it. You will get where you need to be. Time flies," she said. "Everything will work out. Ask for help because a lot of people are willing to help support you."

Cunard's goal is to be a child therapist, and she plans to get a master's degree in clinical counseling. As she prepares for a career of serving others, she understands the importance of starting with herself.

"Self-care is very important. You can't pour from an empty cup," she said. "You can't be a leader for other people if you can't take care of yourself."