Anthony Morales '19

Human Development with a minor in Education
Center for Leadership Learning

I used to be terrified of doctors, which made it difficult to translate their medical advice for my parents. Because of CLL I feel like I found my voice. Now I’m more able to effectively communicate between the doctors and my parents.

As a first-generation college student and first-generation U.S. citizen, Anthony Morales has had to navigate many challenges for his college career and for his family. Fortunately, there were leaders in his life who inspired him: his parents, who worked hard to support him through college, and his community college counselor who helped give shape to his aspirations to become a counselor himself.

In his first quarter at UC Davis he was inspired again when a Center for Leadership Learning newsletter found its way into his university inbox.

"The Student Leadership Development Program seemed like a great place for me to develop as a professional and it fit with my schedule, so I decided to make it happen. It was a wonderful, transformative experience," he said.

With many of his introductory classes taking place in huge lecture halls housing hundreds of students, CLL’s workshops were a welcomed change of pace. The small group setting made it easy to engage in dialogue with other people and come up with creative solutions to the leadership challenges presented.

Morales soon learned that the leadership experience, time management skills, and emotional intelligence taught in the program affected every facet of his life, helping him to thrive academically, socially, professionally, and even at home.

In time, I felt a shift from being student of leadership to being a leader myself. 

Once inspired by his parents’ example, he is now able to lead as he advocates on their behalf. "I used to be terrified of doctors, which made it difficult to translate their medical advice for my parents. Because of CLL I feel like I found my voice. Now I’m more able to effectively communicate between the doctors and my parents."