Posted on April 12, 2007
Senior Jessica Dodt does not shy away from a challenge. Maybe this is why she was the recipient of the Outstanding Student Leader award at the BACCHUS Network’s Area 12 Conference on March 24 for her work with Reality Educators Advocating Campus Health.
“I was shocked when I received this award at the Bacchus Conference,” Dodt said. “I don’t see myself doing any more than the rest; I just happen to have more time to volunteer for more programs and help in whatever area needs it.”
Dodt is a communication studies major, concentrating in health communication. She works in the health promotion office on campus as the women’s health coordinator and organizes the women’s health Choices classes.
Senior peer educator Erin Peacock, former roommate and a close friend of Dodt’s, was asked to write her nomination letter after R.E.A.C.H. chose Dodt as the nominee from the organization.
“She is well respected by her peers, she is great at managing her time and staying organized, she is not afraid of a challenge, and when she sees something she wants done she is very quick to take the initiative,” Peacock said in her nomination letter.
“Outside of being a student leader, Jessica is someone who I know I can trust and will always be there for me. I know she carries those same characteristics into everything she does.”
Tim Howley, coordinator for peer programs, was also impressed with Dodt’s work.
“Jessica did a really phenomenal job this year and has done a great job working with the Choices women’s health progam,” he said. “She works a lot with the new peer educators and is a great role model for them.”
Peacock believes Dodt’s work on campus made her the obvious choice for the Outstanding Student Leader award.
“All the things Jessica does on campus relate to what R.E.A.C.H. stands for,” said Peacock. “She stood out as a person who would fit that role.”
The R.E.A.C.H. program was also recognized as an “Outstanding Network Affiliate” at the BACCHUS Area 12 Conference. Area 12 includes Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia.
R.E.A.C.H. consists of about 30 peer educators who present programs and lead activities throughout the academic school year.
“We have different programs that we take to club sports, GKIN 100 classes, dorms, fraternities and sororities about alcohol awareness, sexual health, emotional health, mental health, nutrition and eating disorders,” Peacock said.
“We really cater to what different organizations want us to talk about; the programs are interesting and not boring.”
R.E.A.C.H. is responsible for programs about birth control and safe sex, stress management, body image and eating disorders, mental health, and drug and alcohol abuse.
“A lot of the feedback we get from students is really positive since it is peers presenting to peers and not someone lecturing down to them,” Dodt said.
