On Tuesday, Sept. 10 , GSU presented the Male Success Initiative, a men-only discussion on the topic of male academic success.

Delton Pierce, GovState’s assistant director of campus traditions and leadership, hosted the event, assisted by  facilitators from various university departments. The Initiative was designed for young men on campus to collaboratively discuss how to be successful in academics.

Pierce kicked of the event by asking everyone what were some habits that students had to achieve academic success. He also allowed everyone to give their responses to the habits that were suggested. Then Pierce and the other facilitators critiqued the suggestions and added their perspective and advice.

After that open discussion, Pierce shared some realistic scenarios of students who might face some troubling situations looking for help. Pierce, made sure to open up the discussion to students to give their advice after each scenario before allowing his facilitators to give their advice.

After the event ended, student media came in to record and interview students about the event. Retention coach  Lester Moody, one of the facilitators for this event, was asked his thoughts about how the event went.

“Just by observation, I feel that it was a positive, like, outcome,” he said. “I feel that it was a lot of talking back and forth. So I felt that the people that was there was getting information and was receiving it well. And paying attention listening to us. I know for me personally I was learning from the participants in the session.”

Another event participant, Antone Strickland, was asked how this event impacted him and what tips he would implement moving forward.

“I think the male success initiative event was engaging, interactive, and informative,” he said. “The problems we had to solve were so funny to me because I could see myself in every one of those examples. I can say this impacted me to walk firm in my purpose and ask myself a lot of thought provoking questions so I can make sure I am aligned with my purpose.”

Oleg Saberskii, GSU sophomore said: “The male success initiative was very successful. The way it impacted me was that I had insight from people of different backgrounds and races.”