Student Profile: “Leading with perspective from afar, Sandip Sankar”

Jenn Christ Senior media communications major

Last fall or spring you and your son or daughter may have went on a campus tour given by a Student Ambassador named Sandip Sankar. With his enthusiastic and knowledgeable insight about the campus, it is easy to see why this international student from Calcutta, India is one of the most recognizable leaders on campus.

“Sandip’s enthusiasm for helping others is admirable,” says Susan Wilborn, department associate for health services. “Sandip is truly a sponge for knowledge. He always asks a lot of important questions and is very conscious of everything he says and does.”

Last year Sandip transferred to Webster as a sophomore media communications major and he immediately became involved on campus working as a program manager with the Multicultural Center, volunteering with WebsterWorksWorldwide and performing in Webster Idol. This year, Sandip works for undergraduate admissions as the telecounselor supervisor and is a resident assistant for the Webster Village Apartments (WVA) Building 2. With his active involvement throughout the campus, Sandip is pursuing his leadership certificate through the Student Leadership Development Program, and was awarded an Energizer Leadership Scholarship last spring.

“Every leadership opportunity is a learning experience,” says Sandip. “At Webster, I have learned some invaluable lessons about leadership, like it is not always imperative to be at the forefront in order to be a leader. Sometimes sitting back and watching people lead, but guiding them through support and advice is more significant.”

“Sandip’s determination along with his empathetic listening skills makes him one of the most devoted and passionate leaders on campus,” says Laurie Burke, assistant director of the WVA. “Sandip truly loves meeting people and trying new things, which allows him to keep a broad perspective on life.”

To help others gain a different view of life Sandip is helping with International Week’s Men of the World session. At this session, Sandip and five other students from USA, Argentina, India, Russia, Croatia, and Swaziland will share their perspectives about what it's like to be a man in their country (and in this one). They'll share their insights about culture, dating, marriage, sexuality, life, the roles of men and women, and fatherhood.

“Webster’s diversity draws many people to the campus, but it is the unity in that diversity that makes Webster unique,” says Sandip. “I love everything about this wonderful family of which I am honored to be a member.”