Senior Le'Roy Davenport grew up with a spirit of serving others and often looked for ways to help and contribute in any way he could. Throughout most of his youth, he used his talents at the piano, playing for his church in his hometown of Greenville.
As he began looking to his future education and choosing a college, the marketing major knew he wanted to serve and give back to the community during his college career. After discovering the Day One Leadership program at Mississippi State, then in its first year, he jumped at the opportunity to be a part of a curriculum that developed students as leaders through service.
The decision not only provided a solid start for his freshman year, but shaped many of his future college decisions, as well. Davenport chose to pursue a minor in leadership. As an Appalachian Leadership Honors Fellow and as a senior, he now helps with the newest class of Day One participants.
"Being a part of Day One helped me build relationships with my fellow students and faculty, and connected me to every department on campus," Davenport said. "It also taught me that everyone is a leader and being a leader is about more than being the person out front. It is about knowing your strengths and abilities and using them for the benefit of others."