Stephen Slezak

Stephen impressed me right from the get-go. He was the only person in the group that had not worked as a SOL the summer before. I know that if it were me, I would be really nervous coming in to a new group of people who are already familiar with one another, but he fell in so naturally! He introduced himself with such confidence and worked alongside all of during that first training so well that I had no worries about him. 

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That confidence and ability to talk to people didn't stop after that first meeting. Stephen is able to talk to just about anyone and make them feel like what they have to say is being valued. I'm not kidding when I say I think he knows 75% of the people on the UCBA campus. From staff to students, Stephen is able to present himself in a way that is professional, yet still easy-going and fun. It is something that I would really like to take away from him after working with him this year.

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One of my favorite memories from working with Stephen this year is when we worked the French Film Festival together on its opening night. Those events are rather long, so there is a lot of time to chat outside while the patrons enjoy the film. The stories he told cracked me up and he even was kind enough to run out on a quick McDonald's mission for all of us. I really enjoyed getting to know him a little better that night.