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Alkin Paul University of the Virgin Islands How has technology contributed to my leadership development at an HBCU? Technology has expanded rapidly over the past few years. It is now widely used all over the world - so where better to implement its use than in the classroom? Technology is a diverse collection of phenomena (computers, machines, etc.) that people develop and use throughout life. Effective technological advances encourage students to be productive and innovative, which generates leaders in all of us. Technology at the University of the Virgin Islands has prepared me for the working world by giving me advanced well rounded experiences and keeping connected to other HBCU’s. As Vice-President of the Student Government Association (SGA) technology is extremely important in my everyday life. Technology at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) aids in my leadership development by allowing me to effectively communicate with my colleagues via e-mail. One of my duties as Vice President is to coordinate meetings. This means that I have to notify SGA members, committees, administrative advisors, and most importantly the entire student body of the time and place of different meetings. With email technology, I am able to create lists tailored to different groups and committees so that everyone could get the same message at the same time. It would be much more difficult and time consuming for me to inform people by word of mouth. The most recent and helpful technological advancement at UVI is video conferencing. UVI is comprised of two campuses, one on St. Thomas and the other on St. Croix. With video conferencing I am able to communicate with our sister campus instantly. I hold meetings with the SGA members on our sister island St. Croix, without having to travel 40 miles by plane or boat. As a college student, it is wise to utilize any method that saves a penny, and video conferencing definitely eliminates travel expenses. Additionally, I am able to stay connected with students and faculty members that reside at other HBCU’s on the mainland. Throughout my years at UVI, I have attended many seminars and conferences on the mainland. Technology has allowed me to continue networking with other people that I have met on those trips even though I am thousands of miles away. As an active student in my institution of higher learning I do a lot of seminars. Technology, such as PowerPoint allows me to use visual aids relay information in a way that is more understandable to my audience. At UVI’s Eastern Caribbean Center (ECC), I am able to print large posters for presentations. If I need to print research data or large maps needed to relay information in my meetings, I can do it all at the ECC which can obtain satellite images of anywhere in the world. I am also part of the publication committee that has implemented and is spearheading a UVI newspaper entitled “UVIbe” (UVI being enlightened). Though this paper contains UVI news, upcoming events, and current issues, the most fascinating thing about this paper is that it is printed at UVI. With the use of this technology, we are able to excite UVI students about their life and experience at UVI. As a senior I am preparing to go to graduate school. With technology, I am able to apply to graduate schools faster and to take standardized test via computer. . Attending an institution that is on an island surrounded by water, I also have the privilege of participating in marine oriented activities that involves high levels of technology. My experience in using Scuba diving computer equipment, marine navigational systems, analytical data software, and even lab accessories have enabled me to be a better mentor to upcoming scientist from my institution. Though I attend a HBCU that is away from the mainland, it is technology that keeps me connected to the world. Technology is the base of networking and because of technology I am better equipped to deal with what ever the real world throws at me, no matter how big or small the task.