My name is Litsa Darby and I am a Public Relations major from Charleston, SC.  I am pursuing the Professional and Civic Engagement pathway of Graduation with Leadership Distinction. My experiences that make up my leadership pathway explore the honor and privilege of life as a student-athlete leader at The University of South Carolina. This opportunity is not one I have taken for granted. As a fourth generation Gamecock starting in the 1920s with my great-grandfather, J.C. Long, I have worked hard to leave behind a positive legacy of my own. President Pastides has said, “Athletes are the front porch of the University.” This E-Portfolio explores my commitment to making the most of every opportunity college had to offer me. I have not only contributed to athletics by playing indoor and beach volleyball but also through my role as President of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), Team Captain and my participation in community service projects each year. An achievement of which I am particularly proud is co-founding “Carolina Can”, a fundraiser that aims to raise canned goods and donations for the Harvest Hope Food Bank. This initiative is a way of raising awareness of the current hunger and poverty issues facing South Carolina particularly after this year’s devastating flood. I chose to pursue Graduation with Leadership Distinction because I wanted to weave all of these experiences together. I never turn down an opportunity presented to me where I can grow, be challenged, be of service or develop leadership skills as a student-athlete. Graduation with Leadership Distinction challenged me to connect what I have learned within the classroom and connect it with experiences outside the classroom. Through my key insights, I have connected my beyond the classroom experiences to my in the classroom experiences. As I began my journey creating this E-portfolio, I was able to develop critical thinking skills; build lifelong relationships; master time-management; help give students a voice and start new traditions for USC. I had the opportunity to intern for the NFL’s Houston Texans this past summer where I learned firsthand the long, positive reach of the USC Gamecock brand. I will always be dedicated to this great institution for providing me the opportunity to excel in many different ways and become a better person.