ICC Student Board of Trustees Member Reflects on His Experience and Looks Forward to the Future
Leon Belmont had a long road to college and the Illinois Central College Board of Trustees, the elected group ultimately responsible for running ICC. Belmont says that, when he was younger, he was bullied and “hated” and that he did not have any role models while growing up. But later, he says, he learned that a bad day will be followed by a good one, and that led him to a life of service, including choosing to be a premedical student. He’s going to “strive not to do what was done” to him, Belmont says.
Belmont says that he ran for the student representative seat on the Board of Trustees because students encouraged him to run and that he wanted to improve his leadership skills. Winning the seat, says Belmont, was the most defining moment of his life so far.
Belmont says that he has learned there is a lot to being a trustee. The Illinois Central College website outlines many duties. Belmont attends the trustee meetings and writes a report once a month. The student trustee can make second motions in voting and is allowed to attend closed sessions of the board. Belmont says his presence on the board makes sure that the student voice is heard on topics critical to them – for example, the cost of tuition and, lately, the status of the courtyard.
Belmont says that he has fallen in love with being of service to others, but sometimes, he says, he forgets to take care of himself. To help him stay energized in the role, Belmont says that he has supportive friends who help him stay grounded. He says he feels “humble” around his friends, and that could keep him from becoming “power-driven” in the future.
Belmont says his passion for service has also nudged him in the direction of politics. Belmont says that he has developed some necessary skills by interning with Illinois U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Illinois U.S. Representative Darin LaHood and while working at ICC campus housing. While in his housing employment, Belmont said that he urged his supervisors to open the pool after COVID. Out of safety concerns, he also urged his superiors to fill the housing parking lot potholes. Belmont also serves as Vice President of Membership for the State of Illinois for FBLA.
Belmont’s term on the ICC Board of Trustees ends in April 2024, and at least one fellow board member has been impressed by his time on the panel. Trustee Gale Thetford says he has “proven to be an excellent student trustee. He is an excellent representative of the student body, frequently advising the board of the needs and desires of those he represents. In addition, he is always well prepared to discuss the issues confronting the college and board to assist in our decision making.”
As for the future, Belmont says he hopes to transfer to the University of Illinois and continue a life of service. Belmont says more people caring for others would make the world a better place and that struggle is good at making people more compassionate. Belmont says he believes we are here in life “to leave all things better than we found them” and that he is proud of his soon-to-be alma mater.
“We are the best community college in the state.”
