- Hello!

My name is Leslie Laing and I'm your neighbor.

(lively upbeat music) (gentle music) Community involvement is really important to me.

Part of that stems from being a single parent.

I came to a new state without anybody else with a two-year-old and I wanted to have a safe environment for my daughter.

(light music) I think State College is a warm and welcoming place.

It's not a happy valley for everybody, for sure.

I think we struggle as a community thinking about what it means to belong and how we can become more inclusive.

But I'm really driven by finding solutions.

You really have to be a part of things.

You have to collaborate.

You have to really put yourself out there intentionally in order to build bridges.

And so, I try to do that through my job, at my church, and in my home.

(light music) I get involved with the Community Diversity Group.

I also engage with the Pennsylvania Prison Society.

I am also a part of Community Conferencing for Centre County.

I love volunteering on radio and television for WPSU.

And I also have served as the president for the Forum on Black Affairs in 2013 on campus for faculty, staff, and students.

The Forum on Black Affairs strives to recognize and celebrate those who are involved in the dreaming, the leading, and the celebrating, and living King's legacy.

Because this is at the heart of our community.

(audience applauding) (light music) I am up early in the day.

I am out late at night, seven days a week.

I do get tired.

(laughs) But when you're passionate for something, that makes all the difference.

I go where the need is and where I feel I can make an impact in a way that benefit others, and that fuels me.

(heartwarming music) I was an adult learner.

It took me three universities and almost a decade to complete my undergraduate degree.

I remember having to make hard choices, like whether I was gonna buy that book for $200 or buy my daughter new shoes.

And so I understand the trials and the tribulations that adult students face.

The diploma case behind me is pivotal because I couldn't afford my diploma case the first time I graduated.

And my work colleagues put together money and bought it for me.

So at Pennsylvania State University, where I am the director for Adult Learner Programs and Services, I award other adult students a $500 grant and a diploma case.

I started the program with my own $500 as a single parent and I have given away one every year for the last 15 years.

I think people underestimate their spheres of influence and how much impact their everyday lives can make.

Our voices change the atmosphere and the outcome.

So I want to encourage everyone, wherever you are, if there is an open seat, be willing to fill it.

Allow your voice and your contribution to make all the difference.

Service to our community is valued.

(uplifting music) I think living a purposeful life in service to others is really the best gift we can give.

And if I can get that message to other people, I'm overjoyed.

(uplifting music) - [Announcer] Videos like this are made possible by support from viewers like you.

If you enjoyed this video, visit wpsu.O-R-G to become a member today and help us create more content like this.

(light upbeat music)