OPASite of The Month:
Amanda Ibarra
Amanda Ibarra started as a general committee member in MSC OPAS her freshman year in the Fall of 2013. Now a junior Allied Health major with a minor in Theatre, she is the newly-chosen Chair of MSC OPAS for Season 44. Before indulging in what the upcoming season may hold, she first reflected back on her first three years in OPAS:
"I was lost and trying to find my place. I shied away from being the person that I am today. Honestly, I was a little
scared of OPAS when I first joined but I eventually grew to socialize outside
of my subcommittee. Then I applied for a manager position for Season 42. My second year was probably my rockiest year. I gave my manager position
all of my heart from beginning to end. There were a few hiccups along the way
but I grew from it and I decided to continue to grow my leadership in OPAS. This
season, I was able to use all I’ve learned to lead within the FoHOPs manager
team. It was unique to see the impact of the skills that I’ve developed inside
and outside of OPAS. My leadership experience in OPAS and as the SCOLA Director
this year aided my decision to apply for OPAS chair." - Amanda
Amanda's OPAS journey illustrates the uniqueness of our organization. MSC OPAS is not only an organization that provides A&M students with an opportunity to develop teamwork and leadership skills, but it is also a place where they can find strength and personal growth. This is how a self-proclaimed lost freshman was able to realize her goals, despite the obstacles she found along the way.
"My
goal has always been to be the Chair. Even from the first year, I knew I wanted
to be Alex Dunn [the Chair for Season 41]. And even though I didn’t take the
direct path to Chair that I originally intended, I figured what was meant to
happen would happen." - Amanda
What was meant to happen was for Amanda Ibarra to jump from a FoHOPs manager to the highest student leadership position in MSC OPAS: Chair. She took a moment to comment on her vision for the upcoming season:
"The seasons and performances are growing faster than OPAS as a student
organization. We need to be adaptive and open to change that will lead to
positive growth. Although change is scary, sometimes it is necessary. Also,
whatever is changed can always be changed back. Season 44 is going to be trying
something different to encourage positive growth for OPAS and hopefully this
will help us keep up with our growing seasons." - Amanda
MSC OPAS is lucky to have a strong, dedicated, and collaborative leader like Amanda to help guide and transition the organization into a new era. Even though there is still much left in store for Amanda's college career, she articulated how OPAS has impacted her so far:
"Of course I can talk about the meaningful friendships that I’ve
developed, but that’s too obvious. OPAS helped me grow in my leadership as well
as a person. Without OPAS, I don’t think I would have made it through some of
the hardships that I’ve had in my college experience. The leadership skills
I’ve developed in OPAS have already helped me run conferences through the MSC
and I know it will contribute to success in my future career." - Amanda
