Congratulations to Rayleigh Lei and TSA

I’m Rayleigh Lei, and it’s my great privilege to be able to serve as the national treasurer for theTechnology Student Association (TSA). This great honor would not have been possible without the support of my advisors (local, state, and others), teachers, friends, fellow chapter members, and my family.

I have been interested in serving as national officer for some time because this great organization has taught me so many skills, such as public speaking, teamwork, and leadership. I have also experienced a great sense of camaraderie via my participation in many TSA lessons and competitions. This personal growth occurred in a way that was flexible and enjoyable: all in the context of technological literacy and life skills.

I chose to run this year because my advisors joked/encouraged me during the 2007 National TSA conference. After filling out the application and being interviewed by Mr. Dettelis, I received an email announcing that I would be eligible to run. My campaign preparation consisted of writing a speech to be delivered in front of 5,000 TSA attendees (which received feedback from friends and teachers), creating a poster for students to see at the National Conference’s Education Fair, and modifying a dollar bill with my picture (redeemable for one high five). These preparations made me realize that if elected my goal would be to foster an “ever expanding and more inclusive TSA”.

My campaign was impeded by a 16 hour flight delay. Arriving on site late, I immediately started to campaign. I approached people by asking them what events they were competing in. Once engaged in a conversation, I began explaining my vision for a more expansive and more inclusive TSA. My campaign conversations concluded with me asking for suggestions. Many people responded positively, enjoying the openness of my campaign and the opportunity to meet a national officer candidate. They also enjoyed the modified dollar bill.

The TSA conference featured an education fair that provided national officer candidates with a booth. TSA students could approach our booths, ask us questions, and engage us in conversation. Continuing my theme of asking for suggestions, I encouraged people to write out their comment on sticky notes, and place them on my poster. By the end of my campaign, an entire 12” by 36” panel was filled to capacity with some spillover.

As New York State TSA reporter, I have written articles on TSA. Through these articles, I have developed and communicated my “understanding” of TSA. By participating in two TSA speech events, I have developed my public speaking skills. It was this experience that allowed me to successfully deliver my speech, which further communicated my message to 5000 students, teachers, parents and other chaperones. While most candidates listed off their experience, I saw this speech as a chance to explain my vision for an ever expanding and more inclusive TSA.

My highest priority goal as National TSA Treasurer is to help expand New York State TSA. I would encourage all of you reading this article to take a look at the New York State TSA Web site http://www.nystsa.com/ and the National TSA Web site http://www.tsaweb.org/. Starting a TSA chapter in your school is a wonderful way to encourage positive academic, technological, and personal growth in your students. Give your students a chance to further explore technology together. TSA takes a wide view of technology with events that include Music Production, Fashion Design, Prepared Presentation, Technology Teacher, CO2 Dragster Design, Essays on Technology, and more. There is something for everyone.