51ĀŅĀ×

For Tyrone Oppon, an international student splitting his undergraduate experience between Germany and the United States, leadership has become more than a skillā€”itā€™s a pathway to belonging, purpose and future opportunity.

Oppon, a sophomore at both 51ĀŅĀ× and the University of Bayreuth, is part of OHIOā€™s dual enrollment program. While his academic path bridges continents, itā€™s in Athens, Ohio, that heā€™s found an anchor in the Walter Center for Strategic Leadershipā€”specifically through its new Leadership Launchpad initiative.

ā€œThe experience has been nothing short of incredible,ā€ Oppon said. ā€œI came in curious about leadership and developed a real passion for it.ā€

Currently pursuing the strategic leadership certificateā€”another key program offered by the Walter Centerā€”Oppon is gaining a deeper understanding of leadership as something lived and practiced, not just studied.

He says the Leadership Launchpad helped him grasp the essential difference between managing and leading.

ā€œManaging is keeping your team on track,ā€ he said. ā€œBut leading is about inspiring peopleā€”bringing out the best in your team.ā€

That distinction matters to Oppon. As someone interested in sports management, he's learned that leadership is more than running the playbook. It's about motivating individuals, fostering inclusion, and allowing others to speak upā€”even when unsure.

He credits much of that growth to the environment created by Walter Center leaders Jennifer Traxler and Amy Toth. At his first Leadership Launchpad workshop, he recalls being struck by the welcoming atmosphere.

ā€œThey developed an environment that made me feel comfortable and ready to share,ā€ Oppon said. ā€œThey taught me how to make sure everyone feels included and lead confidently.ā€

Heā€™s also been putting that confidence into motion, speaking at multiple events to advocate for the Leadership Launchpad. Most recently, he shared his journey with the College of Business Management Advisory Board, offering a student perspective on the programā€™s impact.

Despite the challenge of balancing two universities and two cultures, Oppon has found a strong sense of direction through The Walter Center. And with plans to return to Germany for his junior year, then come back to Athens for his senior year, heā€™s taking those leadership tools with him, ready to apply them wherever he lands.

In the end, what stands out most to Oppon isnā€™t just what heā€™s learnedā€”itā€™s how those lessons have shaped the person heā€™s becoming.

ā€œThe Walter Center helped me build confidence,ā€ he said. ā€œIt helped me find purpose in the middle of a pretty complex academic journey. And for that, Iā€™m really grateful.ā€