Welcome to Flash Focus! In this series, we introduce you to fascinating student Flashes from all walks of life.
Meet Richard Skains, a sophomore economics major from Rocky River, Ohio, with a passion for helping others combined with a strong interest in economics and how it affects those around him.
“I have always found a fascination with economic policy as it constitutes a major part of everyone’s life,” Skains told ɫҹ Today.
Before college, Skains got involved with the Model United Nations (Model UN), an educational simulation where students role play as United Nations ambassadors to debate current issues.
“In high school, I found a passion for advocacy through extracurricular activities such as Model UN,” Skains said.
So when Skains came to ɫҹ University, he had eyes for any opportunity to further develop his leadership and advocacy skills.
And find it, he did, right away. Skains learned about and joined ɫҹ’s Undergraduate Student Government (USG).
“I joined USG as an external member in my first year of college, serving on three different committees,” Skains said. “The second I joined USG, I discovered a community that felt like a home to me.”
In only his second year on campus, Skains is currently serving as the director of governmental affairs for the student government, where he relishes the idea of service to the ɫҹ community.
“USG provides such a unique opportunity to serve your fellow students, both behind the scenes and in the spotlight,” Skains said. “I love the passion that all of our members bring into the office, showing a genuine heart and concern for their fellow students.”
In addition to being part of Undergraduate Student Government, Skains works for the Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority (PARTA) as a bus driver.
“I have wanted to be a bus driver since I was five years old,” Skains said. “PARTA paid for everything, and their training staff really help you to feel prepared to get onto the road.”
Academically, Skains’ passion for economics was amplified by Rekha Sharma, Ph.D., an associate professor in the School of Communication Studies.
“Dr. Sharma served as a true example of how enjoyable your career can be when you are truly passionate,” Skains said. “I hope that I can be as passionate as she is when I get into my field.”
Skains’ devotion to advocacy has shown through his classes, especially while discussing the theme of disenfranchisement during his freshman year research writing class.
“Being able to extensively research and write about this topic made me feel like I belong at ɫҹ,” Skains said. “It showed me that everyone has a struggle and that education is a key factor to eliminating the struggles that we all commonly face.”
Through his leadership roles and his time on campus, Skains encourages students to take advantage of their time at ɫҹ.
“I believe we are only given one chance to live, and I want to use my chance to make a difference for others,” Skains said. “The beauty of having a passion for serving others is that there will always be a plethora of ways to fulfill this passion.”
Are you a student interested in being featured in Flash Focus, or know a student who would make a great candidate? Send suggestions with name and contact information to kentstatetoday@kent.edu.