Mivheal Tetteh is pursuing a master’s degree in higher education administration and is a graduate assistant at the Centers for Student Engagement as well as student leader for multiple campus organizations. In the following essay, Tetteh shares his experience at the 2025 Men of Character Leadership Symposium. This year’s symposium, sponsored by Student Government Association and hosted by the Men’s Engagement Center, was attended by nearly 120 students and alumni. The event featured a keynote address by Slyvester “Sly” Williams, a former NFL linebacker and Super Bowl champion.
The annual symposium is open to all students as well as the community, and it aims to educate, empower and engage FIU students to strive for excellence in personal, professional and academic pursuits. Participants have the opportunity to network with and learn from their peers, faculty, staff, alumni and professionals who are leaders in their respective fields through panel discussions, working groups, workshops and more.
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–By Mivheal Tetteh
“To achieve greatness, you only need one person to believe in you, and that person got to be you.”
–Sylvester "Sly" Williams
This quote, shared by the keynote speaker, instantly pierced through the noise of doubt and reminded me that the loudest voice I need to hear is my own. At the 2025 Men of Character Leadership Symposium, I found more than just encouragement. I found alignment: alignment with who I am, what I want, and who I’m becoming. Here are the lessons I gleaned from the panel discussion and breakout sessions with student leaders, entrepreneurs and staff, as well as the keynote speaker:
1. If you can’t see it, create it.
One panelist said, “Pioneering is hard, because there's no one ahead of you – but that’s the catch.” As someone who launched the Higher Vibes YouTube channel and co-founded a student-led initiative back home in Ghana to empower students in their academic journey, this deeply resonated. There was no roadmap, no mentor doing exactly what I envisioned. But I moved anyway. Reading books and listening to entrepreneurs, veterans and student leaders who had to build from scratch reminded me that leadership isn’t about the path being easy; it’s about walking it anyway.
2. Your value isn’t in performance; it’s in presence.
During the Q&A, a student asked how to deal with imposter syndrome. The response? “You’re a human being, not a human doing.” That struck me. As a full-time graduate student, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Student Leader, and President of the Higher Education Students Association here at FIU, I often measure my worth by how productive I am. But that moment reminded me to value myself as a person, not just a performer. Now, I’m learning to celebrate small wins and be okay with tough days, because showing up with integrity matters more than showing up perfect!
3. Emotional regulation – and why it matters as a leader
In a breakout session, Dr. Matthew Woodfork from FIU’s Counseling and Psychological Services broke down emotional regulation in leadership. He showed us how choosing where we place our attention, modifying how we respond to stress, and practicing mindfulness can turn us into balanced, impactful leaders. Since that session, I’ve started integrating “code words” into my day with positive affirmations and one-word intentions like “grit” or “peace” to help guide my thoughts and energy alongside my favorite phrase: “All is well.”
4. CHAMP: A code to lead by
Super Bowl champion Sylvester “Sly” Williams, who crowned the day’s event as the keynote speaker, shared his story of struggle, redirection and resilience. His acronym, CHAMP: Commitment, Honesty, Accountability, Mindset and Persistence, wasn’t just motivational; it was actionable. Commitment means staying loyal to a purpose long after the mood to pursue it has left. Honesty is about transparency – the kind I strive to bring in my leadership roles. Mindset is knowing that where you’re going matters more than where you’re coming from. And Persistence is about choosing to rise one more time than you fall, a truth I’ve lived out through financial setbacks and emotional lows. Sylvester highlighted how his father was his hero and put him on this successful trajectory he (Sylvester) finds himself on – valuing hard work and showing up every day. His conversation brought back memories of how my late dad admonished me that “hard work breaks no bones,” and I should not relent in my efforts to make him proud wherever I found myself. “Daddy, I hope you see how far I have come.”
I walked into the symposium curious. I walked out affirmed. This wasn’t just an event; it was a mirror. And in it, I saw not just who I am but who I’m becoming. Can’t wait for MOCLS 2026!