Wendy Williams being made an honorary member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Tatiana Cruz | The Montclarion
On Tuesday, Oct. 24, Emmy-nominated talk show host Wendy Williams visited campus for a leadership talk for the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). The event was broadcast live to several schools with NSLS chapters, but Montclair State University students saw her in person.
In the lobby of University Hall, students anxiously waited to be brought up and checked into the seventh floor. Williams gave the students advice she collected throughout the years while rising up in the radio business.
Williams grew up in Asbury Park, New Jersey but relocated to Boston to attend Northwestern University. In 1986, she graduated with a degree in communications and a minor in journalism. It was then where she began her rise to the top.
The talk show host emphasized to students that they had to learn how to be their own best friend. Williams said it was important to remember this if you wanted to be successful. This piece of advice resonated with senior Laura Galarza.
“I really enjoyed what she said about being your own best friend just because you can’t rely on anyone else,” Galarza said. “I always feel like no one is going to look after you better than yourself.”
According to Williams, being a successful television host does have some downsides.
“The road to the top is a lonely one,” Williams said.
One point Williams made that seemed to make an impact with the audience was the idea of “bossing up.” She explained how being a boss and leader are one in the same. She reminded students that being a boss meant being gracious but always stepping up to the plate.
“Wendy gave some amazing tips about leadership,” said communication studies major Tori Murry. “I think the idea of ‘boss up’ is just perfect, especially in our day and age where we are so reliant on the opinions of others. I think it’s very important that we learn how to separate from the crowd and do what we need to do.”
During the event, Williams was recognized as an honorary member of the NSLS..
After the talk, Williams had time for a couple of students to ask her questions. Instead Kayla Drozdowski had a thank-you for Williams. In the summer Drozdowski found out she had to get brain surgery, watching “The Wendy Williams Show” daily brought laughter to her days. After the event, as Williams exited the building, she went up to Drozdowski and hugged her.
“I’ve been a fan of Wendy Williams for years now and to actually meet someone that brings so much joy into my life is amazing,” Drozdowski said. “She gives me a reason to laugh. Even if I’ve had a rough day, I can just watch her show and just forget everything that’s going on.”
