Jacob Chaverria: Inspiring others to become true Texan leaders

BY BETHANY KILPATRICK

Multimedia Journalist

In a world full of followers, Tarleton State University student Jacob Chaverria goes against the crowd and dedicates his college career to becoming a leader who embodies humility and continually puts others’ needs before his own.

Chaverria serves as vice president of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), a service committee member for Tarleton Serves, a residential leader for Legends and Centennial Hall, a member of the Tarleton Activities Board (TAB), a barista at Cold Smoke Craft House and a crew member for Paradigm College Ministry.

Chaverria is a sophomore from Round Rock, Texas, studying civil engineering. His dedication to serving others is noticed by his residents, peers and community. He is known on campus for his optimistic attitude and willingness to help wherever he is needed. 

While a common theme heard from many leaders is prioritizing the needs of oneself, Chaverria stresses the opposite. 

“You are over them, but you are really underneath them,” Chaverria said. “You are at their feet. You are not just telling them what to do, you are giving them meaningful instructions that will benefit them and also keep things efficient.”

Chaverria is open about his faith and his decision to model his lifestyle after Jesus. His mentality to be a leader by humbling himself beneath others is a practice that is taught in the Bible.

It is recorded in the book of Mark that Jesus teaches his followers that a true leader is servant-hearted. Jesus embodies this concept by coming to Earth from Heaven, living as a humble human and ultimately dying a horrific death on a cross to offer salvation to all of humanity. 

By accepting salvation, humans are no longer held captive by the weight of their sin and are forgiven. Jesus died for many things He never did.

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant. And whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many,” Jesus said (Mark 10:43–45, New International Version).

Chaverria has many friendships he has built during his time and involvement at Tarleton. Maya Dorroity and Mason Miller are two of them.

Dorrity met Chaverria during her freshman year at Tarleton through a mutual friend. Dorrity and Chaverria both attend First Baptist Church in Stephenville, are a part of a Paradigm service team and Tarleton Serves.

“Jacob is always the first person to step into a task, even if he is not specifically asked to do so,” Dorrity said. “Jacob brings positive energy to a group and is constantly uplifting those around him.”

Striving to be a leader while a full-time student is a challenge for any individual. Chaverria has specific methods that he claims contribute to his success as a student leader and encourages others to do as well.

“Schedule everything out as soon as possible,” Chaverria said. “As soon as you find something out, put it in the schedule. Find out, pray, read and get into the Word [the Bible] and make sure you know that what you are doing is a part of God’s plan.”

Chaverria’s community respects him as a leader and considers him to be a great role model to other students who are striving to assume similar leadership roles.

“I admire the way that Jacob balances all his responsibilities,” Dorrity said. “He truly gives his all when it comes to the organizations that he is a part of. I also admire the way that he can bring the energy up in a room and make everyone in that group feel seen, loved and included.”

Miller met Chaverria through ASCE, but became better friends with him due to their involvement at Paradigm. Miller takes notice of the dedication that Chaverria puts forth in all he is committed to.

“He is always present, even when he could be doing something else with his time,” Miller said. “He puts full effort into the organizations he is a part of. He has stepped up into all of his roles with full dedication.”

As a well-respected leader, handling conflict is unavoidable. Choosing how to handle it is what makes an impact on a leader’s reputation and credibility within a community.

“Hear out all of the sources,” Chaverria said. “Figure out where things are coming from. Understand why the problem is there in the first place, what you can take accountability for and help.”

For students who have the desire to lead and serve their community, Chaverria encourages attempting things that come as a challenge.

“Find something that makes you uncomfortable and get better at that one single thing,” Chaverria said. “Whether that is communication, reading, math – it could be any simple thing. Just find something that makes you better. You keep doing that, then tell others how you got through it. That is a testimony.”

He approaches the new school year ambitiously, adding, “Got to thank Jesus for it all.”