Today is my last opportunity to write as your Student Government Association president and as a columnist in the country's finest collegiate newspaper. At 3:15 today, my time will expire and a new beginning will occur.
I strongly believe the worst that can happen is someone given an opportunity to do good and not take advantage of it. I am honored to have been given that opportunity.
In all the work I have done as president - every decision I have made, every appointment submitted, every resolution signed and meeting attended - I've tried to give all students the opportunity to build their future on a campus that provides a strong support network, a clean environment and an outlet for involvement.
I have sought to bring students a new era of student government where an enthusiastic atmosphere was created, individuals were respected and students understood their purpose - to be full of ideas, always putting people first and always focusing on the future.
You have given me the opportunity to speak your thoughts and feelings after the events of Sept. 11. You have given me the support to be an activist for a higher student wage, to address off-campus housing and to strengthen student relationships with the Muncie community. And you have given me the challenge to stand up for the student body when its views were bypassed.
And I'm grateful to Ashley Furnivall, Michael Spear and Tolu Olowomeye - my officers - to my directors, the senators, receptionists and all those who have been a part of our team. They did their jobs brilliantly.
Their time has been of dramatic transformation, and they rose to every challenge. Their success has made the student body's social fabric stronger, the campus safer and our degrees more meaningful.
They were asked to strengthen SGA's relationship with organizations, to be an outlet for those who have concerns and to help others realize we have a responsibility to our fellow man - to do something with our lives.
The executive officers and I join all Ball State students, faculty and staff in wishing our very best to the next president and her administration in meeting the challenges to better the lives of the thousands of people who have stepped foot on this campus.
As for me, I'll leave my presidency today idealistic knowing I have met thousands of new people, have learned from mistakes and took advantage of my opportunity. I know I will soon be forgotten, but our work will not. I am more full of hope than my first day as a freshman and more confident that the days will continue to get better.
I will continue stay involved in Theta Chi Fraternity, see the student response team take flight and graduate. But today, I will never be more proud to be a member of the Ball State community. Farewell.
Write to Tommy at tbrector@bsu.edu
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