On February 26, 2002, I (with the help of Team Tolu) attained the zenith of my collegiate leadership experience. On this historic day, I became only the fourth female and the first minority female to ever take office in student government history.
However, my "cloud nine" euphoria recently precipitated and I begin to realize that in the next year, I have a significant task before me - to change the image of the Student Government Association.
Over the last few years, SGA has been perceived as just another bureaucracy on campus that gathers for the sake of gathering. Most think we talk very loud without producing very much, at the expense of all students.
So how, if possible, can SGA give itself that much-needed makeover? The answer lies simply in strengthening the core of SGA - Student Senate.
Student Senate is the legislative body of SGA, meaning that its primary responsibility is to gauge the opinions of their constituencies and then direct all matters and concerns to research and potential legislation.
Senate is divided into four caucuses, including: At-Large, Off-Campus, On-Campus, and Organization, where the bulk of discussion and research of student issues occurs. These ideas are then channeled to six Senate committees (Academic, Community, Diversity/Multicultural, Governmental, Safety, Services) where legislation is drafted and lobbied.
As is apparent, student senators contribute immensely to the productivity of SGA. However, in the last two years, senate membership has failed to reach its capacity of 67, as it did when I was first introduced to Senate.
In 1999, as a freshman senator, Senate body meetings were the highlight of my week. There were actual voting factions in SGA with constant competition to become caucus or committee chairpersons. Senators actually had to lobby their legislation, behind the scenes, to win a majority vote. There was a recognizable energy and fervor present that added to the influence and respect of senators on campus, which in turn reflected positively on SGA as an organization.
During my future one-year term, I would like to experience the days of old. Since 1999, SGA has become more receptive and diverse, both in thought and composition. This year, I would like to see a large return of Greek and residence hall presence as well as steady representation by multicultural organizations.
As the SGA president, I understand that this leadership experience is not a one-woman show. I need everyone's help in making this association a success. So if you are interested, please pick up a Senate application today in the SGA office (Student Center 223). Do not worry yourself with thoughts of inexperience or doubt; just intend to "make a difference." Three years ago, a naGÇóve, out-of-state freshman set out to make that difference." Today she is "that girl" - the SGA president.
Write to Tolu at madamppt@hotmail.com
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