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Summit Learning Outcome Addressed:

  1.  Identify and assess one’s values, interests and abilities

Image Sourced from Agnes Scott College Website

With my nails painted purple and white, adorned with painstakingly painted “Scottie” paw prints on each thumb, I walked onto the Agnes Scott campus knowing I wanted to make a difference on day one. The college always seemed like the kind of place where I could learn to take a closer look at leadership, and examine what kinds of issues I hoped to address as a student here. Over the course of my first semester, I became increasingly interested in Student Government, and the opportunity it afforded students who joined to effect real change on campus. So I decided to run for first-year class president. And although I was enthusiastic, and and tried to reach my classmates as best I could, I ended up losing. I wasn’t surprised; I was a commuter student and a projected early graduate. I learned that some of my classmates feared that I would not be as invested in the issues of the class. But this did not stop my desire to help the students. I remained vocal, and took on leadership positions throughout the school, from musical ensembles to the Muslim Student Association, to the newly formed Spoken Word team. I also met with the President’s Cabinet as frequently as possible to address issues I could as a student in the general population. The next year, I ran for Sophomore class president. It was a tight race, between me and 6 other Scotties. When I gave my speech, I promised my classmates that whether I was at home or in a dorm, I would do everything in my power to make sure their voices were heard, and that they were the top priority, always. This time, I won. This time, I knew I had a chance to enter the SGA Board meetings and not only voice student opinions, but draft policy to make the changes they wished to see. While serving as 2020 President, I was also selected to be the SGA Executive Board Parliamentarian, a position that afforded me the opportunity to better understand how the Student Government interacted with the administration, and vice versa. In these roles, drafting bills and resolutions to improve dorms, tuition, and safety on campus became regular parts of my life, and I was honored to be able to make a difference. But I knew that I wanted to have a chance to do more. To make the organization more efficient. To deliver on the pledge we made to promote transparency, responsible spending, and the elevation of student voices. So in 2018, I ran for SGA Executive Board President. After a challenging race, this year I am proudly serving as the SGA President. This role is not about the title to me, or power in a single office. Rather, it is about helping students really feel like they have power. I am honored and humbled every day by the chance I have been given to make a mark on the Scottie experience for years to come.

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