2008 Woodie Awards
Being An SGA Kid
Shannon Leger
Issue date: 5/7/03 Section: Feature
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When I was first asked to write an article for the final Provoc about my experience in SGA, I found myself wondering-why me? I mean, this was my first year in Student Government. I jumped right into an executive position when I was never even a senator. Surely there are other people who would have more to say about the organization and their experience than I do. But then I began to think about this past year and all that I have seen, experienced, and accomplished and it dawned on me.
I am the perfect person to write this article because for three years I was a bystander like most of the student body; for three years I complained about the school without taking steps to change it; and for three years I had preconceived notions about SGA and "SGA Kids," but that all changed this year.
I came into Student Government under the premise that I would not become a "SGA Kid," you know one of those kids that all hang out together and care too much about the school. I told my friends to shake some sense into me if they thought I was headed down that road because I just wanted to do my job and not get all wrapped up in it.
By staying outside the SGA circle, I thought I could represent all students better, and not be persuaded by administrators or staff members that I might befriend along the way (being puppets of the administration was, obviously, another assumption I made about SGA members). As the summer drew to a close and my senior year began I was determined not to become what I had perceived the typical SGA member to be.
What happened? My perception changed, and it changed drastically. Through committee meetings, events and lectures, Senate meetings, and the day-to-day workings of the Student Government Association, I began to understand what it means to be a "SGA Kid."
A "SGA Kid" works on proposals for more class selection, better housing, more parking, and weekend activities, then sits on Sunday nights for 2-4 hours debating if such proposals are in the best interest of the student body or not.
I am the perfect person to write this article because for three years I was a bystander like most of the student body; for three years I complained about the school without taking steps to change it; and for three years I had preconceived notions about SGA and "SGA Kids," but that all changed this year.
I came into Student Government under the premise that I would not become a "SGA Kid," you know one of those kids that all hang out together and care too much about the school. I told my friends to shake some sense into me if they thought I was headed down that road because I just wanted to do my job and not get all wrapped up in it.
By staying outside the SGA circle, I thought I could represent all students better, and not be persuaded by administrators or staff members that I might befriend along the way (being puppets of the administration was, obviously, another assumption I made about SGA members). As the summer drew to a close and my senior year began I was determined not to become what I had perceived the typical SGA member to be.
What happened? My perception changed, and it changed drastically. Through committee meetings, events and lectures, Senate meetings, and the day-to-day workings of the Student Government Association, I began to understand what it means to be a "SGA Kid."
A "SGA Kid" works on proposals for more class selection, better housing, more parking, and weekend activities, then sits on Sunday nights for 2-4 hours debating if such proposals are in the best interest of the student body or not.