SGA 2014 - 2015

{Learning Experience 4}

     As I sit here tonight at Starbucks, I try to sort out the mixture of emotions that are currently circulating throughout my body. To be honest, I do not know how to truly explain what I am feeling, but I will attempt to give it a shot.

     So, if you know me, you know I am a complete emotional wreck and that is totally accurate. Consequently, I have had a lot of tears tonight. What about? Endings and new beginnings.

     This past year, I have been apart of TCU’s SGA (Student Government Association) and I have been blessed more than I could ever imagine. I have met the most INCREDIBLE people who all love TCU more than life and who have bigger dreams for our school than I could ever envision. I without a doubt believe SGA is comprised of the absolute smartest, driven, and most motivated people on campus and it has been an honor to lead alongside these individuals.

     Tonight was our last house meeting and it was the last time our group would all be in the Chambers together. It started off as an emotional night, with speeches made my cabinet members and committee chairs and then, the swearing in of new cabinet members and elected committee chairs. While I am extremely excited to see what SGA does this next year, I am also saddened by all of the amazing people that are moving on to new life endeavors.

     To truly describe our current house, I simply need to mention one name: Cody Westphal. If you don’t know Cody Westphal, you are seriously missing out. To be honest, I do not even know Cody Westphal extremely well, but what I can say is that I have seen tangible differences made on campus because of him. It is no secret that he has made huge changes at TCU, from initiating the Not on My Campus movement to the sexual assault roundtables. On top of that, he works tirelessly each and every day to better our university. He can be found serenading people on campus (even though he claims that is now something of the past), talking to people in his office (because he always has his door open), and meeting with students about new projects. I do not know how he has done it this past two years, but all I can say is “WOW.” We are losing one heck of a president, one heck of a horned frog on campus, and one heck of a great guy.

     Even besides our president, we have so many students that work day in and day out to improve the overall TCU experience. Unfortunately, I will not be apart of house next year because I am taking on an internship, but tonight has made me realize how impactful this organization has been not only on my life, but on the other 8,646 undergraduate students’ lives.

     I have met some of my best friends through SGA, have gotten to work with some of the coolest and smartest people ever in my academic affairs committee, and have been able to vote on bills and resolutions that have enacted change on campus!! How freaking cool is that? Honestly, this year has been unreal and I owe it 100% to SGA for making it so life changing.

     My hope for SGA next year is that our members continue to foster the wonderful legacy cabinet has left behind. My hope is for new experiences and positive changes, but that my fellow SGA members will always remember the unique privilege we have of serving our student body. Few people have the opportunity to say that, but what a joy and pleasure it is to be able to.

     So, thank you. Thank you SGA 2014-2015 for making my year meaningful, for filling it with caring and driven people, and for teaching me how to serve others deeply and completely.  What a wonderful learning experience SGA has been.