Interested applicants for positions within Student Government must do so today by 5 p.m. in order to remain eligible for candidacy.
According to Ethan Harrelson, a senior in biological sciences and student senate president pro tempore, having a diverse group of applicants is especially important.
“It’s important that we have a variety of students run, especially in the senate. If we don’t have a diversity of perspectives, then we can’t adequately represent students to the best of our abilities,” Harrelson said. “It’s given me a lot of experience I wouldn’t have otherwise, especially as a science major. Typically we’re in the lab micro-pipeting, but this has really opened me up to see a new perspective of the university.”
To further highlight the importance of diversity within Student Government, Harrelson said some of the best applicants are those you wouldn’t expect to run.
“I know that whenever you think about what makes a good candidate for anything like this the immediate reaction would be to choose someone who is outspoken. But in reality, any student from any and every background can be successful in this organizations because those are the types of student we have here,” Harrelson said. “There really is no cookie cutter background or set of characteristics. We need all types of students, from students who aren’t particularly outspoken to design majors that work virtually 24/7 in the studio.”
Spencer Brightwell, senior in science education and College of Education Student Senator, said students should consider campaigning to show support for their respective colleges as well as their peers throughout other departments.
“Even though I will no longer be a member of Student Senate after this year, it has been a great experience. I’ve been able to get to know a lot of people, and it is interesting to see how everything works,” Brightwell said. “More than anything though, I think it is vital for someone to take the necessary leadership to advocate for their college and the university as a whole.”
Scott Moore, junior in computer engineering and Student Senator for College of Engineering juniors, said being a part of Student Senate has helped him not only reach out to other students, but to the community surrounding the campus as well.
“Participating in Student Senate has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had so far,” Moore said. “One of the best things I’ve been able to accomplish is to volunteer a lot, and help students in many different service areas. Being a member of Student Government has opened up different opportunities to volunteer, whether it’s with career fairs or with Service Raleigh.”
Harrelson said those who don’t apply should still choose to participate by supporting those who are through voting.
“I really encourage people to get involved, whether it means to run in the elections or to go vote. Some see Student Government as something silly, but in reality we do make decisions for the student body,” Harrelson said. “Even if you don’t think Student Government is a big deal, at least vote, because at the end of the day they do represent you and you should have some input on who’s speaking for you.”
However, Harrelson said students thinking about applying must be in it for the right reasons.
“You will not be successful in Student Government unless you are trying to make others successful. This isn’t about trying to pad a resume,” Harrelson said. “To be successful you have to want others to be successful.”
Moore echoed Harrelson’s sentiments, and said he believes having qualified candidates in Student Government is essential to ensure communication between the student body and University administration.
“We want students who have the student body as a whole as their heart’s interest and are trying to help,” Moore said. “After all, if student’s voices aren’t heard, if no one is showing the administration what it is the students want, how can our administration make good decisions that will benefit us if they don’t know what we need?”
