Upon entering N.C. State, I found myself diving into numerous leadership roles. My freshman year I was appointed by the chancellor to the Campus Culture Task Force, a committee created after the Free Expression Tunnel incident Nov. 8, 2009. My leadership carried me next to the Student Centers Board of Directors, where I successfully passed a student body referendum in hopes of improving the way we advocate for the more than 450 student organizations represented by the BOD.

Later, I was interested in learning how large events are programmed on campus, which brought me to a leadership position within the Union Activities Board. Working to ensure the success of events like Wolfpack Welcome Week and managing a budget more than $45,000 to put on programs such as, I Heart Female Orgasm, taught me many programming skills.

My experiences on campus have spoken towards my passion for advocacy and my vision for change. I truly feel my strengths would allow me to bring a positive, new energy to the campus.

I think it is important to ask students, “What are the issues on campus you think don’t get looked at?” Too often, student body presidents spend all their time focusing on a few topics they have little influence over. I propose an alternative strategy.

Instead of only working on the deadly (T’s): tuition, textbooks and Talley, I want to hear what other areas are important to you and why. Student Government’s purpose is to advocate for students. If elected student body president, I would not just voice your concerns but would instead work to solve your problems — before they become issues on campus. Further, I have outlined three processes that will enhance our community and encourage positive change:

Stage one: refocus. Many students feel they have lost a connection with Student Government and feel out of sync with their student body representatives. Let’s shift the energy back to listening to students, advocating for change and building meaningful relationships.

Stage two: progress. NCSU is a magnificent institution with limitless potential and innovations. It is important to build off the good work SG does and challenge the process in an attempt to move from good to great. We should invite students from all backgrounds to have a role in aligning our vision, creating goals, strategy and implementing change so we make a distinct impact next year.

Stage three: legacy. Our traditions help brand who we are and form our sense of identity. Improving our timeless events, like Campout, will provide students the opportunity to reconnect with the institution they cherish. Our endurance does not just begin with improvements in event planning. Our legacy includes supporting students, organizations and the Wolfpack community as we continue to deliver exceptional results.