Over the past couple of weeks, I did what I could to campaign for SGA. I painted a huge rock, held a sign outside, posted a few flyers, and patiently waited while the voting process took place.
As it turns out, that didn’t translate to a win.
I ran for Freshman Senator with 7 other candidates, and only 3 slots were available. I was not one of the 3 elected. I’ll admit that reading the verdict was bittersweet, especially since I was wanting to hear what happened. However, as I continued to think about it, some reassurance started to come to me.
Obviously, you will lose at certain points in your life, but you don’t have to win everything to be the best. And while there’s no such thing as an objective “best” at anything, you can create the mindset that you’re the best. Because validation starts with you, not other people.
While I congratulate those who were elected, I believe that where I’m headed will make me even more successful in the end. To be fair, I was on-the-fence about running for a position as school approached. It’s nice to have a shiny seal, but there were questions on my mind. And even at this moment, I am thinking, “Would I really have that much power?” “Would my ideas really be considered and potentially passed?” “Would this really be a position that allows me to speak to other people and enact great things?” Because if the answer is “no” to even one of these questions, I won’t be satisfied. God forbid I were to be elected only to discover that my ideas wouldn’t be turned into legislation. That would throw me into an existential crisis, which I have already gone through while in an events committee. And you wouldn’t want to know how that feels.
So even though I was not elected into an SGA position, here are some things I plan on doing in the coming months and years of my college career. All of which will probably make me influential.
Pursue volunteer opportunities around the Greensboro area
For those who don’t know, I am a first-year student at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I have already participated in a volunteer day at my university, went to do some weeding courtesy of the Garden club, and I intend to pursue more opportunities in the future. I plan to sign up for more volunteer opportunities, like the university food pantry, more gardening, and helping at organizations outside of campus, addressing things like food insecurity and immigration. Speaking of immigration…
Becoming an advocate for refugees and migrants, as well as volunteer for the causes
A few hours ago, I tuned in to a session where two local organizations spoke about their services and the facts about the refugee issue. I was really touched by what was shared and really opened my eyes. I will be able to greet some of them very soon, and there will be more opportunities to get involved in the future.
There is no simple solution to the immigration issue. However, taking action to volunteer and show that you care speaks volumes. Fundraising, speaking to them, and donating are also good actions. I plan to become a real ally for the cause. Even so, it’s not just about speaking for them. It’s also a matter of listening and letting them speak if they wish to do so.
Fundraise for different causes around Greensboro
As soon as last month, I proposed an interest in fundraising for different causes at UNCG and the Greensboro committee. My idea for it was selling cookie dough (don’t @ me), but who knows what that might change to? Regardless, fundraising is something I want to do. Because when personal donations dry up, you have to have some money to keep operating. Even so, raising money will help impact more lives, as well as maintain the lives already impacted in the community.
Potentially start a new initiative (and pursue new projects)
Thanks to me not having to dedicate time to SGA, that allows me to become a leader in a different way. If possible, I plan to bring something called Box of Balloons to the Greensboro area. Box of Balloons is an organization that works to make birthday parties for kids possible. This is done by asserting a box with party supplies to send off to the child’s family. It is a great cause and something that I would happily endorse.
I would also like to help out with other causes, such as Toys for Tots, creating care packages for those in need, visiting senior citizens in nursing homes, and more!
Continue my Spanish study and continue building my cultural competency
I have already scored out of 3 semesters of Spanish courses, but there is still a lot more to learn before reaching fluency. I have been speaking with my hispanophone friends from countries like Mexico, Colombia, Panama, and Peru. I intend to learn another language in the near future too, so I need to dedicate more time into leisure Spanish study. And of course, I plan to gain more cultural competency through what I do. Because not only is learning a lifelong process, but needs are different from case to case, and it is important to be flexible and adapt to different scenarios.
In the end, I aspire to be a world-famous cultural influencer and do volunteer work for the UN. Let me not forget to mention my aspiration for being a UN Youth Ambassador for the U.S. Going back to my questions at the beginning, would I have real power, would I make a difference, and would my ideas actually be thought about if I were in SGA? I’m 101% sure that the answer is no. Although, I am already in my residence hall council and will try to use my power in that role, as well as continue to participate in a few clubs and write like I have been doing.
So you see, that’s why I will be successful without SGA. I plan to influence lives in a way that I would be unable to do otherwise. And at the end of the day, UN (and others in general) will care more about my volunteer work than my résumé fillers. Because who is more impressive: an SGA senator who barely does anything besides attend meetings or an SGA candidate who lost their race and went on to do tangible work for the community? The latter, right?
Would I try to become part of SGA again? I wouldn’t exactly rule it out. That said, I may not have time to insert it into my schedule nor would I try to. The time I spend in SGA with attending meetings, holding office hours, and other things could be spent bringing smiles to people’s faces. That, to me, is priceless. And that is part of what I want to be known for, during life and after death.
This is only the beginning of my empire. You best believe I’m coming through with some new things. Wait. Just wait.
