Three years ago I submitted my $200 registration deposit to Marietta College, begrudgingly. I had dreamed of attending several other colleges before Marietta, but financial security and the ability to row competitively ultimately led to my decision. On senior college declaration day, I wore a plain white t-shirt on which I drew the state of Ohio, wrote "MARIETTA COLLEGE" in the center, and put a little red star in the southeast corner. I could tell people that I was going to Marietta, but without much of the typical enthusiasm. That was three years ago.
Today, I find myself in a place I never expected. Three years in, and approaching my fourth and final one, I have made incredible friends, been through unbelievable experiences and learned important and unforgettable lessons. In simplest terms, I have found that I am proud to go to Marietta College. My new position as president-elect of the student body is the culmination of what I have made out of my experience at a college I hardly dreamed of attending. And as I undertake this new, huge role, I remember how I felt at the end of my senior year of high school and understand that is the way many students feel now; they are frustrated, concerned and far from proud of their alma mater. It can't continue.
There have been times in the past few weeks where I have thought that perhaps I was trying to campaign for too many things, where I wondered if my vision was too grand to tackle. Yet since the election I am determined to take on the challenges that students face or are concerned about most, and start moving us forward. I hope students can trust in Student Senate next year to work for them and to see concrete evidence to the work of our collective efforts. Dan, Caleb and I have heard a lot...and fortunately, so has the administration. I believe they will work with us to cultivate and environment where students feel that their concerns and issues matter, and where students will be proud to be members of the Long Blue Line.
That being said, we will need everyone's help. This is not the job of a 4-person executive board, but of 1,400 students. The diversity workshop this past week showed how important the commitment of each person is to making a significant change; so I hope people won't shy away from taking up the causes that matter to them most. I hope we have more people running for senator positions, attending Senate meetings simply for their own interest, reading the Senate minutes, starting more conversations with administrators and other students, working to leave their college in a better place than it is currently.
We do go to a good school. Morale is just low; people can take pride in going to a school where people care enough to say their piece at Student Speak Out, chalk their beliefs on the mall, run for Senate positions, or simply listen to a friend voice concerns. Even faculty are eager to work with us! We can build the collaboration, the positive attitudes, the pride of Marietta College. Did I ever see myself in this position? Not for a long time, no. But here we are, so let's take advantage of this great opportunity and make something great out of it!
I am inspired and honored by the confidence bestowed upon me by my peers through this election. I will do everything in my power not to let you down during my time as President. Chins up, MC. Chins up, and charge on!
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