COLUMN: Future of ASUSU Council
As this semester quickly comes to an end, we have the opportunity to look back on the great things that happened this year at USU. This year has been filled with entertaining guest speakers, service projects and too many accomplishments to list. All events on campus were focused on enhancing the quality of life for each student, allowing for a better understanding of the world around us. After all, we are not only here to gain an academic education but to gain experiences that prepare us for our futures.
Your years at USU can be among some of your most memorable and cherished memories. You have the choice whether or not to make the most out of your time. This is not a race to see who can finish the fastest. Now, I am not advocating that we all take eight years to finish a four-year program. I do, however, wish that every student took the time to cherish this gem of a university nestled between the Wellsville Mountains and the northernmost part of the Wasatch Mountain range. Simply receiving a degree would be an unfortunate waste of an opportunity. Degrees are important, but aren’t the only thing you can leave with when you graduate from USU.
USU offers so many opportunities to create a great university experience. If you feel the need to serve those who could use your help, visit the Service Center on the third floor of the TSC. If you want to be involved with different activities, feel free to stop by the Student Involvement Office, also on the third floor of the TSC, in Room 326. If you are feeling adventurous, utilize the Outdoor Recreation Program and explore Logan Canyon just a few minutes from campus. Whatever it is you would like to do, I will help you pursue it.
The outgoing ASUSU officers have worked hard to provide for student body needs. They were relentless in their efforts to offer different opportunities as diverse as the students here, from the Howl to Poetry and a Beverage. There are many initiatives and reforms that went unnoticed by the general public simply because the outgoing officers did not call attention to themselves or the work they have done. Knowing that these efforts, no matter how small or publicized, would benefit the student body was recognition enough for them.
The outgoing officers have given me and other incoming officers big shoes to fill. The 2012-13 officers, however, are confident that they can continue to build upon what has been laid before them. We are excited for the future and what it has in store. We will undoubtedly work our hardest to reach the goals we explained in our platforms – representing the student’s voice as the top priority. They are not only committed to listen to students’ voices but want to actively reach out and obtain your voice.
The officers of ASUSU understand that we bear the great responsibility of representing and serving the student body. We understand that it is our duty to provide the best university experience possible. We also recognize that this is impossible to do without the support of the students as a whole. We must work together to build each other up. We must become unified as we strive to reach our ultimate goals.
One concern that weighs heavily upon my mind and the minds of many others is that some groups here on campus feel marginalized. Members of the International Student Council and Access and Diversity groups have approached me to share their concerns. Many don’t feel they fit in. I can ensure that anyone who feels excluded does fit in at USU. There is literally something for everyone. I encourage all students to reach out to those who feel they don’t have a place. Build these students up. We have the chance to possibly change lives. Show these students how they can make their years at USU their most cherished memories. The time has come to make the most out of your education and your collegiate experience.
– Christian Thrapp is the new ASUSU student body president for the 2012-13 year. This is his first column published in The Statesman. Comments on his column can be sent to statesmanoffice@aggiemail.usu.edu.