USUSA presidential profiles: Daria Griffith
Daria Griffith was never meant to be an Aggie. The daughter of Brigham Young University alumni and a mother who is a professor at BYU, Griffith grew up around people who “bleed a different shade of blue.”
“Growing up I was always asked if I was going to the law school there, to be under my mother’s department,” Griffith said. “I always considered it, but I felt like it wasn’t the place that I could make the biggest impact.”
Despite her parents’ influence, Griffith is a true-blooded Aggie who is now running for Utah State University Student Association President.
Griffith was born in American Fork, Utah, and grew up going to school in Lehi. She started attending USU in fall, 2015. As a child who struggled with dyslexia, she was told she would never succeed in college or life. On her first day at USU, however, Griffith was inspired by other students who felt alone and that they couldn’t make it in higher education. She realized she could be an influencer and help people feel more confident and prepared to face life.Griffith is double majoring in communication studies and psychology.
Griffith describes herself as confident and compassionate and says that her friends would probably describe her as witty and sassy.Something unique about Griffith is she has spent time practicing to research with government institutions. Her mentors have worked in private practice and the CIA. She has also been in the fine arts for 16 years.
“Doing theater for that long gave me a background on how to be a good orator and present myself in a way that communicates a strong message as well as problem-solving and empathy,” Griffith said.
In her free time, Griffith likes to hike and is working on rebuilding her art skills. She also participates in the community by working with an organization called Jump the Moon, which focuses on the art skills of people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Through her Kappa Delta Sorority, she also works with Girl Scouts and Prevent Child Abuse America.
“I participate in these activities because, to me, it’s a way to the show the importance of building confidence, and inspiring action in people that have difficulties feeling that way due to abuse or poor financial means and show that there is someone who cares about them,” Griffith said.
Other than holding several leadership positions in Kappa Delta, Griffith joined the Student Alumni Association as the mentoring director when she was only a freshman. Since 2015, she has been the executive assistant and president with her seat as the Student Alumni Vice President on USUSA. Griffith is also responsible for starting “Beards for Cancer,” a club that has become a permanent part of the student service center.
Those closest to Griffith are not surprised she is running for student body president.
“I was not surprised that she decided to run for a position to help other students at this university become better leaders and to accomplish their goals,” said Tony Ahlstrom, who is the student association’s giving executive. “She has done an amazing job and her impact will be forever felt among members of the SAA, an impact that she now hopes to spread to an even greater portion of the student body.She is also extremely perseverant and has overcome
many obstacles throughout her lifetime and never lets a roadblock stop her from reaching her vision,” Ahlstrom said.
When asked why people should vote for Daria, communication studies Lecturer Clair Canfield said Griffith has an impressive work ethic. “I think what matters most in a leader is someone that genuinely cares about the people they are entrusted to serve,” Canfield said. “I do not doubt that Daria cares about the students of Utah State University and will make them her utmost priority.”
Griffith worked for Canfield as a teaching assistant, and he said she made every effort to make a difference in the growth of her students.
As president, Griffith will focus on student wellness in all areas, including safety and mental
Health. She wants survivors to have a voice, and to feel like something is being done. Most of all, Griffith wants to encourage USU students to “live life unafraid.”
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