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Student
Government provides experience
By
Holly Johnson
Staff Writer
Student Government Association members are once again
in agreement, but this time it’s personal.
Being part of SGA, members say, will undoubtedly help
their future endeavors and prepare them for whatever lies
beyond TCU.
“It’s a great learning experience,” said
sophomore political science and criminal justice major
Ben Dalton. “It’s a great place to see how democracy
really works.”
Dalton was a member of SGA for a year, but had to drop
out due to a schedule conflict. He admitted that the year
was well-spent, though, and believes he already has a
good idea of what to expect when taking part in politics
on a national level.
For example, he ran a campaign in his dormitory to be
elected to SGA, much like politicians who campaign in
their constituencies to be elected to the U.S. government.
When considering a bill, he could not forget that his
vote represented all of Brachman Hall; like national politicians,
SGA members may not return the following term if their
constituents are not satisfied.
Even the simple act of passing a bill gives a great idea
of how politics work, Dalton said. SGA follows a procedure
that mimics that of the nation by proposing a bill, debating
it and voting on it.
SGA President Jay Zeidman, a junior political science
and economics major, also said political experience was
one of the major benefits. He explained that his time
with the organization teaches him to be a better listener
and will help him once he enters law school.
“I work with the staff, the faculty, the students,”
he said. “I’ve always been a people person,
and this helps sharpen my skills.”
Beyond the political implications, members still recognize
the advantages of SGA. Since TCU is a fairly small campus,
there is an opportunity to do a significant amount of
hands-on work and participate in important discussions.
“It’s not like you sit around and decide where
a Coke machine will go,” Zeidman said. “We definitely
make some big decisions, and we definitely make a difference
on campus.”
Alison Spannaus, a junior political science major, who
has been involved with SGA for two years, noted the benefits
of learning the intricacies of an organization.
Being familiar with goverment procedure, finances and
the concept of “red tape” places her ahead of
many students who plan to enter the business field or
work in a government position.
In her time at TCU, she has written and edited bills,
allocated money to various SGA activities and discovered
what it takes to compromise. Barriers may stand in the
way of an idea, but she is learning to work with others
to overcome them.
“Not only can I envision something now,” Spannaus
said, “but I know what it takes to make that vision
a reality.” |
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Ty
Halasz/Staff Photographer
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| Chancellor
Victor Boschini makes his first formal introduction
to the Student Government Association during a meeting
this year. |
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