If you’re not exactly excited about another semester in which Zoom is both a proper noun and a verb, we caught up with TMCC’s Student Government Association (SGA) to get the inside scoop on how you can get more involved at TMCC. More importantly: why this semester is the one in which you get involved to see not only what your college can do for you, but what you can do for your college.
There are many ways you can get involved with the SGA. The easiest: get to know the candidates who are running for the SGA, and vote for the ones who advocate for the issues that matter to you. If that feels too hands-off, you can take your level of commitment one step further, and run for the SGA yourself. Applications for candidacy can be submitted as early as Monday, Jan. 25, and will be accepted through Tuesday, Feb. 16.
Not sure if running for the SGA is right for you? If you are interested in knowing more about TMCC, honing your communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, you like helping and advocating for others (and you like to have fun!) this might be the perfect way to enrich your college experience.
Inside the SGA
Alyssa Fromelius, current SGA President for 2020–21, said that serving on the SGA opened up opportunities she wouldn’t have had otherwise. “I got the chance to meet new people and improve my leadership skills,” she said. “I also had to learn how to be adaptable and strategic in my planning.” Fromelius, who is a second-year biology major, served as an SGA Senator before moving into a leadership position this past year.
Both experiences, she said, were hugely beneficial, especially in this time when classes, meetings, and basically everything was conducted on electronic platforms. “I certainly didn’t expect to have to learn how to work completely remote,” she said. “Whether it was school or work, I had to learn how to focus outside of a classroom environment and I had to learn how to build a strong group and direct them toward a common goal...virtually.”
While serving on the SGA, Fromelius was able to create scholarship opportunities for other students in need of them, something she said was hugely rewarding. “Students should definitely run for the SGA because it gives you all the opportunity to make a difference here at TMCC, and make a difference for your fellow students.”
Be Brave! Get Involved!
Fromelius admits she was nervous when she made the decision to run for the SGA, but she doesn’t regret a second of her choice to get involved. Her advice to other TMCC students? Be brave, and make a difference by making your voice heard.
“Everyone should participate in elections because it gives you a chance to vote for the students who will best represent the student body,” she said. “It’s really important that you have the courage to put yourself out there.”
If participating in the SGA as either an officer or senator sounds appealing, check out the rules first to make sure you are eligible to apply for candidacy. If you do, your experience will make a lasting impression on you, academically, personally and professionally.
“Being a part of the SGA is an experience I will take with me for the rest of my life,” said Fromelius. “I learned so much from the other students and met so many amazing people. I learned how to listen to others and was able to truly make a difference in the education of many students. In the SGA, we truly have the power to make TMCC the best place for student growth and that is something I will always treasure.”
For more information about the Student Government Association, contact their office at 775-673-7203.