In the next few weeks we the student population will have the opportunity to select new student leadership in the Community Senate Elections. As one of those candidates my philosophy on leadership is centered on the ideas of collaboration, unity, and empowerment. This philosophy has been developed through my interaction and experience within the Guilford College community. Being involved in organizations including the Campus Activities Board, Senate, as well as being a resident advisor for the past two years has allowed me to have the opportunity of working with various groups of individuals.

Within our community there are strong groups who are involved, use their voice, and are empowered to make a difference. While this serves as a very solid foundation it can be further built upon to help us reach out to and represent the diverse nature of the Guilford College community. Personally I would like to hear the voices of the groups on campus that are underrepresented and gain more student involvement in these areas.

With a strong foundation in place we as a community can work towards increasing equality, communication, student involvement, demystifying process (not limited to Senate but within the greater campus administration), and further support for student led activities and initiatives. As students it is our responsibility to educate ourselves on the numerous factors that affect our experience here at Guilford. We are all members of this community and we are all capable of coming together not just to merely engage in conversation, but to transform this conversation into action.

This year’s election process provides an increased opportunity to hand-pick a diverse, open-minded, and committed slate of leaders to represent the equally diverse range of students that constitute this community and these leaders will work to find solutions that are viable. With this I invite you to have the opportunity to make your voice heard; your presence represented, and be an agent for change. Go out and vote on April 4th in the Community Senate elections.