Choosing whether or not to run for president of the Student Government Association as a junior was not a decision I made lightly. I knew that if I ended up running for president I would be 100 percent in and dedicated to the position. I took several days to consider if it would be right for me and I asked myself several questions. Would I be able to balance SGA with classes and still be able to spend time with friends? Can I handle the duties of president, public speaking specifically? Am I ready for the challenge?
Obviously you know I chose to run for president and it was one of the best decisions of my life. In my short time of being president I have already learned so much that will help me for the rest of my life. I’ve even learned what I am passionate about and it may effect what I pursue after college.
While my challenge during my time here at SRU has been centered on SGA, it will be different for everyone. College is a time to challenge yourself in whatever way you want to grow and learn what you are passionate about. It could be anywhere from declaring the major that you are eager to study but may be difficult, running for your club’s executive board or putting yourself in a position to build new relationships. And it is important to remember that something that may seem easy to you may be daunting to another and vice versa. It is all in the eye of the beholder and relative to that specific person.
With that being said, challenging yourself comes with stress. It is important to remember that first and foremost, we need to take care of ourselves. So challenge yourself, make mistakes, learn from them, but remember to look after yourself. At what point are you challenging yourself to a healthy extent? When are you pushing yourself too hard and need to take a step back? The only person that can answer these questions are you and you alone.
With all that being said, I challenge each of you to reflect on what you want to improve on or how you want to grow as a person during your time here at Slippery Rock University. But I also challenge everyone to know their limits, and know that taking care of yourself is the first priority.
