Feb. 22 marks a day that people have waited a long time for. It marks the start of the Student Government Association elections. Being in the meeting room with many of the candidates, one could see the intensity and nervousness in the air.
People were ready to start on the short two weeks of campaigning. For most students, finals week and dead week are the two most stressful weeks of the semester. However, for these young leaders on our campus, the hard work and planning that goes into campaigning rises above the struggle that many feel during finals week. So why do we put this extra stress on ourselves to run for our student government?
The SGA elections are a very important and crucial part of the success of campus life, campus involvement and overall academics at Murray State. Though many may not get to see what effects the student government may have, behind the scenes they solely have the students’ best interest at heart.
From being on campus-wide committees to working with the Campus Activities Board to get performances to come to Murray, the students at SGA work diligently to improve the University and the lives of the people that are affected by Murray State.
Whether you are on the main campus, a regional campus, alumni, or a local citizen interested in the progression of the University, you are important to Murray State.
Murray State is one of the most student-friendly universities in the nation. We have a president who will make omelets for students at 8 a.m. on a snow day, a basketball team who is taking the NCAA and sports networks by storm and academic programs that are exceptional. But most importantly, we have an administration that cares about student concerns.
Self-governance should be the one privilege we hold most dear here at Murray State. Through our self-governance, we are able to voice concerns to an administration that listens, and better the quality of life and education for students everywhere.
Though we have this great privilege of self-governance, it means nothing if we do not practice our right to vote and make our voices heard. Just as with our great nation, exercising this right should be of the utmost priority.
We have an outstanding administration that is ready to listen, but it is up to us to make our voices heard.
SGA elections are the time for you to start letting your voice be heard. On March 9, starting at 12:01 a.m. to March 10, at 11:59 p.m., Murray State is holding its elections for the 2015-16 year. Vote!
Murray State has made voting easy. All you have to do is log onto your MyGate account and on the first page, there will be a section where you can vote for the candidates of your choice. I hope that you will seize this opportunity!
Letter from Michael Mann, Sophomore from Springfield, Ky.