When I entered my freshman year, I didn’t expect to be involved in so many organizations. I remember my orientation leader advising me to get involved and it stuck with me. I lived in the house I grew up in while commuting to campus for classes which made me feel disconnected from student life. I couldn’t let four years slip by without getting the most out of my college experience, so I dove in.
The organizations I’m currently involved in are:
- ASBSU
- Delta Upsilon Fraternity
- The Corral
- Pre-Law Society
- Student Philanthropy Board
- Institute of Advancing American Values
- Bronco Shop
One of my favorite organizations to be involved in is the Corral. Game days are such an integral part of Boise State traditions. I love getting students hyped for game days because Boise State events bring me a sense of community and belonging.
I am most passionate about helping people and learning more about their stories and how I can help lead them to better or empower themselves. I thought one of the best ways I could do that was by running for ASBSU President. I entered this position to advocate for people, so if ever have questions or want to make a change, I’m your guy to talk to. I want to meet as many students’ needs as I can.
I was always a part of the student council in High School. When I joined ASBSU I was the commuter student representative. I realized how complex and how much room for growth and a way to collaborate with the campus. When I realized the ability to make change on campus I was hooked. I wanted to understand what Boise State is, what they stand for and what the challenges are.
I spent most of my free time understanding how the University works and how there’s different approaches to things. So, I ambitiously decided to run for Student Body President my freshman year. I didn’t win, but my running mate Zack and I got 807 votes while the winning incumbent got 870. Not bad for our first try.
Fast forward to junior year, and I ran again, and won! Now I’m ASBSU President. My role on campus is to be the primary diplomat and maintain relations with University administration and all other entities that affect the general welfare of the student body. I high encourage you to learn more about ASBSU.
A typical day in my life looks like, going to classes in the morning, then heading to my office in the Student Involvement and Leadership Center on the second floor of the Student Union Building. I get to work by checking in on the ASBSU Executive Cabinet and checking in on the progress of projects and initiatives we are currently working on to improve student life.
My meetings are usually on topics relating to student fees and how to best utilize them to ensure student clubs and organizations are successful, any issues I have heard from a member of the student body or university priorities for the current and next fiscal year.
If there are no evening events I am scheduled to be at, I will head home and answer emails or turn my focus to my academics. It’s a lot of work, but well worth the impact I believe I’m making one day at a time.
One of the biggest skills I’ve learned from my time in college is time management and discipline. It doesn’t come easily, but I’ve had practice thanks to my best friend — Google Calander.
To take a break from the business of work and school, I enjoy driving about 30 minutes to a monument in Emmett, Idaho and looking out over the city while having a deep, meaningful conversation with a friend. I value taking time out of my week to go to any beautiful or scenic location in Idaho.
As I pursue a degree in political science and economics, I hope to continue to be in roles of public service. I hope to one day work in higher education either as general counsel for a university or as government relations counsel. Continuing to advocate for the importance of funding higher education is important to me and a testament of my commitment to fostering belonging and engagement.
It’s important to me to spread awareness about what resources are on campus and be a resource and someone people can talk to.
I feel like people might assume is that I am too busy to have a sit down conversation and talk. While, yes I may seem like I am running around all the time and always in meetings, I am always happy to meet with anyone and talk about a range of topics. I want people to understand that I am not perfect or have my life together. I care deeply about everyone I meet and I value communication and respect. I am always happy to connect folks with opportunities or with others if they have similar interests or aspire to be in that professional career.
To my upperclassman, I encourage you to continue to push through. It is time we start thinking about life after graduation and what the trajectory of our professional career is panning out to be. All this work has brought you to the point you are at now. Even if you feel you have not done enough or you will be successful post-graduating, that is simply not true. I am sure at some point you have the phrase “Greatness Comes Out of the Blue”. As cheesy as that might sound there is actually a truth to that. Connect with Career Services if you have not already.
Advice I would give to students just entering college is to embrace it all. I know it sounds cliche, but it is cliche for a reason — It is important to know and to hear constantly. Embrace it all and always, always ask if there are opportunities that may help you be successful. Take it from someone who did just that.