A ‘Fresh’ Perspective

After a long night of being “initiated” into SGA on October 1, the most recent members of the council, freshmen class president Jenna Marek, vice president Ashlee Kildiszew, and activities director Jessica Rushdan agreed to meet with The Voice to share some ideas, thoughts, and feelings about this upcoming school year.

Question: Why did you decide to run?

Jenna Marek: Last year I was senior class president at my high school and I really enjoyed it, and so this year I decided to pray about it. And when the Lord tells you to do something, you do it.

Jessica Rushdan: I was bored after Frontline ended. I came from a school where I was head of rallies and all the activities there. I hosted and planned and I figured I could do the same thing here, just make it a better campus than it already is.

Ashlee Kildiszew: I promised myself I wouldn’t make my first year at college really busy like I did senior year but as soon as they had the SGA meeting I just felt drawn to a leadership position, and all the people there were really welcoming.

Q: What are some ideas you have for this year?

JR: I plan on bringing Jamba Juice on campus to raise money for our freshmen class so we can have more money to do awesome activities. I want to do speed dating of course, prior to or after HABU and GYRAD. I also wanted to do a mini-missions trip, but in our own hometown so that people actually know who Vanguard is and what we stand for.

AK: I really want the freshman class to feel united and just have school spirit in anything we do, not anything specific but like an event every week or just something they can feel a part of. And also raise money for our class. A David Melgar kissing booth would be great [Ashlee and fellow SGA members chuckle].

Q: How do you feel about working with the upperclassmen in SGA?

JR: They are all legit! They took us out to Denny’s and they’re not just like formal SGAers, they aren’t just like, “everything is this way and you guys are newcomers so just sit and learn and kick back”, they’re like, “Welcome to our family! What are your ideas, tell me what you’re thinking so we can mesh it with what we’re thinking and have a big party, make things happen, and connect and grow in God.” It is amazing how nice and welcoming the upperclassmen are. You don’t feel out of place at all.
Q: How do you feel about working with each other?

AK: I. Am. So. EXCITED! At initiation we really got along and worked well together. I know that throughout the year there will be those times where we don’t agree with one another, but just the way we got through simple things last night really made me feel that this upcoming year we are going to be really leaning on each other and helping each other out, and having more of a professional environment. And I love these girls, so it’s going to be really great.

Q: So what exactly was initiation?

AK: That is undisclosed information.

Q: Jenna, how are you going to handle the responsibilities of being president?

JM: I think that first and foremost it starts with leaning upon the Lord and his Spirit and seeking Him first every day. Making sure I’m spending time in prayer and in reading the Word because life can get crazy. I know last year my senior year was crazy with senior class president, with homework, and with work. It definitely is a balancing act but I think it’s just leaning on the Lord every day and seeking him.

After earning the loyalty of their classmates, Marek, Kildizsew, and Rushdan are ready to jump into their roles headfirst.

To talk to SGA members, voice concerns, and make comments, visit the Bridge underneath Huntington Hall.