CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FOR NEWLY ELECTED USG OFFICERS

September 9, 2019
11:00AM

Congratulations! You are the new voice for hundreds, or thousands,

of students on your campus. Being elected to the University
Student Government is one of the greatest opportunities you’ll have
during your university life. The countless hours you’ll spend
attending student events, the late nights you’ll have at the office
making plans to see your platform fulfilled, and the challenges you
don’t even know are coming yet are going to keep you busier than
you’ll know.

You only have a year to leave your mark; it’s time to get to work.

It’s a big transition from being a student who is responsible for

getting to class on time to being responsible for the entire
studentry. If you’re breathing into a paper bag, just know that’s a
normal reaction, and will subside eventually. Luckily, you will have
each other’s backs in every part of this journey. You will share
stories and experiences that will make you wiser beyond your years
and closer than you will ever be.

The best advice I can give you is to build a support network around
yourself. Surround yourself with mentors who will become anchors
throughout your terms. They can be your teacher, your adviser, or
even an older student you feel strongly about.
Don’t take yourself too seriously. Many students are disconnected
from student politics and ballooning egos don’t help that. Do not be
the embodiment of the oft-repeated observation that “student
politics is the nastiest level of politics and gets the least amount
done.” Give students a reason to resonate with you. Talk with
people about their ideas. Don’t underestimate the power of a single
conversation. Most importantly, bring change.

Your commitment to work for the well-being of the students of the

University is what we need to bring holistic growth for every
student. I wish you never to forget the reasons why you wanted to
become student leaders in the first place, especially in the face of
doubt in decision making. From this moment you become
representatives of your fellow students and may you put the
common good over your own personal gain at all times. Free, equal
and fair to all. This is not an easy task, but I strongly believe that
your commitment is well-perceived and responsible.

I hope for constructive collaborative work with you, new leaders. I

would like to emphasize the importance of working together,
because only when we unite on a common goal can we instigate
change and improve for the better.
I wish you togetherness and commitment to new tasks and
continued work. Once again, congratulations and may God bless
SKSU!

ROLANDO F. HECHANOVA, RPAE, Ph.D.

President